Tailgating & Football Charcuterie Board
Hosting a tailgate or watch party for the big football game? Make the ultimate tailgate appetizer… a football charcuterie board! Call it a game-day grazing board or just a fancy tailgate snack tray…but whatever you decide to call it, it’s the perfect football party food to serve at your tailgate party!
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get new recipes from me too!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Pizzazzerie.
Football is synonymous with great food in my house! We always love to make game day snacks (like these chicken sliders) and if hosting friends, a football charcuterie board is always a crowd pleaser! (P.S. Also check out my fall charcuterie board!)
Fill up a large wooden charcuterie board with your personal game day faves like cheeses, crackers, nuts, salsa, dips, meats, and other snacks! They’re super simple to make and everyone loves them!
I made a list of food and snack ideas below as a starting point, but get creative and add your own flair to your football cheese board! Make it game-day ready with your favorite appetizers.
Football Charcuterie Board Snacks
- Cured Meats (Salami, Pastrami, Prosciutto, Pepperoni, etc)
- Lil Smokies, Pigs-in-a-Blanket
- Chicken Wings
- Cheeses (Swiss, gouda, gruyere, pepper-jack, etc. try to vary your textures and flavors from mild to bold/peppery)
- Crackers, Chips
- Pretzels, Pretzel Crisps
- Nuts
- Dips (spinach artichoke, queso, beer cheese, salsa, hummus, etc)
- Condiment Dipping Sauces (buffalo sauce, ranch, blue cheese, etc)
- Olives
- Pickles
- Pickled Jalapeños
Begin by selecting your board or tray. I used an extra long wooden board that I have because it’s perfect for feeding a crowd! You can use any size or shape tray you have. If you don’t own a large wooden board, you can find tons online or in stores. Check Amazon (I love this one) and HomeGoods too.
I also set out small platters of “extras” that might not fit on your board!
Next, place your cheeses and dips. Then fill in with meats. Next, add crackers/pretzels/chips. Add in nuts, olives, pickles, etc. Arrange it however you love it, just being sure to space everything evenly so it’s easy to grab!
Add Football Decorations
Let’s face it, it’s not a football charcuterie board without some football decorations!
First things first, I used a large green game day runner down the center of my table. It’s a paper runner so clean-up is a breeze, and I don’t have to worry about any spills or messes. I found mine in a local shop, but there are many similar ones available online.
You can also do a black and white striped runner, like a referee! I chose black and white striped napkins and fun football-shaped appetizer plates for guests too.
Football Food Flags!
Here are a few similar flag ideas for sticking down in cheeses, dips, etc. These really help give your board that game day look.
I also love tucking in miniature footballs. You can find them at craft or party stores. Here are some similar ones. I find myself pulling these out EVERY game day season. They’re so fun for decorating your tailgate.
The next time you need food ideas for a Super Bowl party, National Championship party or just a football weekend watch party, I hope you’re inspired with these ideas!
For More Football Ideas… check out:
- Fall-Themed Backyard Tailgate Party
- Football Cookies
- Cold Appetizers (great for taking to tailgates where you don’t need to heat anything up)
Not sure what I liked the most about the post. But by seeing it I can say that it will taste amazing and it is a well-styled charcuterie board.
This will be my first attempt at creating a charcuterie board. I can’t wait. Thank you so much for the detailed information, design, ingredients, helpful hints and especially the pictures.
I will faithfully continue to follow your posts. My first attempt at that, too.
Thank you.