Dessert

The Very Best Butter Board Recipe

ByClara Bennett February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

The Very Best Butter Board is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your appetizer game. Soft, flavorful butter is beautifully complemented by sweet, tangy fruits and a touch of savory sea salt, making it perfect for sharing with crusty bread at any gathering.

A rectangular wooden board holds a creamy yellow melted cheese base spread evenly across it. On top of the cheese, there are thin slices of dried apples and orange-colored dried fruit pieces scattered along with dark dried berry pieces and fresh green rosemary sprigs. Surrounding the cheese layer is a border of toasted bread pieces, some sliced and some grilled, with golden-brown crusts and soft white inside visible. The board is placed on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of honey and a honey dipper to the side, along with a few scattered rosemary sprigs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces high quality butter, softened (such as New Zealand Sea Salt Crystal Butter)
Honey, for drizzling
Lemon zest
Dried tangerines
Dried peaches
Dried strawberries
Honeycomb
Coarse sea salt
Fresh rosemary
Crostini bread, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: On a square board, spread the softened butter evenly, leaving about 3 inches of space around the edges. Drizzle honey generously over the butter.
Step 2: Grate fresh lemon zest over the butter to add brightness and aroma.
Step 3: Arrange dried tangerines, peaches, strawberries, and pieces of honeycomb on top of the butter in an appealing pattern.
Step 4: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the board, then garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately alongside your favorite crusty crostini bread.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality, creamy butter for the best flavor and spreadability.
Feel free to substitute or add other dried fruits like apricots or figs based on what you have on hand.
For a nutty twist, add a few toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios.
Serve the butter board at room temperature to ensure the butter is soft and easy to spread.

Storage

Butter boards are best enjoyed fresh to preserve texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow the board to come back to room temperature before serving again. Crostini should be stored separately in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows a wooden board covered in a creamy, smooth yellow cheese layer spread evenly across the middle. On top of the cheese, there are scattered pieces of dried fruits in various colors, including orange, pale beige, and dark purple, along with a few fresh green rosemary sprigs adding a touch of bright green. Around the cheese layer, there is a border of grilled toasted bread slices in golden brown with visible crisp texture. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface with a light, natural look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the butter board in advance?

It’s best to assemble the butter board right before serving to keep the butter soft and the toppings fresh. If needed, prepare the butter and toppings separately and assemble shortly before guests arrive.

What type of bread works best with a butter board?

Crostini or any crusty bread like baguette slices pairs wonderfully with a butter board because their crunch complements the creamy butter and sweet toppings.