I’ve shared some of my favorite college football tailgate must haves HERE, but I can’t forget a classic charcuterie board! A college football-themed charcuterie board could be a hit at any game day gathering! Here are some ideas to consider:
Field of Play:
- Lay down a rectangular cutting board or platter to represent the football field.
- Use green vegetables like celery and broccoli to create the grassy field.
- Place white cheese slices or cubes to represent the yard lines.
Team Colors:
- Include cheeses, fruits, and vegetables in the colors of the teams playing.
- You can use colored tortilla chips, colored crackers, or dyed popcorn to match the team colors.
Goalposts and End Zones:
- Create mini goalposts using pretzel sticks or thin breadsticks.
- For the end zones, consider using hummus, guacamole, or salsa in small bowls to represent the end zones.
Meats and Proteins:
- Arrange sliced deli meats like turkey, ham, and salami to resemble the players on the field.
- Consider using pepperoni slices as mini footballs.
Cheeses:
- Select a variety of cheeses and cut them into football shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Place cheese cubes or slices on the field.
Snacks:
- Include popcorn, mixed nuts, and pretzels for crunchy snacks.
- Add popcorn mixed with team-colored M&M’s for a sweet and salty treat.
Dips and Sauces:
- Offer a range of dips like spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, or queso.
- Arrange the dips on the board to resemble players on the field.
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Incorporate fruit like grapes, strawberries, and blueberries for a fresh touch.
- Use carrot and cucumber slices to add color and texture.
Bread and Crackers:
- Include a variety of bread, crackers, and breadsticks for a great carbohydrate option.
- Arrange them around the field or in a separate section of the board.
Name Tags:
- Label certain items with football-themed name tags, like “Quarterback Queso” or “Tackle Time Turkey.”
Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative. Enjoy your game day charcuterie board!