Holiday Butter Board: Elegant, Easy, and Full of Festive Flavor

The Holiday Butter Board is an elegant yet simple dish that brings festive flavor to your holiday gatherings. This visually stunning appetizer combines creamy butter with delightful jams and toppings, making it a perfect centerpiece for your next celebration. It is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests, allowing them to dig in with fresh bread or crackers.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Butter Board

The Holiday Butter Board is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that creates an inviting atmosphere at any gathering. It blends sweet and savory notes through the use of buttery goodness, luscious jams, and crunchy nuts.

Holiday Butter Board

An elegant and simple appetizer combining creamy butter with delightful jams and toppings, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 1 stick butter, softened (salted or unsalted) Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy spreading.
• 1 pinch sea salt Optional only if using unsalted butter.

Jams and Sweeteners

• 3 tbsp apricot jam Can substitute with any light-colored jam.
• 3 tbsp cranberry jam Can substitute with any red jam.
• 1 tbsp hot honey Regular honey can also be used.

Toppings

• ¼ cup crushed hazelnuts Can substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• to taste fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs For garnish.
• to taste pomegranate seeds For garnish.
• to taste sugar-dipped rosemary For a frosted look.

Serving Suggestions

• 1 loaf fresh crusty bread For serving.
• as needed pieces crackers For serving.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Line your serving or cutting board with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Smear softened butter onto the parchment using a spoon or knife, creating elegant swirls.
• Sprinkle sea salt if using unsalted butter.
• Add apricot and cranberry jam in alternating spots without mixing them completely.
• Pour hot honey across the butter surface for sweetness and balance.
• Scatter crushed hazelnuts over the board for crunch and depth of flavor.
• Garnish with thyme, rosemary, and pomegranate seeds. Add sugar-dipped rosemary for a festive touch.

Serving

• Pair with crusty bread or crackers and serve immediately.

Notes

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days; let sit at room temperature before serving again. Mix and match jams and nuts based on personal preferences.

Keyword Appetizer, Butter Board, Easy Recipe, Festive Recipe, Holiday Butter Board

Its versatility allows you to share unique combinations tailored to your guests’ tastes. Moreover, this dish caters to various dietary preferences, making it a hit for everyone around the table.

How to Make Holiday Butter Board

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter, softened (salted or unsalted)
• Pinch of sea salt (if using unsalted butter)
• 3 tbsp apricot jam (or any light-colored jam)
• 3 tbsp cranberry jam (or any red jam)
• ¼ cup crushed hazelnuts (or substitute with seeds)
• 1 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• Pomegranate seeds
• Sugar-dipped rosemary (for a frosted look)
• Fresh crusty bread or crackers (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Line your serving or cutting board with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Smear softened butter onto the parchment using a spoon or knife, creating elegant swirls.
3. Sprinkle sea salt if using unsalted butter.
4. Add apricot and cranberry jam in alternating spots without mixing them completely.
5. Pour hot honey across the butter surface for sweetness and balance.
6. Scatter crushed hazelnuts over the board for crunch and depth of flavor.
7. Garnish with thyme, rosemary, and pomegranate seeds. Add sugar-dipped rosemary for a festive touch.
8. Pair with crusty bread or crackers and serve immediately.

How to Serve Holiday Butter Board

Serve the Holiday Butter Board as a stand-alone appetizer or as part of a larger spread during your holiday gathering. Provide guests with an assortment of crusty bread, crackers, or even sliced fruits to complement the rich flavors of the butter and jams. Encourage them to create their own combinations, making the experience interactive and fun.

How to Store Holiday Butter Board

If you have any leftovers, simply cover the butter board with plastic wrap or a cover and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for about two days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, but the butter may harden, requiring you to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving again.

Tips to Make Holiday Butter Board Perfect

• Ensure that the butter is at room temperature to create smooth swirls.
• Feel free to mix and match jams based on seasonal flavors or personal preferences.
• Try different nuts or seeds for varied texture. Pecans or pistachios also make tasty additions.
• Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra sparkling touch.

Flavor Variations

• For a chocolate twist, incorporate a chocolate spread alongside the jams.
• Add roasted garlic to the butter for a savory variation.
• Substitute the jams with seasonal fruit compotes like apple or pear.
• Introduce spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to the butter for a spiced version.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use quality butter for the best taste; organic or farm-fresh options are ideal.
• Consider the arrangement of the toppings for a visually appealing presentation.
• Create themed boards using seasonal ingredients like pumpkin spice, maple, or citrus flavors during the holidays.

FAQs About Holiday Butter Board

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Butter Board is an innovative and delightful dish that brings elegance and ease to any festive occasion. With its creamy base, colorful jams, and festive toppings, it embodies the spirit of the holidays. Whether you are hosting a party or attending a gathering, this dish will surely become a treasured recipe in your holiday repertoire. So gather your ingredients and create your own stunning butter board to share the joy of the season.