Butter Board Charcuterie (Printable)

Creamy butter layered with toasted nuts, herbs, lemon zest, and sea salt for sharing with bread or crackers.

# What You Need:

→ Butter Base

01 - 7 oz unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

→ Toppings

02 - 1 oz mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), roughly chopped
03 - 2 tbsp fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill), finely chopped
04 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Serving

08 - 1 baguette or assorted crackers, sliced

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.
02 - Spread the softened butter evenly onto a clean wooden board or serving platter, creating swirls and ridges to enhance texture.
03 - Evenly sprinkle the toasted nuts, fresh herbs, flaky sea salt, and lemon zest over the butter. Add freshly ground black pepper and drizzle honey on top if desired.
04 - Present immediately with slices of baguette or assorted crackers for dipping and spreading.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes 15 minutes total but looks like you spent an hour thinking about it.
  • People genuinely fight over the last bits, which never happens with other appetizers.
  • You can prep everything ahead and just assemble it five minutes before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Room-temperature butter is essential—cold butter won't spread smoothly and you'll tear the board trying to make it work.
  • Toast your nuts fresh rather than using pre-roasted ones; the difference in flavor and aroma is genuinely noticeable and worth those three minutes.
03 -
  • A microplane is worth owning just for this recipe; it creates lemon zest that actually sticks to butter instead of disappearing into powder.
  • If your butter is too soft and starting to feel oily, pop it in the fridge for five minutes before spreading to firm it up just enough to work with.
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