Sweet and Spicy Butter Board

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butter board is all about flavor and fun. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and delivers a perfect balance of sweet heat in every bite. The creamy butter base is dressed up with ingredients like honey, chili flakes, hot honey, and fruit for a unique appetizer that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Honey or hot honey
• Red pepper flakes or chili crisp
• Sliced fresh fruit (such as figs, strawberries, or apples)
• Chopped nuts (like pecans or pistachios)
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or mint)
• Flaky sea salt
• Optional: a drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup
• Bread, crostini, or crackers, for serving

Directions

1. Start with softened butter and spread it evenly onto a clean wooden serving board or large plate using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
2. Drizzle honey or hot honey over the butter in a zig-zag or swirling motion.
3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or spoon over chili crisp for a spicy kick.
4. Arrange sliced fresh fruits around the board or directly on the butter.
5. Sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh herbs over the top.
6. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup for depth.
7. Serve immediately with fresh bread, crackers, or crostini for dipping.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
Prep time: 10 minutes
No cooking required
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Extra spicy: Use hot chili oil or spicy pepper jam for an extra punch.
• Citrus flair: Add orange zest or a splash of lime juice for brightness.
• Savory version: Add caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sweet only: Skip the spice and use fruit preserves, cinnamon, and toasted almonds.
• Herbaceous: Use rosemary, basil, or edible flowers for a more aromatic presentation.

Storage/Reheating

This butter board is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, transfer the butter and toppings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving again. Do not freeze, as the fresh ingredients like fruit and herbs will not hold up well.

FAQs

What kind of butter is best?

Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor. You can also use cultured or European-style butter for extra creaminess.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep and assemble the board up to 1 hour in advance. Store it in a cool place and cover loosely with plastic wrap until ready to serve.

Is this board spicy?

It can be! You control the heat with how much chili or hot honey you use. Adjust to your preference.

Can I use flavored butter?

Yes, compound butters (like garlic herb or honey cinnamon) can add even more flavor layers.

What’s the best bread for serving?

Warm baguette slices, sourdough, crostini, or seeded crackers all work beautifully.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free or plant-based alternative.

Can I use dried fruits?

Absolutely—try dried cranberries, apricots, or dates for a chewy-sweet contrast.

How do I keep it from melting?

Avoid placing the board near heat sources or direct sunlight. Use a cool serving board if serving outdoors.

What wine pairs well with this board?

Try a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.

Can I serve this as a dessert?

Yes! Use sweet toppings like berries, honey, cinnamon, and nuts for a delicious and elegant dessert board.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Butter Board is a trendy, easy-to-make appetizer that blends sweet richness with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for sharing, this board is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. With endless flavor combinations and quick assembly, it’s sure to be a favorite at your next gathering.

Sweet and Spicy Butter Board

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Sweet and Spicy Butter Board is a creamy, spreadable appetizer layered with hot honey, chili flakes, fresh fruit, herbs, and nuts—perfect for pairing with bread or crackers at any gathering.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp honey or hot honey
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tbsp chili crisp
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh fruit (figs, strawberries, or apples)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or pistachios)
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme or mint), chopped
• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or maple syrup
• For serving: bread, crostini, or crackers

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Instructions

1. Spread softened butter onto a clean wooden serving board or large plate using a spatula or spoon.
2. Drizzle honey or hot honey over the butter in a swirl or zigzag pattern.
3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or spoon over chili crisp.
4. Arrange sliced fresh fruit on or around the butter.
5. Top with chopped nuts and fresh herbs.
6. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup.
7. Serve immediately with bread, crackers, or crostini for dipping.

Notes

• Use high-quality, unsalted butter for best flavor and spreadability.
• Adjust heat level by adding more or less chili flakes or using sweet-only toppings.
• Let leftovers come to room temperature before serving again.
• Try dried fruits like cranberries or dates for a chewy contrast.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 45mg