a brilliant board presentation

THERE'S NO MISTAKING THE NAME OF THIS NEW FOOD TREND. MUCH EASIER TO REMEMBER—AND PRONOUNCE—THAN CHARCUTERIE, THE LATEST IN HOSTESS AND FAMILY APPETIZERS ARE BUTTER BOARDS.

Next time you’re wondering which appetizer or snack to make for a dinner party, barbecue, or even a child's birthday, you'll be happy you've discovered this low-effort, economical, delicious appetizer that only requires butter, toppings, and bread. Whether savory or sweet, butter boards are helping hostesses and busy families everywhere serve up beautiful and flavorful spreads in easy and unexpected ways.

Since going viral just before the holiday season, butter boards are making the transition to spring entertaining and inspiring people to flex their culinary creativity with seasonal aesthetics and flavors. Butter is a great complement to nearly any finger food the options are endless and the only limits are your imagination and your personal palate.

Spreads may be sweet or savory so, depending on the occasion, you may want to start with unsalted butter and use sea salt or a variety of spices to make a custom flavor,

For a savory experience, consider adding bits of vegetable, nuts, olives, or cheese. Add some heat with slices of pepper, red spice, or curry. For sweet toppings, fresh or dried fruit will pair nicely or spoon in some jam, citrus, coconut flakes, or chocolate.

Experts recommend serving with a hard bread that is easy to swipe without breaking, but any butter delivery vehicle will do including pita chips, naan dippers, crackers, pretzels, and chips.

Spicy Butter Board

• butter

• chives, rosemary, or basil

• Chile-infused honey

• black pepper

• fresh baguette, sliced

Spread a thick layer of butter across the board or platter.

Top with fresh herbs, hot honey, and black pepper.

Serve with baguette slices.

Herb Butter Board

• 8 oz unsalted butter softened

• ½ cup fresh basil plus extra for topping

• ½ cup dill plus extra for topping

• ½ lemon zested

• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

• 4-6 slices bread for serving or sweeten with fruit or honey for a lighter flourish.

Add softened butter to a food processor along with the herbs. Blend until smooth.

Remove and spread on a board or plate. Top with lemon zest, flaky sea salt, and extra fresh herbs. Serve with a butter knife and bread or add fresh radishes.