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Come game day or a fun gathering, a board of bountiful cheeses, veggies, and meats is always a welcomed sight, but sometimes the price tag for these items can get steep. The premium cost of these charcuterie boards isn’t getting cheaper, however, there’s another option out there, and hear me out before you say no. Butter boards — Yes, you read that right, boards smeared with butter are trending on social media, but is it the new way to level up your appetizers without draining your wallet?

Via: Unsplash

Butter boards aren’t new, in fact, they first appeared in a 2017 cookbook Six Seasons by Joshua McFadden, but the recipe picked up momentum via TikTok when food influencer Justine Doiron posted her decked-out butter boards.

Via: YouTube

Taking softened butter and decoratively smearing or piping it onto boards doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but there’s definitely a backlash on online and mainstream media. Many places are calling it disgusting or a heart attack on a plate. Those against these boards say using a wooden board is unhygienic alongside the whole double-dipping aspect.

Via: YouTube

Yet these negative comments aren’t specific and shouldn’t put a damper on you trying this appetizer out. Other popular appetizers like creamy dips, hummus, and guacamole are prone to the same double-dipping germ problems, this can easily be resolved by having individual knives for guests to use. And when it comes to American cuisine, which is a deep-fried paradise, is softened butter on bread really that bad? Many places serve bread with butter or olive oil, but this board version is the same thing, but it’s just for a crowd.

Via: YouTube

So are butter boards a refreshed alternative to cheese and meats? Well, it’s definitely more affordable. Given, you can definitely make it more expensive with things like edible flowers and saffron, but if you’re nifty with your ingredients, a butter board is a smart way to make a budget-friendly appetizer.