
Butter boards are a fresh and festive way to kick off any get-together. This roasted garlic butter board brings together mellow roasted garlic, creamy butter, herbs, and a hint of sweetness for a spread everyone gathers around. It is a simple yet luxurious appetizer that turns the humble bread and butter combo into a conversation starter and crowd pleaser.
I brought this to my friend’s game day party and the entire table circled around it. Even my veggie-reluctant nephew could not resist slathering it on a slice of focaccia.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: for rich creamy flavor and to let other ingredients shine look for good quality European-style butter if you can find it
- Head of garlic: slow roasting makes the garlic sweet and mild choose bulbs with firm tight cloves
- Olive oil: helps roast the garlic and adds a touch of fruitiness use extra virgin for best flavor
- Fresh parsley: for color and a burst of herbal brightness pick bunches with vibrant green leaves
- Chives: offer mild oniony flavor look for crisp fresh stalks
- Black pepper and sea salt: enhance every flavor use flaky sea salt if possible for crunch
- Honey: for a surprising hint of sweetness use local honey for the best floral notes
- Bread of your choice: serves as the perfect base toast if desired for crunch choose hearty loaves like sourdough or focaccia
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees. Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves and drizzle with olive oil and just a bit of salt. Wrap the bulb tightly in foil and bake until soft and golden usually thirty to forty minutes and let cool.
- Prepare the Butter:
- Let the butter sit out until soft but not melted. Spread it onto a clean charcuterie board using the back of a spoon to create swoops and swirls for a beautiful presentation.
- Add Roasted Garlic:
- Once the garlic is cool enough to handle squeeze the cloves into a small bowl and mash until smooth. Gently swirl the roasted garlic over the butter base distributing evenly.
- Layer Herbs and Seasonings:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and chives over the butter add a generous pinch of salt and plenty of cracked pepper to finish the flavor.
- Finish with Honey and Serve:
- Drizzle the butter board with honey just before serving. Arrange sliced bread around the board and encourage guests to scoop the butter directly onto their bread.

I love how the roasted garlic brings everyone together around the board. My youngest daughter now requests this butter any time she sees a loaf of bread on the counter. The floral honey and fresh herbs make it feel really special.
Storage Tips
Butter boards are best served fresh at room temperature but any leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to three days. Use leftover butter on vegetables steaks or tossed with hot pasta for a quick meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegan butter to make this dairy free. Try roasted shallots instead of garlic for a milder flavor. Swap parsley or chives for other fresh herbs like basil or thyme depending on what is in season or suits your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe pairs well with crusty breads like baguette or sourdough. You can also serve alongside an antipasto platter with olives and cured meats or as part of a brunch spread. Add seasonal fruits like figs or grapes for extra flair.
Cultural Context
Butter boards are a playful twist on the classic bread and butter tradition popular in many cultures. Inspired by both charcuterie boards and communal dining trends this version channels the warmth and hospitality of shared appetizers from Europe and beyond.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, salted butter works well. Just reduce additional salt to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- → What type of bread pairs best?
Crusty breads like sourdough, focaccia, or baguette absorb the flavors beautifully and offer a nice contrast to the creamy spread.
- → How do I roast garlic properly?
Cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for 30–40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble and store covered in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.
- → Are there alternate toppings to try?
Try sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, or toasted nuts as tasty variations for extra color and flavor.