Description
Butter Board is a modern appetizer featuring a base of softened butter artfully swirled on a platter, generously topped with flakey salt, lemon zest, and an array of creative toppings. Each option, from honey coriander to figs and mint, delivers diverse flavors and textures. Edible dried flowers add a visually striking, gourmet touch. Serve with warm, crusty bread for a communal, shareable delight.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons flakey salt
- 1 lemon, for zesting
- 2 tablespoons edible dried flowers
- 1 tablespoon honey (honey coriander topping option)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint (half as leaves, half chiffonade cut; honey coriander & figs + mint options)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground coriander (honey coriander topping)
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom (honey coriander topping)
- 1 sprig basil (honey coriander topping, for scattering)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (cilantro + chilies topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (cilantro + chilies topping)
- 1/8 small red onion, sliced in slivers (cilantro + chilies topping)
- 2 tablespoons chili d’arbol oil (cilantro + chilies topping)
- 1/2 cup roasted garlic cloves (roasted garlic + rosemary topping)
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, toasted (roasted garlic + rosemary topping)
- fresh cracked black pepper (roasted garlic + rosemary topping, as needed)
- 5 large fresh figs, chopped (figs + mint topping)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (figs + mint topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (figs + mint topping)
Instructions
- Place softened butter in a bowl and mix until creamy and spreadable, similar to peanut butter but not melted.
- Spread the softened butter in decorative swirls across a serving board.
- Sprinkle the butter liberally with flakey salt and fresh lemon zest.
- Choose one or more topping options. Evenly layer the selected toppings over the butter.
- Garnish the board with edible dried flowers for visual appeal.
- Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread, preferably sourdough or whole-wheat.
Notes
You can substitute vegan butter for a dairy-free board. Replace edible flowers with chopped chives for a savory touch. Make ahead by preparing butter and toppings up to a day in advance, storing covered in the fridge, then assembling before serving. Avoid placing the board in warm areas to prevent the butter from melting. Use a chilled board for longer serving times. For creamier butter, blend in a food processor. If the butter is too hard, let it sit at room temperature before working.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (for toasted rosemary)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook (except toasting rosemary)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of board
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 60mg