Print

Easy Football Charcuterie Board with 5-Minute Pretzel Cheese Dip

easy football charcuterie board with pretzels and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy game day snack board featuring a warm, creamy 5-minute pretzel cheese dip, soft pretzels, meats, cheeses, and crunchy add-ons. Perfect for feeding a crowd without stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb soft pretzels
  • 8 oz salami or pepperoni, sliced thin
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 4 oz gouda or smoked cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup mixed olives
  • 1/2 cup pickles or cornichons
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup honey or spicy honey
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary or thyme sprigs)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted after each addition.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Transfer the dip to a small serving bowl and keep warm.
  6. If using large soft pretzels, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Leave some whole for visual appeal.
  7. Cube the cheddar cheese into 1/2-inch pieces. Slice the gouda into thin triangles or rectangles.
  8. Fold the salami or pepperoni slices into quarters or roll them into cones.
  9. Drain the olives and pickles; pat dry. Halve cherry tomatoes if large.
  10. Place the bowl of warm cheese dip in the center of a large board.
  11. Arrange pretzels around the dip bowl in clusters.
  12. Add meats in small piles on one side of the board.
  13. Scatter cheese cubes and sliced gouda in small clusters around the board.
  14. Fill gaps with olives, pickles, and cherry tomatoes.
  15. Drizzle honey over a small pile of cheese or pretzels.
  16. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for smoother melting. Warm pretzels in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they are day-old. The dip can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk. For a microwave version, combine butter and milk, heat 1 minute, whisk in flour, then add cheese and seasonings; heat in 30-second bursts until smooth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-football-charcuterie-board-with-5-minute-pretzel-cheese-dip/