Description

This Butter Board recipe is a visually stunning and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Softened, whipped butter is spread decoratively on a wooden board and adorned with a variety of fresh herbs, spices, roasted garlic, edible flowers, sweet figs, and drizzles of honey or chili oil. It combines savory, sweet, and herbal elements for a rich and aromatic tasting experience that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Base

2 sticks (1 cup / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons flakey sea salt (like Maldon)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnishes

2 tablespoons dried edible flowers
1 tablespoon honey (plus 1 tablespoon honey or agave for figs)
¼ cup fresh mint (½ chiffonade, ½ leaves and another ¼ cup fresh mint leaves split the same way)
1 sprig fresh basil, scattered
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
⅛ small red onion, sliced thin
2 tablespoons chili d’arbol oil
½ cup roasted garlic cloves
3 sprigs rosemary, toasted
5 large figs, chopped
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Soften and whip the butter: Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes until softened. Then, place it in a bowl and whip lightly using a spoon or spatula until smooth and spreadable, making it easy to spread across the board.
Spread it on the board: Use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula to spread the whipped butter across a wooden board or serving platter. Spread in decorative swirls and leave some texture on the surface for a rustic and inviting look.
Add salt and zest: Evenly sprinkle the flakey sea salt and lemon zest over the butter. This layer establishes the base flavor, enhancing the butter’s richness with bright citrus and savory saltiness.
Choose your toppings: Pick one or mix several flavor combinations from the toppings. Evenly sprinkle fresh herbs like mint, basil, cilantro, and parsley, edible flowers, roasted garlic cloves, thinly sliced red onion, figs drizzled with honey and cinnamon, chili d’arbol oil, toasted rosemary sprigs, and cracked black pepper to create contrast both visually and in flavors.
Serve immediately: Present your butter board immediately alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. To enhance the experience, provide mini spreaders or cheese knives so guests can easily scoop their desired amount.

Notes

The butter board should be served fresh as the butter can soften too much or toppings wilt if left out for too long.
Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste and texture.
Feel free to customize toppings based on seasonality and personal preference.
Perfect as an appetizer for parties or gatherings with versatile pairing options.
Can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: butter board, appetizer, whipped butter, savory butter, herb butter, party food, easy appetizer, no-cook recipe