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TikTok seems to be the place to find the latest food trends these days. One of the hot food trends on TikTok is the butter board. If you haven’t seen this trend yet, what is a butter board, where did they come from, and should you try to make one?
What is a butter board?
A butter board is pretty self-explanatory, it is a board with various types of butter on it. It is basically a butter charcuterie board. Much like your traditional charcuterie boards which typically consist of meats and cheeses, butter boards serve as a creative way to display and enjoy different types of butter.
This can include various types of butter, such as salted, unsalted, herbed, spiced, or even homemade flavored butter.
Accompanying the butter are various elements that complement its flavors and textures. Typical sides might include freshly baked bread, crackers, pretzels, fresh fruits, jams, honey, and perhaps some nuts or olives. The choices are often tailored to match the particular types of butter featured.
Presentation is key in the butter board trend, and creators often go to great lengths to make their boards visually appealing. These butters are often shaped into attractive forms and might be rolled, whipped, or molded into intricate designs. The more creative the better!
On the butter boards of TikTok, the butter becomes not just a side but the star of the display. A combination of colors, shapes, and arrangement techniques are used to create an artful spread that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
The trend appeals to those looking for a unique twist on the familiar concept of a snack board. It caters to both gourmet enthusiasts who appreciate the opportunity to explore different butter varieties and those simply looking for a fun, creative way to enjoy a beloved food item.
Who started the butter board trend?
@justine_snacks I like this one idk I’m in a silly goofy butter mood
♬ original sound – speed songs
The butter board trend first began to appear on TikTok in early 2022. Justine Doiron of Justine_Snacks is credited for sharing the first one, which then went viral as other users started to share videos of their artistic butter creations. Videos featuring the preparation and presentation of these butter boards quickly had millions of views, likes, and shares.
While a TikTik influencer is credited with the invention of the butter board, according to Wikipedia, it actually appeared for the first time in Joshua McFadden’s book called “Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables”
Several other influencers, celebrity chefs, and well-known food bloggers took to TikTok to embrace the trend, each adding their unique twist. Their videos often included tutorials and tips for creating the perfect butter board, inviting others to join in on the fun. This trend grew to include themed butter boards for events or holidays and partnerships with artisanal butter makers. (Seriously, sounds like a dream job!)
The viral spread of the butter board trend is just another example of the power of TikTok in shaping contemporary food culture. A simple, creative idea can transcend the platform to influence home cooking and even restaurant menus. Influencers have played a vital role in turning butter boards from a niche concept into a global trend.
Are butter boards healthy?
A butter board would not be considered a “health” food, as butter is high in saturated fat and can be high in sodium. But it can provide a way to enjoy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in a fun way.
If you are considering making a butter board, here are a few ways to make it a bit healthier.
- Watch your portions. Butter is high in calories, 1 tablespoon has approximately 100 calories. This can add up quickly, so watch your portions or share with a friend!
- Consider using options like grass-fed or plant-based butters that are lower in saturated fat.
- Choose your accompaniments carefully, whole-grain bread, crackers, and fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts can add fiber, vitamins, and nutrients to the board.
Overall, enjoying a butter board occasionally as part of a balanced diet should not be an issue for most people. Moderation and mindful choices of ingredients can make it a satisfying and even nutritious option.
How to make a butter board
Making a butter board is incredibly simple and allows you to showcase your creativity in the kitchen. Here are some quick and easy steps to make your own viral TikTok butter board.
- Start with a large wooden or marble board as the base.
- Choose your butter: Select a variety of butter, such as salted, unsalted, herbed, or flavored. Consider different textures and flavors for a unique experience.
- Prepare the butter: Shape or mold the butter in visually appealing ways. This might include rolling it into balls, whipping it into soft spreads, or molding it into decorative shapes.
- Choose items that complement the butter, like bread, crackers, fresh fruits, jams, honey, nuts, or olives. Consider flavor pairings that will work well with your chosen butter.
- Arrange the board: Begin by placing the butter in the center or strategically around the board. Add accompaniments, considering color, shape, and size for an eye-catching display.
- Add garnishes: Fresh herbs, edible flowers, or small bowls of spices can add visual interest and enhance flavors.
- Serve: Provide knives or spreaders for guests to enjoy the butter with the accompaniments. Consider including labels or signs to describe the different kinds of butter and pairings.
- Enjoy and Share: Savor the flavors and textures, and don’t forget to snap a picture to share on social media if you wish!
Remember, a butter board is as much about the experience and creativity as it is about specific ingredients. Feel free to experiment and tailor it to your tastes and preferences.
If you need a few ideas here are 12 butter board ideas you can try at home!
In a way, butter boards foster a sense of community and creativity, as people share their creations online, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to experiment with new flavors and presentation techniques. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed alone, a butter board can transform a simple spread of butter into a culinary adventure and a feast for the senses. And I am here for it!
