Game Day Charcuterie Board

Name: Game Day Charcuterie Board with Pepperoni Football
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz pepperoni, sliced; 2 slices provolone cheese; 8 oz Brie cheese wheel; 8 oz white cheddar cheese; 8 oz yellow cheddar cheese; 4 oz Genoa salami, sliced; 4 oz hard salami, sliced; 1/4 cup fig jam; 1/4 cup raspberry jam; 1 cup butter crackers; 1 cup seeded crackers; 1 cup green grapes; 1/2 cup strawberries; 1/4 cup blackberries; 1/4 cup blueberries; 1/4 cup cashews; 1/4 cup shelled pistachios; 1/4 cup yogurt-covered almonds; 1 package alphabet cheese crackers; 2 oz dark chocolate; honey, for drizzling

This game day charcuterie board features a creative pepperoni football centerpiece and salami rose, combining cured meats, three varieties of cheese, jams, nuts, and crackers into a visually striking appetizer for entertaining.

🌍American 🏷️Charcuterie 🏷️Cheese board 🏷️Game day 🏷️Appetizer Football

🏷️

🏷️Party food

-0:00

boarshead_officialonTikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$37–$61

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by boarshead_official

-0:00

boarshead_officialonTikTok

Ingredients

6 oz pepperoni, sliced
2 slices provolone cheese
8 oz Brie cheese wheel
8 oz white cheddar cheese
8 oz yellow cheddar cheeseoptional
4 oz Genoa salami, sliced
4 oz hard salami, sliced
1/4 cup fig jam
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1 cup butter crackers
1 cup seeded crackers
1 cup green grapes
1/2 cup strawberries
1/4 cup blackberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup cashews
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
1/4 cup yogurt-covered almonds
1 package alphabet cheese crackersoptional
2 oz dark chocolateoptional
honey, for drizzlingoptional

21 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Fold pepperoni slices in half, then in half again. Arrange the folded slices in a football shape on a large board or platter.
2
Cut thin strips from a slice of provolone cheese and arrange them on top of the pepperoni to create the football laces.
3
Place two small bowls on the board and fill them with your desired jams or spreads.
4
Slice the Brie cheese wheel and arrange the slices on the board.
5
Cube the white cheddar cheese and place the cubes in a pile on the board.
6
Create a salami rose by folding slices of Genoa salami over the rim of a small glass, layering until full, then flipping it over onto the board.
7
Arrange slices of hard salami in a curved line on the board.
8
Use alphabet cheese crackers to spell out "GAME DAY" on top of the hard salami.
9
Fill in all the empty spaces on the board with crackers, fruits (grapes, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries), nuts (cashews, pistachios, almonds), and pieces of dark chocolate.
10
Serve immediately, with a side of honey for drizzling if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice pepperoni and salami thinly and let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before shaping so they're pliable and hold their form.
Arrange cheeses in distinct blocks or wedges with at least 1–2 inches of space between them to prevent flavors from mingling and allow guests easy access.
Place jams and spreads in small bowls or ramekins on the board rather than directly on the surface to prevent seeping and maintain a clean presentation.
Build the board on a cool surface and serve within 2 hours; remove from the fridge 15 minutes before serving to bring meats and cheeses closer to room temperature for best flavor.

Substitutions

Pepperoni → Soppressata or Spanish chorizo (similar texture and saltiness, different regional flavor)
Brie → Camembert or Burrata (creamy soft cheese alternatives with different fat content)
Fig jam → Apricot or honey (different sweetness and pairing complexity)
Butter crackers → Rosemary or multigrain crackers (adds herbaceous or nutty dimension)

Storage & make-ahead

Assemble the board up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature; do not reheat.

Equipment

serving platter (16–18 inches) · small bowls or ramekins (for jams)

Common Questions

How do you make a pepperoni football?

Layer sliced pepperoni and provolone cheese in an overlapping pattern, then shape into an oval. Fold the slices upward and inward to create a football shape with tapered ends.

What's the best way to make a salami rose?

Roll thin salami slices tightly around each other in a spiral, starting from the outside edge and curling inward to form a rosette shape. Secure the center if needed.

Can you prep this board ahead?

Yes—assemble the board up to 4 hours in advance, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add crackers and arrange final elements just before serving.

What cheeses work best for a charcuterie board?

Use a variety of textures: creamy (Brie), sharp (white and yellow cheddar), and aged (salami). This recipe balances soft, semi-hard, and firm options for visual appeal and flavor contrast.

How much board space do I need?

A 16–18 inch platter comfortably fits this combination of meats, cheeses, jams, crackers, and garnishes. Larger boards allow for more spacing and visual breathing room.