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Easy Football Charcuterie Board with Pretzels & Beer Cheese

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A quick and easy game-day snack board featuring warm, creamy beer cheese, salty pretzels, cured meats, and a variety of cheeses and pickles. Perfect for last-minute guests or halftime hunger.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup lager beer
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large bag (16 ounces) pretzels
  • 8 ounces salami, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces prosciutto, torn into pieces
  • 4 ounces sharp white cheddar, cubed
  • 4 ounces gouda, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cornichons or small pickles
  • 1/2 cup whole grain mustard
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
  • Fresh apple slices or grapes

Instructions

  1. Grate the 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese on a box grater. Set aside to come to room temperature.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of lager while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add the grated cheddar a handful at a time, whisking after each addition until fully melted. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Transfer the beer cheese to a small bowl or ramekin. If not serving immediately, cover with foil and keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
  6. Assemble the board: Place the bowl of beer cheese centrally on a large board or platter. Arrange pretzels in clusters around the cheese bowl.
  7. Fold salami slices into quarters or roll into cones. Tear prosciutto into rustic pieces. Place cubed white cheddar and sliced gouda in small piles around the board.
  8. Add small bowls or piles of cornichons, whole grain mustard, and roasted red peppers. Tuck fresh apple slices or grapes into empty spaces.
  9. Serve immediately with small plates, napkins, and a spoon for the beer cheese.

Notes

Grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Avoid dark beers or IPAs as they can make the cheese bitter. The board is flexible—swap meats and cheeses as desired. Leftover beer cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or beer.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, football snack, game day, beer cheese, pretzels, easy appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/easy-football-charcuterie-board-with-pretzels-and-beer-cheese/