How to make a butter board

Celebrate glorious, creamy butter with a stunning butter board, ideal for dinner parties or special occasions. See how to build a butter board of your own and experiment with different flavours and textures.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Looking for a new way to entertain? Treat guests to an impressive butter board to kick off your dinner party. Read our step-by-step guide to create your own, including unique flavour combinations and new twists to try. Plus, discover our top picks from the Foodhall, like our small batch British butter from Select M&S Farms we know and trust.

What is a butter board?

Like a charcuterie board, a butter board is a sharing starter where softened butter is spread onto a board and topped with seasonings, fresh herbs, and other garnishes. They’re served with slices of bread or crackers for dipping and spreading. As visually appealing as they are delicious, they’re great for pre-dinner nibbles with drinks.

Browse the butter aisle

Best butter to use for a butter board

Make butter the star of the show and pick up a block of the best. Use generous lashings of our Collection Farmhouse British Butter, expertly made in the heart of Somerset at Brue Valley Farm, using Barber's whey cream and fine Cornish sea salt. Add variety with a mix of flavoured butters, like our Collection Farmhouse Garlic and Herb Butter with fragrant garlic, aromatic herbs, and a hint of zingy lemon. This Collection Farmhouse Butter with Parmesan, Truffle and Black Pepper, loaded with Parmesan from Northern Italy and black summer truffle, adds an umami punch. Or turn up the heat with our Smoky Cowboy Blended Butter, infused with spicy chipotle, cayenne pepper, garlic, and thyme.

Top butter board ideas

Use an assortment of chutneys, sauces, and seasonings to bring your butter board to life. Try one of our favourite flavour combinations:

Classic – Sprinkle our Collection Rosemary Anglesey Sea Salt and fresh herbs over plain butter and serve with toasted sourdough bread.
Smoky and spicy – Use our Smoky Cowboy Butter, drizzled with hot honey, chilli jam, and a dash of chilli flakes.
Mediterranean – Top plain butter with Everything Greek Seasoning, sun dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives and serve with Greek Style Flatbreads.
Sweet – Our subtly sweet Maple Butter, made in Somerset, pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey, Caramelised and Toasted Nuts, and dried fruit. Serve with brioche bread.

How to make a butter board

First, you’ll need a serving tray like a wooden chopping board or marble platter for your creation. Look for one that will fit in your fridge so you can prep ahead of time and chill until ready to serve.
Let the butter come up to room temperature. It’s important to soften the butter first so it’s easy to work with. We advise taking it out of the fridge at least an hour before you start. You can also whip it with a hand mixer or a fork for a lighter texture.
Add dollops of butter to your board and gently spread with the back of a spoon to create small indents. Continue until the whole board is covered.
Finish the butter board off with the seasonings and toppings. Prep your accompaniments, including slicing and toasting your bread, then serve to your hungry guests.

Butter board recipe

Published 8.6.2025