The Christmas buffet is a great opportunity to get creative, so it's the perfect time to recreate the famous butter board, a viral TikTok recipe. And there's more than just butter that can be used in a spreadable board presentation! So this year, elevate your buffet or impress your colleagues at the Christmas potluck with a sophisticated selection of butter boards… and more!

Have you seen this trend on social media? Check out a post on TikTok to get an idea.

Tips for making butter boards or other spreads

These tips will help you create attractive and delicious butter boards, perfect for brightening up your Christmas buffet.

Choose the right support
If you use a wooden board, be sure to clean it thoroughly to sterilize it. A cheese board, a ceramic board, a serving platter, or attractive plates can easily replace the wooden board.

Soften the butter
Remove the butter from the refrigerator ahead of time to allow it to soften at room temperature. Do not melt it, as the texture will change.

Incorporate a tangy element
Add acidic ingredients (lemon zest, vinegar, citrus fruits, olives, capers, sundried tomatoes) to balance the taste with the richness of the butter.

Use flaked salt
Sea salt with coarser grains than table salt will add texture and plenty of flavor. Choose your favorite and be generous with sprinkling the board with butter (fleur de sel, Maldon salt, kosher salt, Himalayan pink salt, etc.).

Add fresh herbs
Depending on the flavor profile you choose, select the herbs, chop them, and add them at the end for a colorful and enticing decoration.

Be generous with toppings
Make sure you have enough toppings to go with the butter. Your guests will only eat a few at a time, so you want to make sure the toppings are included in every bite.

Vary the bread options
Essential for dipping and spreading, make sure you have several types of bread that harmonize well with the flavor palette of your board: baguette, nut and fruit bread, Pumpernickel or gluten-free, there will be something for everyone!

Put it all together at the last minute
Prepare the butter and ingredients ahead of time, but assemble the board just before serving to maintain freshness.

Provide spreader knives
Place them in a jar next to the board to make it easy for guests to grab the butter and avoid double dipping.

Apply these tips to the following 5 recipe ideas for guaranteed success!

A basket of bread to serve with your butter board for the Christmas buffet

Board of candied garlic butter, bacon and Parmesan

Here, we refine classic garlic bread with candied garlic, bacon bits, and Parmesan shavings. The sweetness of the candied garlic blends harmoniously with the depth of the Parmesan, creating a richly flavored eating experience. The following recipe is measured to make one pound of butter.

  • Make sure the butter is at room temperature. Chop 6 cloves of candied garlic and stir them into the butter with 2/XNUMX cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix the butter together and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure to take it out at least XNUMX hours before preparing the board.
  • Then cut some slices of artisanal bacon from l’épicier into large pieces and cook them in a pan. Drain the bacon and chop it finely.
  • Prepare the final garnishes: chopped parsley or basil, Parmesan shavings, and a lemon wedge to add a tangy touch.

Click on the link for the recipe for compound butter with confit garlic.

Hummus board

Take your guests on a culinary journey with a platter inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Creamy hummus, homemade or store-bought, can be accompanied by various mezze : olives, artichokes, marinated and grilled peppers and eggplants, etc.

Once the hummus is spread on the board and the toppings are scattered, sprinkle some feta cheese over the hummus, sprinkle with a little cumin and coriander powder, then smoked paprika. To add even more texture, crush some toasted walnuts and finish with parsley and chopped fresh mint.

Accompany the board with fresh, toasted pita bread triangles and a variety of crackers.

Beetroot hummus for a spread board for the Christmas buffet

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Board "Everything Bagel"

This board is a tribute to the classic flavors of the bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Serve it with a variety of crackers or toasted rye bread slices for an elegant touch.

Training the board is simple:

  • Spread the cream cheese on the board
  • Place rosettes of Atlantic smoked salmon l’épicier
  • Sprinkle with capers and finely chopped red onion. You can add halved cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
  • Finally, sprinkle the following spice mix over the top to season everything.


Everything Bagel Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
  • 1 XNUMX/XNUMX tbsp dried minced garlic
  • 1 XNUMX/XNUMX tbsp dried minced onion
  • 2 tsp flaked sea salt or coarse salt

In a skillet, toast the spices over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. This mixture will keep for several months in the pantry.

Board of whipped fresh goat cheese, honey and pistachios

For a lighter option, opt for a fresh goat cheese mousse platter. Serve the platter with slices of gingerbread or savory biscuits for a delicious contrast.

For the mousse, simply whisk together 250g of fresh goat cheese with 100ml of 35% cream and a drizzle of olive oil.

To assemble the board, spread the goat cheese mousse and top it with small cubed dried apricots or chopped dried cranberries; toasted and crushed pistachios for crunch; and finish with a generous dash of honey for a touch of sweetness.

If you prefer to add other nuts, l’épicier offers a full range to add to your next order.

A cracker topped with a cranberry goat cheese mousse presented on a board for the Christmas buffet

Nutella dessert board

Finish on a sweet note with a decadent Nutella dessert board. The kids will love it! Spread the spread on the board and add your choice of toppings:

  • Fruit slices: bananas, strawberries or pineapple
  • Dried fruits: bananas, mangoes, apples, pears, etc.
  • A crunchy touch with crushed roasted hazelnuts, mini pretzels, cereal, etc.
  • Offer a variety of cookies for dipping: cat tongues, shortbread, biscotti, and why not plain chips! The sweet and salty chocolatey mix is delicious.
Nutella for a spread board at the Christmas buffet

Conclusion

These platters are elegant, fun, and bursting with flavors and textures: a true feast for the senses! Placed on a buffet next to the charcuterie and cheese board, they'll have a wow factor! So, this year, will you dare to be original for your Christmas buffet or your potluck with colleagues?

Bon appétit and happy holidays!

sources:
https://www.lovetoknow.com/food-drink/recipes/butter-board-recipes
https://www.tastingtable.com/1098433/best-riffs-on-tiktoks-butter-board-trend/
https://www.chicaandjo.com/10-butter-board-ideas/
https://asweatlife.com/2022/11/butter-board-alternatives/