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Easy Football Charcuterie Board: Best Pretzel & Cheese Recipe

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This easy football charcuterie board with pretzels and cheese is the ultimate game-day snack. It comes together in 20 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 large or 12–16 mini soft pretzels
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (block)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4–6 oz salami, sliced
  • 4 oz pepperoni, sliced
  • 4 oz sharp white cheddar, sliced
  • 4 oz Gouda or smoked cheese, sliced
  • ½ cup dill pickles (spears or chips)
  • ¼ cup grainy mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
  • 1 cup red grapes
  • ½ cup mixed nuts (roasted almonds or pecans)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the warm cheese dip: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine softened cream cheese, cubed or shredded sharp cheddar, and whole milk. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined. Transfer to a small slow cooker or fondue pot and set to warm.
  2. Warm the pretzels: If desired, place pretzels on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
  3. Prepare the cold ingredients: Slice sharp white cheddar and Gouda into thin slices. Slice the apple just before serving (toss with lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping ahead). Rinse and dry the grapes.
  4. Arrange the board: Place the small slow cooker or fondue pot in the center or slightly off-center of a large board. Arrange soft pretzels around it like spokes. Place salami and pepperoni in small piles or folded ribbons. Arrange sliced cheeses in rows or overlapping patterns. Fill small bowls with grainy mustard and honey. Scatter pickles, apple slices, grapes, and mixed nuts in remaining gaps. Garnish with fresh herbs if using.
  5. Serve immediately. Encourage guests to grab a pretzel, dip it in warm cheese, and add salami or a pickle for the perfect bite.

Notes

Don’t overcook the cheese dip; keep heat medium-low and stir constantly. Warm pretzels right before serving. Slice apple at the last minute to prevent browning. Use a variety of textures for best results. Don’t overcrowd the board. Keep cheese dip warm with a small slow cooker or fondue pot. Prep everything before guests arrive.

Nutrition

Keywords: football charcuterie board, pretzel and cheese, game day snack, easy appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/easy-football-charcuterie-board-best-pretzel-and-cheese-recipe/