"A butter board is the next charcuterie board trend. Don’t quote me on it — but if it happens... then you can quote me on it." — Justine Doiron

Well, Justine, we are quoting you on it! She is the lovely lady who got the butter board trend rolling on TikTok after seeing it from Josh McFadden. Butter boards seem simplistic compared to their more elaborate cousin the charcuterie board, but the taste can be just as profound.

Here's a video showing the basics of how to make a butter board, as well as our three yummy new butterboard recipes.

If you can't see the video, try viewing it directly on YouTube.

What is a butter board?

Butter boards are an easy way to present traditional bread and butter at dinner or a party, but with an extra flavorful flair. They are bursting with flavor and so easy to customize that you might find yourself not wanting anything else for dinner besides bread and butter.

How do you make a butter board?

The concept is simple — just spread softened butter on a serving board or platter and top it with any savory or sweet (or both!) ingredients you like. Serve with sliced bread and it'll be a showstopper at your next party, when guests dig in to the delicious spread.

The butter, of course, is key to the taste profile of your board. You can use any real butter (not margarine) that you like, and salted tends to taste better than unsalted. We especially love using Kerrygold Irish butter, which has a really decadent flavor, rich yellow color, and affordable price tag.

If you wanted to go really "extra", you could even make your own homemade butter using our tutorial. It's easier than you think and can really come in handy if the rumored butter shortage really happens this winter.

Bring the butter to room temp and then use a butter knife or small offset spatula to spread it artfully onto a serving board or platter.

From here, anything goes in terms of toppings! You can go with classic herbs and spices, sweet and spicy combos, seasonal flavors, or just about anything you can think of.

10 best butter board ideas

We've scoured the web and found some of the most unique butter board recipes available, and even came up with three new recipes of our own. We suspect you'll be headed to the grocery store for ingredients as soon as you look through these 10 amazing butter board ideas.

#1 - Justine's original Honey Coriander butter board

Let's start with Justine's Honey Coriander version, which is as beautiful as it is tasty. Visit her website to get her tips and topping suggestions.

#2 - Sweet and spicy Asian-inspired butter board

Looking for a little bit of a kick? Try this sweet and spicy, Asian-inspired butter board from Aubrey's Kitchen.

#3 - Garlic and chili paste butter board

The Calabrian chili paste used on this butter board by A Cozy Kitchen has us intrigued.

#4 - Pumpkin seed and cranberry butter board

This fall-inspired butter board from Homemade Heather brings us the seasonal comfort with its pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries. This would be great with a cup of hot cider, and an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.

#5 - Baklava butter board with nuts and honey

We love the unique twist Food Dolls came up with for their butter board — it's baklava inspired, and loaded up with nuts and honey.

#6 - Vegan butter board with plant-based butter

Willamette Transplant came up with a vegan version that looks just as scrumptious as traditional butter boards, but totally plant-based.

#7 - Italian herb and garlic butter board

Off the Line Cooking has an Italian take on the butter board that features lots of herbs and homemade garlic confit. This would be a perfect appetizer at your next pasta night.

#8 - Our pistachio rosemary pink peppercorn butter board

This is Chica's favorite of the three butter board recipes we came up with this week, and it hits all the savory and sweet notes. The main stars are pistachios, rosemary, and pink peppercorns. The combination is out of this world!

To put this one together, start dressing your butter with paper-thin sliced red onions, finely chopped fresh rosemary, and coarsely chopped pistachios. Then drizzle on some honey, sprinkle on fresh lemon zest, and shower on the flaky sea salt. The finishing touch is a scattering of pink peppercorns. They add a slightly fruity, slightly floral touch that takes this combo over the top.

#9 - Our roasted garlic, basil, and olive butter board

This is my favorite of our three recipes, as it features one of my favorite savory ingredients of all, roasted garlic. The rich garlic is balanced by the tang from green olives and the brightness of fresh basil, both of which give the board a luscious green color.

To make this butter board, scatter plenty of roughly chopped roasted garlic cloves across the butter, and then do the same with some chopped green Castelvetrano olives, which have a mild, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the garlic. Add plenty of flaky salt, of course, some fresh ground black pepper, and a few pinches of dried chili flakes for a pop of heat. Top it with a chiffonade of fresh basil and you're good to go.

#10 - Our lemon, fig, and honey butter board

This last butter board recipe that we came up with has the simplest of ingredients that combine to turn into something far greater than the sum of its parts. Something magical happens with this flavor combo, and the sweet-salty-citrus packs a tasty punch we can't get enough of.

Start off with plenty of fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of diced fresh figs. Drizzle on a good amount of honey and shower on plenty of flaky salt. Top it with edible flowers (find them in the fresh herb section at Whole Foods) and it will be just as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Tips for making butter boards

• Use quality butter for the most creamy and decadent flavor. The butter is the star ingredient, and a little goes a long way, so splurge on something with a high fat content and rich flavor. Kerrygold is our favorite go-to for an delicious, affordable option
• Soften the butter first to make it easier to spread. Take it out of the fridge and set it in a cool place to soften up, but make sure it doesn't melt.
• Add an acid to contrast with the butter's fat. Something bright like lemon zest, vinegar, citrus, olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes will add a pop that perfectly balances the butter.
• Flaky salt is key, and use a lot of it. A generous dose of salt will bring all your flavors together, and something flaky like Maldon Sea Salt will give each bite a little texture, crunch, and over-the-top flavor boost.
• Add fresh herbs to elevate the flavor profile and add a ton of visual appeal to your butter board. If stronger flavors like rosemary or basil don't match your flavor profile, use something milder like Italian parsley or even mint.
• Edible flowers can add a beautiful look to your butter board, whether fresh or dried. This is especially great for boards served at a bridal shower or tea.
• Be generous with toppings so that there's enough to match the butter on your board. Everyone will want to get plenty of toppings without having to get too much butter, so keep the layers proportional.
• Shop the salad bar when you need just a little bit of something. This is a great way to save money because you can scoop up very small portions of onions, capers, olives, roasted garlic, veggies, or peppers at a fraction of the cost of buying whole containers.
• Sliced bread or crackers on the side are a must for dipping, so be sure to provide plenty for your guests to spread with your delicious butter concoction.
• Cutting boards or cheese boards are a great base for your butter board, but you can also use a serving platter or even a pretty plate. Just be sure your surface is food-safe.
• Assemble at the last minute if you can, so that the salt retains its crunch and the herbs stay fresh. You can spread the butter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, and have the ingredients prepped in bowls, and toss it all together in a few minutes before your party.
• Provide small spreaders or butter knives so that guests can scoop up some butter to spread on their bread without being tempted by the urge to swipe it across the board or double-dip.

Are butter boards safe?

There's some controversy brewing about the safety and germ-spreading risks associated with butter boards, so if that's something that worries you, you might want to consider the idea we came up with for individual butter boards served in little wooden bowls. These are so fun at a dinner table place setting, and your guests can double-dip all they want in their own individual bowls.