‘Butter Boards’ Are The Latest Food Craze And They’re Everywhere
For the last two weeks on social media, I’ve seen ‘butter boards’. And they’re exactly what they sound like; butter on a board. These things are spreading across TikTok and Instagram and there are news articles about them almost daily. So let’s get into what these boards are and if you should make one.
Most of us are familiar with charcuterie boards. A large board filled with meats, cheese, nuts, crackers, and other yummy snacks. They’ve been popular for some time now, and you’ll almost always see one at a party or get-together. This is a bit different.
Butter boards are softened butter spread out on a wooden cutting board or a cheese platter. Once the butter is spread out on your cutting board or platter, you can top it with honey, edible flowers, finely chopped veggies, or fresh herbs. The basic premise is to make the butter look pretty while tasting good. You can serve bread and/or crackers with the boards.
According to a story in The New York Times, a butter board is ‘essentially a glorified stick of butter’. And that’s the best description I’ve seen! I’ve made a compound butter to serve with steak, but I haven’t tried a butter board. Honestly, my first thought about these were negative. But the more I think about it, the more I get it. I mean, who doesn’t love some yummy soft butter on a piece of crusty bread? And unlike meats and cheeses, butter can stay at room temperature, so butter boards work for a party or family function.
If you’re planning a Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas party, a butter board will make a great addition to your spread. (Pun intended) They’re pretty and most folks like butter. Just know that butter prices are expected to increase within the coming months, so you may wanna buy some now and freeze it until you’re ready to use it.
The New York Times has some tips to consider when making your own butter board:
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The type of board matters. A wood cutting board may look rustic, but that gets gunky quickly. Place parchment paper over the board for easier clean up or opt for a marble or slate surface.
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Utensils are your friend. Set out knives alongside so guests don’t treat the butter board like, well, hummus.
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Soften naturally. The fat and milk solids in butter can separate when microwaved, so leave the stick out for about an hour ahead of plating.
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Treat butter like frosting. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to swirl it the way you would frost a layer cake.
