Hold onto your taste buds because this Butter Board with Olives and Roasted Garlic is about to steal the show and take the internet trend to the next level! This appetizer isn’t just a regular crowd-pleaser; it’s a salty, savory twist that will have your guests coming back for more.

This board is adorned with briny olives and roasted garlic nestled into rich and creamy butter. One bite of this spread onto crusty bread, crackers, or pita is a flavor journey that hits all the right notes – savory, salty, and utterly delicious. And the best part? It’s so super versatile, ready to mingle with all your favorite dippers.

a white board topped with butter, green and black olives, and pine nuts with crostini around the sides

Why This Butter Board Recipe Works

If you haven’t jumped on the viral butter board craze yet, this is your sign. As soon as we saw the original recipe, we knew we had to give it a try! We started with a sweet baklava-inspired butter board. Now, we’ve come up with the perfect alternative to satisfy all your savory cravings, too! This butter board recipe is quick to make, full of healthy fats, and loaded with flavor. From start to finish, it’s ready in 10 minutes and perfect for feeding a crowd. 

What’s a Butter Board? 

A butter board is a charcuterie-inspired appetizer. As the name suggests, it is literally a board full of butter. However, it doesn’t stop there! The butter is mixed with and topped with various herbs, spices, and garnishes to create a truly original taste that’s perfect for spreading, dipping, and dunking with veggies, bread, crackers, pretzels, and more. 

How to Use a Butter Board

Use a butter board like you would any other appetizer recipe! Set it out for easy snacking at every occasion. Pair it with all your favorite dipping items like focaccia bread, crackers, veggies, and more. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the great things about butter boards is how simple ingredients can create truly incredible flavor, and this recipe is no different! Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • Butter – Unsalted or sea-salted butter tastes great. Choose whichever you like best. 
  • Olives – We used a combination of kalamata and green olives, but you can use whatever you like best. 
  • Nuts – Toasted pine nuts add a hearty flavor and tons of healthy fats to keep you full. 
  • Flavorings – Za’atar, sea salt, and garlic combine for the best savory taste. 
close up image of a butter board with olives, pine nuts, garlic, and seasonings

How to Make a Savory Butter Board Recipe

Take a look at our top tips for building a basic butter board recipe here. Then, to create this specific version, follow the instructions below, and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for the complete details.  

  1. Preheat the oven. 
  2. Cut off the top 1/4th of the garlic head to expose the garlic cloves inside. 
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, and add a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper on top. 
  4. Cover the garlic with aluminum foil, and bake for 40 minutes. Then, set it aside to cool. 
  5. Spread room temperature butter in a single layer on top of a large serving board
  6. Squeeze the garlic over the butter. 
  7. Top with olives, pine nuts, and seasonings. 
  8. Serve immediately, and enjoy! 

Can I Make This Appetizer Ahead of Time?

Yes! Tightly wrap your board with plastic or cling wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Then, when you’re ready to serve, let the board sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to warm. 

Common Questions about a Butter Board with Olives and Roasted Garlic

What types of olives work best for this butter board?

Whatever you love! A combo of buttery green olives (like Castelvetrano) and punchy Kalamata gives you a nice balance of mellow and bold. Go pitted, sliced, or even chopped—just keep it snackable.

Can I switch things up or add other toppings?

Absolutely—this board is your blank canvas. Try sun-dried tomatoes, chopped nuts, honey drizzle, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme or dill. Make it spicy, sweet, earthy—whatever vibe you’re feeling.

How do I keep it looking gorgeous (and not like a mess)?

Layer your toppings like a pro—spread the butter in swoops, then scatter olives and garlic in clusters or rows. Add a few fresh herbs for color and texture. It’s basically charcuterie board chic, but with butter as the main character.

When should I serve a butter board like this?

Whenever you want to impress without stressing! It’s perfect for dinner parties, wine nights, or low-key hangouts when you want a snack that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort. It’s laid-back luxe in appetizer form.

More Appetizers You’ll Love

On a search for more showstopping appetizers that will steal the spotlight? Here’s a peek into our favorite recipes that promise to impress guests:

overhead image of a butter board topped with green and black olives, pine nuts, and seasonings with crostini around the sides

Butter Board with Olives and Roasted Garlic

5 from 1 vote
Author: Food Dolls
Servings: 12 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
This Butter Board with Olives and Roasted Garlic takes the latest internet trend to the next level with a salty, savory twist. Serve it with bread, crackers, pretzels, and more for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day, holidays, and more!

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 head garlic
  • 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Sea salt flakes to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound unsalted or sea salted butter room temperature
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup green olives
  • 3 Tablespoons pine nuts toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon zaatar

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut the top 1/4 of the head of garlic to expose the cloves inside. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the garlic with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Set aside to cool.
    1 head garlic, 1-2 teaspoons olive oil, Sea salt flakes to taste, Black pepper to taste
  • Spread room temperature butter in a single later on a large serving board.
    1 pound unsalted or sea salted butter
  • Squeeze the cooled garlic over the butter.
  • Top with the Kalamata olives, green olives, pine nuts, and a sprinkle of Zaatar and sea salt.
    1/4 cup kalamata olives, 1/4 cup green olives, 3 Tablespoons pine nuts, 1/2 teaspoon zaatar
  • Serve immediately with toasted ciabatta bread or a crusty bread of choice.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 969IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Alia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do! Learn more about us!

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