Try Joy Bauer’s Healthy Spin On The Viral Butter Board
Try Joy Bauer’s Healthy Spin On The Viral Butter Board is a easy Mediterranean / American Fusion recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TODAY Food on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 35 min
Cost: $32.51 total, $5.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Hummus (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds depth and color)
- ½ cup Canned Sliced Black Olives (drained)
- ¼ cup Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Chives (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Scallions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling)
- 1 medium Cucumber (sliced into rounds)
- 1 large Bell Pepper (cut into strips; any color)
- ½ cup Baby Bell Peppers (halved)
- 1 cup Whole Grain Crackers (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter (smooth, no‑salt if possible)
- ½ cup Pumpkin Puree (100 % pure pumpkin, no added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (for sweetness; can substitute honey or brown sugar)
- 1 medium Apple (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Pear (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup Graham Crackers (broken into shards)
Instructions
Prepare the board
Lay the 19‑inch serving board on a clean countertop. Have all pre‑chopped toppings and crackers within arm’s reach.
Time: PT2M
Spread the hummus
Spoon the 2 cups of hummus onto the center of the board and use the back of the spoon to spread it into an even layer about ½‑inch thick.
Time: PT3M
Add savory toppings
Sprinkle smoked paprika over the hummus, then arrange sliced black olives, chopped red onion, chives, and scallions in small piles around the hummus.
Time: PT5M
Drizzle olive oil
Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of extra‑virgin olive oil in a thin stream over the hummus and toppings for shine and extra flavor.
Time: PT1M
Arrange fresh vegetables and crackers
Place cucumber rounds, bell‑pepper strips, baby bell‑pepper halves, and broken whole‑grain crackers around the board, filling any gaps.
Time: PT5M
Make pumpkin‑peanut butter spread
In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup pumpkin puree, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT5M
Add sweet toppings
Spoon the pumpkin‑peanut butter spread onto the opposite side of the board. Top with apple slices, pear slices, and broken graham‑cracker shards.
Time: PT5M
Final presentation
Place sturdy scoops or small ladles next to each section so guests can serve themselves without the spread drooping.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 7 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using maple syrup and gluten‑free crackers
Allergens: Peanuts, Gluten (crackers), Olives (may trigger sensitivities for some)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Hummus: White bean dip, Baba ganoush
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder (less sweet)
- Instead of Canned Sliced Black Olives: Kalamata olives, sliced
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Chives: Fresh parsley, Green onion tops
- Instead of Scallions: Green onions
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Mini sweet peppers
- Instead of Baby Bell Peppers: Cherry tomatoes
- Instead of Whole Grain Crackers: Gluten‑free crackers
- Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter: Almond butter, Sunflower seed butter
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Butternut squash puree
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Brown sugar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Apple: Pear, Fresh figs
- Instead of Pear: Apple
- Instead of Graham Crackers: Digestive biscuits
Equipment Needed
- Large Serving Board
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Small Spatula
- Sturdy Scoops (for serving)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Spreading the hummus evenly to avoid gaps.
- Achieving a smooth pumpkin‑peanut butter spread without lumps.
- Using sturdy scoops so the spreads stay in place while serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the whole‑grain crackers lightly for extra crunch.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- For extra protein, add a handful of roasted chickpeas on the savory side.
Troubleshooting
Hummus looks dry or crumbly.
Stir in 1‑2 teaspoons of olive oil or a splash of water until the texture is smooth.
Pumpkin‑peanut butter spread is too thick to spread.
Add a teaspoon of warm water or extra maple syrup and mix until the desired consistency is reached.
Fruit slices brown quickly.
Toss the slices in a little lemon or lime juice after cutting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover each side of the board with plastic wrap; hummus and pumpkin‑peanut butter spread keep for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze the assembled board; individual spreads can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Serve within 2 hours at room temperature; after that, return to refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the hummus and pumpkin‑peanut butter spreads up to 24 hours ahead; store in airtight containers.
- Pre‑slice all vegetables and fruit, then keep them in separate containers with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a Mediterranean hummus board in Mediterranean cuisine?
Hummus boards stem from the Levantine tradition of mezze, where small dishes of dips, olives, and fresh vegetables are shared communally. They showcase the region’s love for simple, wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, and fresh herbs, embodying hospitality and togetherness.
What are the traditional regional variations of hummus boards across the Mediterranean?
In Greece, hummus boards often feature feta, olives, and pita. In Turkey, you’ll find sumac‑spiced onions and roasted red peppers. In Lebanon and Israel, fresh herbs, pickled turnips, and za’atar‑sprinkled flatbread are common additions.
How is a Mediterranean hummus board traditionally served in Levantine culture?
It is presented on a large wooden or ceramic platter, with the hummus spread in the center and colorful accompaniments arranged around it. Guests use pita or flatbread to scoop the hummus, sharing the board family‑style.
What occasions or celebrations is a Mediterranean hummus board traditionally associated with in Mediterranean cultures?
Hummus boards are popular at family gatherings, Ramadan iftars, Easter brunches, and casual weekend mezze parties. They serve as a light starter that encourages conversation and communal eating.
What makes the pumpkin peanut butter dessert board special in American fusion cuisine?
It blends the heart‑healthy fats of peanut butter with the seasonal sweetness of pumpkin, creating a creamy, protein‑rich dip that feels indulgent yet nutritious. The combination of fruit, graham crackers, and maple syrup adds texture and natural sweetness without heavy refined sugars.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the pumpkin peanut butter spread?
Avoid over‑mixing, which can make the spread gummy, and don’t use too much pumpkin puree without enough sweetener, as the spread may become bland. Also, watch for lumps; stir until completely smooth.
Why does this recipe use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika on the hummus board?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle, earthy smokiness that deepens the flavor profile of the hummus without overwhelming it, complementing the Mediterranean herbs and olives.
Can I make the Mediterranean hummus board ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the hummus and chop all toppings up to 24 hours in advance. Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep the vegetables in separate containers with a splash of lemon juice. Assemble the board just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when spreading the hummus on the board?
The hummus should be smooth, glossy, and about a half‑inch thick, with an even surface that shows a light sheen from the olive oil. It should hold its shape without cracking when the board is moved.
How do I know when the pumpkin peanut butter spread is done?
When the mixture is glossy, free of lumps, and spreads easily with a spoon, it’s ready. If it feels grainy or too stiff, add a teaspoon of warm water or extra maple syrup and stir again.
What does the YouTube channel TODAY Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel TODAY Food focuses on quick, trend‑driven recipes that blend health‑forward ingredients with eye‑catching presentation, often featuring superfood twists and easy‑to‑make party platters.
How does the YouTube channel TODAY Food's approach to Mediterranean‑inspired dishes differ from other cooking channels?
TODAY Food emphasizes minimal cooking, using ready‑made bases like store‑bought hummus, and adds fresh, colorful toppings for visual impact. The channel also highlights nutritional benefits and quick assembly, catering to busy home cooks looking for Instagram‑ready results.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
