Exploring Viral Food Trends: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cloud Bread and Butter Boards

Food trends on social media often start as quirky, visually captivating ideas that quickly capture our curiosity. Two such trends that recently took the internet by storm are cloud bread and butter boards. Cloud bread, a light and fluffy alternative to regular bread, and butter boards, a creatively plated appetizer, are both easy to make and perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of fun to their cooking routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these trending treats at home.

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1. Cloud Bread: Light, Airy, and Instagram-Worthy

Cloud bread became an overnight sensation for its whimsical, pastel colors and fluffy texture, reminiscent of cotton candy or marshmallows. While it’s called “bread,” this recipe is more like a delicate, slightly sweet meringue. Here’s how to make this trending, low-carb treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites
• 2 ½ tablespoons sugar (can be replaced with a sugar substitute)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• A few drops of food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Separate the Eggs:

   • Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the whites in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl.

3. Beat the Egg Whites:

   • Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to beat.

4. Add Cornstarch and Food Coloring:

   • Once the egg whites form soft peaks, add the cornstarch and continue beating. This will help stabilize the foam.
   • If you want a colorful cloud bread, add a few drops of food coloring at this point. Gently fold in the color to avoid deflating the mixture.

5. Shape the Cloud Bread:

   • Scoop the fluffy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, shape it into a dome or cloud-like form for a visually appealing result.

6. Bake:

   • Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cloud bread is golden on the outside. It should feel light and airy but hold its shape.

7. Cool and Enjoy:

   • Let the cloud bread cool before slicing and serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while still warm!

Tips:

• Cloud bread can be flavored with a bit of vanilla extract or even a dash of cinnamon for extra taste.
• Add different colors to portions of the egg mixture to create a rainbow effect.

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2. Butter Boards: A Trendy, Social Way to Serve Appetizers

Butter boards are a creative spin on the traditional cheese board, featuring butter as the main event. This trend is all about plating butter beautifully and then adding a variety of toppings, like herbs, edible flowers, honey, and spices, for an eye-catching, customizable snack perfect for group gatherings.

Ingredients:

• ½ – 1 cup high-quality butter (softened)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, basil)
• Flaky sea salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Edible flowers (optional)
• Additional toppings: honey, chili flakes, grated lemon zest, or toasted nuts
• Fresh bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Board:

   • Choose a wooden or ceramic serving board with enough surface area to spread the butter. Make sure it’s clean and dry.

2. Spread the Butter:

   • Using a butter knife or a small spatula, spread the softened butter evenly across the board. Create swirls or ridges in the butter to give it an appealing texture.

3. Add Toppings:

   • Sprinkle flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper over the butter.
   • Add fresh herbs, like sprigs of rosemary, thyme leaves, or torn basil, arranging them attractively over the butter.
   • For a bit of sweetness, drizzle honey or add a sprinkle of lemon zest.
   • Garnish with edible flowers for a pop of color or sprinkle some crushed nuts for crunch.

4. Serve with Dipping Items:

   • Place fresh slices of baguette, crackers, or vegetable sticks around the board for guests to dip and enjoy.

5. Enjoy Communally:

   • Butter boards are meant to be shared. Guests can dip bread or other items directly into the butter or use a knife to scoop up toppings and butter together.

Tips:

• Experiment with flavored butters, like herb-infused or roasted garlic butter, for extra layers of flavor.
• Add contrasting elements, such as chili flakes or balsamic glaze, for a burst of flavor and visual interest.

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Final Thoughts

Both cloud bread and butter boards allow you to experiment with flavor, color, and texture. These fun, visually appealing trends are easy to recreate at home and make for memorable, shareable dishes. While cloud bread offers a light, low-carb option that’s whimsical and unique, butter boards bring everyone together for a fun and interactive appetizer experience.

If you try these trends, tag your creations on social media to join the food trend community.