Butter Board With Bison Tallow: The Viral Appetizer Trend
Butter boards took over the internet a while back, and I get why. A big swoop of whipped butter across a wooden board, dressed up with honey, flaky salt and whatever herbs are on hand, turned into an appetizer that looks far more impressive than the effort it actually takes. My version folds in bison tallow alongside the butter, which adds a savory, beefy depth that plain butter can't offer on its own. It's the first thing that disappears at every gathering I've made it for.
Also Read: Bison Tallow: The Impressive Health Benefits
Why Tallow Belongs On A Butter Board
Plain butter boards are good, but they're missing something. Bison tallow whips into the butter beautifully once it's softened to room temperature, and it brings a rich, savory backbone that plays especially well against the sweetness of honey and the saltiness of flaky sea salt. It's a small swap that changes the whole character of the board.
Ingredients
(Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- ¼ cup Bison Tallow, very soft
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Crusty bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Let the butter and bison tallow both come to room temperature until very soft. This can take a few hours on the counter, so plan ahead.
- Combine the butter and tallow in a bowl or stand mixer and whip together for 2 to 3 minutes, until light, fluffy and fully combined.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the mixture across a wooden board or large plate in a thick, swooping layer.
- Drizzle generously with honey.
- Sprinkle with the flaky salt, thyme, chopped nuts and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or crackers for scooping.
Also Read: How To Render Animal Fat And Make Tallow Like A Pro
Where Our Tallow Actually Comes From
Our bison are raised on carefully selected partner ranches across the country, pasture raised the way nature intended. The tallow is rendered from that same well raised fat, which is part of why it tastes clean and mild enough to sit right alongside butter without fighting it.
A Note On Getting The Texture Right
Don't skip letting both the butter and tallow come fully to room temperature before whipping. Bison tallow is firmer than butter at cool temperatures, and trying to whip it in cold will leave you with lumps instead of a smooth, spreadable board.
Reach Out To Our Helpful Team
At Beck & Bulow, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. We're always here to help if you have questions about your meat, want help making selections, or are just looking for a few more cooking tips. Every time you call our office at 800-674-8426, you'll be connected directly with a team member right here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we're based.
Every cut is pressure sealed and flash frozen immediately after butchering at the peak of freshness. We work exclusively with master butchers who make every cut with care and precision. All orders are hand packed at our Santa Fe warehouse, shipped in a reusable cooler with dry ice, and delivered straight to your doorstep. If entertaining is a regular thing in your house, keeping extra bison tallow on hand makes this an easy one to pull together on short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I make a butter board?
Whip the mixture up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator, but wait to spread and top the board until right before serving so it stays soft and easy to scoop.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just reduce or skip the added flaky salt in the mixture itself and adjust to taste, since salted butter varies quite a bit brand to brand.
What other toppings work well on a savory butter board?
Everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, a drizzle of hot honey or a light dusting of smoked paprika all work well alongside or instead of the toppings listed here.
My whipped mixture looks curdled instead of smooth. What happened?
This usually means the butter or tallow wasn't fully softened before whipping. Let both sit out longer next time until they give easily to a light touch.
Can I make this ahead for a party and leave it out?
It's best to assemble the board within an hour of serving and keep it at room temperature rather than leaving it out for many hours, since the honey and softened butter are best enjoyed fresh.
Check out our full selection of bison, elk, wild boar, lamb, Wagyu beef and chicken. All of our high quality meat is handled the same way, from pasture to your door.