Move over, cheese plates. The Butter Board is the ultimate dinner party centerpiece. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a wooden serving board smothered in high-quality softened butter, dressed up with an array of beautiful, flavorful toppings.

The beauty of a butter board is that it’s completely customizable. You can go savory with roasted garlic, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs, or sweet with fig jam, hot honey, and candied pecans. Guests just tear off pieces of warm bread and drag it right through the butter.

Ingredients You Need

• 2 sticks (1 cup) high-quality unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
• 1 tbsp hot honey or regular honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh thyme and rosemary leaves
• Edible flowers (optional)
• 1 large loaf of crusty artisan bread, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Ensure your butter is very soft but not melted. It should easily indent when pressed.

2. Using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula, playfully smear the butter all over a clean, food-safe wooden board or serving platter. Create dips, swoops, and swirls in the butter to catch the toppings.

3. Sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt evenly over the butter.

4. Drizzle the honey over the swirls of butter.

5. Scatter the fresh lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary leaves across the board.

6. If using, arrange edible flowers for a pop of color.

7. Serve immediately alongside a basket of warm, torn, crusty bread for dipping.

Troubleshooting: Why is my an Epic Butter Board not turning out right?

If you are having trouble getting this recipe right, ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately. Baking and cooking are sciences, and the right ratios matter. Also, check your oven temperature; many ovens run hot or cold.