The easiest “wow” platter you’ll ever put on a table
By Chef Ian — Underground Chef
If you’re entertaining and want something that looks fancy… without turning your kitchen upside down… a butter board is your new best mate.
It’s not fussy. It’s not expensive. And it takes about 10 minutes to pull together.
Best part? People gather around it like it’s the main event — because butter + crunchy things = instant happiness.
What you need (keep it simple)
- High-quality butter (this is the hero — Pepe Saya is a ripper)
- A board or platter
- 2–3 toppings (don’t go overboard)
- Crunchy dippers (bread + crackers + something fresh)
That’s it. No cooking required… unless you want to.
Step 1: Butter (the base layer)
Let the butter soften slightly so it spreads easily.
Choose one:
- Salted butter = easiest, best flavour straight up
- Unsalted = if you want to fully control seasoning
Shortcut tip: If you want to look like you’ve “done a flavoured butter” without much effort, just finish the board with salt flakes + cracked pepper + lemon zest and you’re already winning.
Step 2: Swirl it (don’t smooth it)
Spread butter onto the board in waves and swooshes — not flat like a sandwich.
Those little peaks and valleys catch toppings and make it look generous and inviting.
Step 3: Pick a “theme” (so it doesn’t get messy)
Here are a few simple combos that work every time:
1) The savoury classic
- Crispy fried shallots (or caramelised onion if you’re keen)
- Chopped chives/parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Optional: a tiny drizzle of olive oil
2) The sweet–salty crowd-pleaser
- Honey drizzle
- Dried cranberries or chopped figs
- A pinch of salt flakes
- Optional: orange zest
3) The tangy “cheese board bestie”
- Pickled onion / gherkin / capers (any one of them)
- Lemon zest
- Pepper
- Optional: a few dots of mustard
4) The “I want a little heat” version
- Chilli flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic (roasted if you’ve got it, otherwise a light sprinkle of garlic powder)
- Optional: a drizzle of chilli oil
Entertaining rule: 2–3 toppings max per section. Too many and it turns into a confused salad.
Step 4: The dippers (where it becomes a platter)
Give people options:
- Crusty bread (baguette, sourdough, toasted slices)
- Crackers (add a GF option)
- Fresh crunch (cucumber, radish, carrot sticks)
Step 5: Serve it like a pro (without being precious)
- Put small spreaders or butter knives out (plural — avoids the traffic jam)
- Add a little label if you’re feeling cheeky: “Spread the love”
- Make it right before guests arrive so it looks fresh and glossy
Chef Ian’s entertaining tip
A butter board is the ultimate “set it down and relax” starter. It buys you time, fills the gaps while you finish the main, and makes people feel instantly looked after — with barely any work.
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Want to switch it up? Make it a “cheese board” instead
Butter boards are the gateway… but cream cheese boards are just as easy and a little more “dip-style” — especially good if you’ve got guests who prefer a softer, tangier base.
How to do it
Swap the butter for:
- Cream cheese (softened slightly so it spreads)
- or whipped ricotta (lighter and a bit fancy)
- or labneh (thicker, tangy, brilliant with savoury toppings)
Spread it the same way — swooshes, peaks and valleys — then build toppings on top.
Topping ideas that shine on cream cheese
- Hot honey + chilli flakes
- Smoked salmon + dill + lemon zest + capers
- Roasted tomatoes + basil + balsamic drizzle
- Caramelised onion + cracked pepper + chives
- Jam or chutney + toasted nuts (hello, easy dessert board)
Chef Ian tip: Cream cheese boards love a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt flakes right at the end — makes it taste “finished” in two seconds.
Final thought from Chef Ian:
"If you want to entertain without the stress, a butter (or cream cheese) board is the ultimate shortcut — one board, a handful of toppings, and suddenly everyone’s happy while you get to actually enjoy your own party. Spread it, set it down, and let the board do the work."
Chef Ian
