Caramelized Onion Butter Board (Printable Version)

Rich, savory butter board featuring golden caramelized onions blended into creamy butter, perfect for spreading on crackers or baguette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Caramelized Onions

01 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Butter Board

07 - 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
08 - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus extra for garnish
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, optional
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Serving

12 - Crackers for serving
13 - 1 baguette, sliced

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with kosher salt and sugar. Stir well to coat evenly.
02 - Cook onions, stirring occasionally, for 35 to 40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce heat if onions brown too quickly. Season with black pepper and allow to cool to room temperature.
03 - In a medium bowl, mix softened butter with half the caramelized onions, 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, chives, and thyme until well combined and spreadable.
04 - Spread butter mixture evenly onto a large serving board or platter using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Create texture with decorative swirls.
05 - Spoon remaining caramelized onions over the top. Sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt, extra herbs, and freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Serve immediately with crackers and baguette slices.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually spent most of that time letting heat do the work for you.
  • Caramelized onions have this umami depth that makes people close their eyes and ask for the recipe immediately.
  • You can make the components ahead and assemble it moments before guests arrive, which feels like a cheat code.
02 -
  • Don't rush the onions by cranking the heat; high heat creates brown spots instead of that silky caramelization, and you'll end up with a bitter flavor that's hard to fix.
  • If your butter board ends up looking more like butter soup, your butter wasn't cool enough or your room temperature is too warm; keep the board in a cool spot until the last minute.
03 -
  • Make the caramelized onions a day or two ahead and store them in the fridge; this actually lets their flavor deepen, and you'll save yourself stress on entertaining day.
  • If you want to get truly fancy, brown your butter first before mixing it with the onions for a nuttier, more sophisticated depth that elevates the whole thing.
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