Are you all in on butter boards? Try it with a little hot honey and it's heaven - New Day NW
Are you all in on butter boards? Try it with a little hot honey and it's heaven - New Day NW is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by KING 5 Seattle on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 40 min
Cost: $23.03 total, $5.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Kerrygold Butter (softened at room temperature, not melted; unsalted or lightly salted)
- 1 tablespoon Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon or kosher flaky salt)
- 1 large lemon Lemon Zest (zest only, no white pith)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped roughly)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves (torn into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Mike's Hot Honey (adjust amount for desired heat)
- 4 pieces Fresh Figs (quartered; optional sweet garnish)
- 1/4 cup Walnuts (lightly toasted, coarsely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced rings)
- 1 loaf Sourdough Baguette (cut into 1/2‑inch slices for serving)
Instructions
Soften Butter
Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30‑45 minutes until pliable but still cool to the touch.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the Board
Lay a sheet of parchment paper on the serving board to protect it, especially if using a wooden board.
Time: PT2M
Spread the Butter
Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread the softened butter evenly across the board, creating a smooth layer about ¼‑inch thick.
Time: PT5M
Add Flaky Salt
Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the butter surface.
Time: PT1M
Zest Lemon
Using a microplane, zest the lemon directly over the butter, covering the surface.
Time: PT2M
Scatter Fresh Herbs
Evenly distribute the chopped basil, torn mint, and rosemary over the butter.
Time: PT3M
Drizzle Hot Honey
Drizzle the hot honey in a thin stream across the board, creating a honey‑lace pattern.
Time: PT1M
Add Optional Toppings
Arrange quartered figs, toasted walnuts, and thin red‑onion rings around the butter for extra texture and flavor.
Time: PT4M
Serve with Bread
Place sliced sourdough baguette on the side of the board. Guests can spread the butter onto the bread and enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Nuts, Honey, Gluten (bread)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kerrygold Butter: European-style cultured butter, other high‑quality unsalted butter
- Instead of Flaky Sea Salt: coarse kosher salt, fleur de sel
- Instead of Lemon Zest: lime zest, orange zest
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: fresh parsley, fresh cilantro
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: fresh basil, fresh tarragon
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary: fresh thyme, fresh sage
- Instead of Mike's Hot Honey: regular honey with a pinch of cayenne, spicy maple syrup
- Instead of Fresh Figs: dried figs (halved), fresh berries
- Instead of Walnuts: pecans, almonds
- Instead of Red Onion: shallots, scallions
- Instead of Sourdough Baguette: artisan ciabatta, whole‑grain baguette
Equipment Needed
- Large Serving Board
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Butter Knife or Small Spatula
- Microplane Zester
- Small Bowls (optional)
- Serving Knife for Bread
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Softening the butter to the right consistency
- Spreading butter evenly without melting
- Using flaky salt for texture
- Zesting lemon directly onto the butter
- Balancing sweet hot honey with salty butter
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality European‑style butter for the richest flavor.
- A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness if you like.
- For a savory version, omit the honey and add a few capers or olives.
Troubleshooting
Butter is too soft and starts to melt.
Refrigerate the board for a few minutes, then re‑spread. Use butter that is only slightly softened, not melted.
Butter is too hard to spread.
Let the butter sit at room temperature a few more minutes or gently warm the knife/spatula with hot water, dry it, and try again.
Board becomes soggy from toppings.
Pat dry fresh figs and onions before adding, and place wetter items (like tomatoes) in a separate bowl.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap; store up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; butter may become grainy.
Room temperature: Leave out for up to 2 hours during a party; discard if left longer.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Softened butter can be prepared a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Pre‑zest the lemon and chop herbs; store in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Toast walnuts and slice figs up to 4 hours ahead; keep them in separate bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the butter board in Northwest American cuisine?
The butter board trend started on Instagram in 2022, popularized by chef Justine Snacks and credited to chef Joshua McFadden. It quickly spread to TikTok and became a playful alternative to traditional cheese and charcuterie boards, especially in the Pacific Northwest where high‑quality butter is celebrated.
How does the butter board differ from a traditional cheese board in American party settings?
A butter board focuses on a single, richly flavored butter base topped with sweet, salty, and herbaceous accents, while a cheese board offers a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments. The butter board is simpler to assemble and highlights the butter itself as the star.
What traditional regional variations of butter boards exist in Pacific Northwest cuisine?
In the Pacific Northwest, chefs often add local ingredients such as smoked salmon, fresh berries, or pine nuts. Some versions incorporate locally sourced honey, artisanal sea salts, and seasonal fruits like blackberries or rhubarb.
What occasions or celebrations is the butter board traditionally associated with in American culture?
Butter boards are popular at casual gatherings, brunches, cocktail parties, and holiday appetizers. Their visual appeal makes them a hit for summer picnics and indoor cocktail evenings alike.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic butter board versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are high‑quality butter, flaky sea salt, fresh citrus zest, and fresh herbs. Substitutes can include cultured butter, kosher salt, lime zest, or alternative herbs like thyme, but the flavor profile should stay balanced between salty, buttery, and bright.
What other Northwest American dishes pair well with a butter board?
Serve the butter board alongside smoked salmon, fresh oysters, artisanal sourdough, or a simple mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. It also complements a glass of crisp white wine or a local craft beer.
What makes the butter board special or unique in American appetizer traditions?
The butter board turns a single ingredient—butter—into a canvas for creative toppings, offering a luxurious mouthfeel and a striking visual presentation that stands out from typical cheese or charcuterie spreads.
How has the butter board evolved over time in American food culture?
Initially a novelty on social media, the butter board has evolved into a versatile platform for seasonal flavors, vegan alternatives, and even sweet dessert versions, reflecting the DIY and aesthetic-driven nature of modern American home entertaining.
What are common misconceptions about the butter board?
Many think the butter board is just melted butter, but the key is using softened, firm butter that holds its shape. Another myth is that it must be sweet; savory herb and spice variations are equally popular.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a butter board at home?
Common errors include using butter that is too soft or melted, over‑salting, and adding overly wet toppings that make the board soggy. Keep the butter firm enough to spread and choose toppings that are dry or lightly brushed with oil.
Why does this butter board recipe use flaky sea salt instead of regular table salt?
Flaky sea salt provides a delicate crunch and bursts of flavor that complement the smooth butter without dissolving quickly, whereas fine table salt can become overly salty and lose texture.
What does the YouTube channel KING 5 Seattle specialize in?
The YouTube channel KING 5 Seattle focuses on local news, lifestyle, and food segments that highlight Pacific Northwest culinary trends, seasonal recipes, and community events.
How does the YouTube channel KING 5 Seattle's approach to Northwest American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
KING 5 Seattle emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, quick‑turnaround demonstrations for home cooks, and ties each recipe to regional culture and seasonal produce, whereas many national channels focus on broader, less region‑specific content.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
