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Perfect Football Charcuterie Board with Pretzel Bites

football charcuterie board with pretzel bites - featured image
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A quick and easy game day snack board featuring warm pretzel bites, creamy beer cheese dip, a selection of meats and cheeses, and fresh accompaniments. Perfect for feeding a crowd without any fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag (16 oz) frozen pretzel bites
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Coarse sea salt (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup lager or pale ale
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 oz pepperoni slices
  • 6 oz salami (Genoa recommended)
  • 4 oz prosciutto (optional)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese block
  • 6 oz gouda or smoked gouda
  • 4 oz brie or camembert
  • 1 cup mixed olives (green and kalamata)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup cornichons or pickles
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the beer cheese dip first. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the beer while stirring, then add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring until fully combined and creamy. Remove from heat and pour into a small serving bowl. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Warm the pretzel bites. If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F. Add the frozen pretzel bites in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, shaking halfway through. If using an oven, bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired.
  3. Prep the meat and cheese. Slice the cheddar and gouda into thin triangles or cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Roll or fold the salami slices into small cones or half-moons. Leave the pepperoni as-is or fold into quarters. If using prosciutto, tear it into bite-size ribbons.
  4. Arrange the board. Place the bowl of beer cheese dip in the center or slightly off-center. Arrange the warm pretzel bites around the dip bowl. Add the cheese pieces in small clusters around the board. Add the meat in folds or piles near the cheese.
  5. Fill in the gaps. Add the olives, cherry tomatoes, and cornichons in small piles around the board. Drizzle honey over the brie or gouda if using. Tuck fresh herb sprigs in between items for color.
  6. Serve immediately. The pretzel bites are best warm. If making ahead, keep the pretzel bites separate and warm them right before serving.

Notes

Don’t overheat the beer cheese dip or it may become grainy. Warm pretzel bites are essential for best texture. Let cheese come to room temperature before serving for better flavor. Balance textures and flavors with a mix of soft, crunchy, creamy, and salty elements. Prep all ingredients before arranging the board.

Nutrition

Keywords: football charcuterie board, pretzel bites, game day snack, beer cheese dip, party platter, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://evabake.com/perfect-football-charcuterie-board-with-pretzel-bites/