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Best Smoky Football Charcuterie Board with Easy Beer Cheese Dip

football charcuterie board - featured image

A smoky, hearty charcuterie board featuring a creamy beer cheese dip, smoked meats, and cheeses, perfect for game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces smoked gouda, shredded
  • 1 cup lager beer
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
  • 6 ounces pepperoni slices
  • 6 ounces smoked turkey or ham, rolled
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar, cubed
  • 4 ounces smoked gouda, sliced
  • 4 ounces brie or camembert
  • 1 cup mixed olives
  • 1 cup cornichons or pickles
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 8 ounces soft pretzels, warmed
  • 6 ounces crackers or crostini
  • 1 cup nuts (almonds or pecans)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary or thyme sprigs)

Instructions

  1. Make the beer cheese dip first. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once bubbling, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until golden and nutty.
  2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of lager beer, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until smooth and bubbling gently.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese, one handful at a time, stirring gently until each handful is fully melted before adding the next.
  4. Season the dip: stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or small slow cooker set to warm.
  6. Prepare the meats: slice smoked sausage into 1/4-inch rounds (optional: pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side until browned). Roll smoked turkey or ham slices into tight cylinders.
  7. Arrange the cheeses: cube sharp cheddar into 1-inch pieces, slice smoked gouda into thin triangles, cut brie into wedges.
  8. Fill small bowls with olives, cornichons, roasted red peppers, and nuts.
  9. Assemble the board: place the beer cheese dip bowl in the center or slightly off-center. Arrange meats around the dip, fanning them out. Place cheese cubes and slices in clusters. Fill empty spaces with pretzels, crackers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herb sprigs.
  10. Serve immediately. If making ahead, prepare dip and store in fridge, then reheat gently before serving.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for a smoother dip. Avoid boiling the beer to prevent bitterness. Warm pretzels in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. The dip can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, beer cheese dip, game day snack, football party, smoked gouda, pretzels