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Easy Football Charcuterie Board: Best Salami & Cheese Recipe

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This easy football-shaped charcuterie board with salami and cheese is the kind of thing that looks impressive but takes almost no effort—which is exactly what you need when you’re running late and people are about to show up. It’s forgiving, flexible, and somehow makes everyone smile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz salami, sliced
  • 6 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
  • 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced
  • 4 oz pepperoni, sliced
  • 20–25 crackers
  • 1/2 cup mixed olives
  • 1/2 cup pickles, sliced or spears
  • 1 cup red or green grapes
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts
  • Honey for drizzling (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep your board (2 minutes): Place your cutting board on a flat surface. If using parchment, cut a piece slightly smaller than the board and set it on top.
  2. Create the football shape outline (3 minutes): Arrange salami slices in an oval shape about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. Overlap the slices slightly so they form a solid base. Use about half the salami for this layer.
  3. Add the cheese stripes (4 minutes): Cut cheddar and provolone slices into strips about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. Lay them diagonally across the salami oval, alternating colors, to mimic the laces and stitching of a football. Space them about an inch apart.
  4. Fill the gaps (3 minutes): Use the remaining salami and pepperoni to fill any empty spots around the cheese stripes. Tuck them under or beside the cheese so everything looks cohesive.
  5. Add the crackers (2 minutes): Arrange crackers around the perimeter of the football shape in small clusters of 4-5 crackers each.
  6. Place small bowls (2 minutes): Set small bowls in the corners or along the sides of the board. Fill one with olives, one with pickles, and one with nuts.
  7. Scatter grapes and tomatoes (2 minutes): Tuck grapes and cherry tomatoes in the gaps between cracker clusters.
  8. Garnish and finish (1 minute): Drizzle honey over the cheese stripes if using. Place a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme around the edges.
  9. Serve immediately or refrigerate: If not serving right away, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Take it out 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Assemble up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add crackers just before serving to keep them crisp. For a warm version, bake cheese stripes at 350°F for 5 minutes before arranging. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: football charcuterie board, salami and cheese board, game day appetizer, easy charcuterie board, football shaped snack

Find it online: https://islatable.com/easy-football-charcuterie-board-best-salami-and-cheese-recipe/