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Easy 5-Ingredient Football Charcuterie Board for Game Day

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This easy 5-ingredient football charcuterie board is the game day hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s a crowd-pleasing powerhouse that comes together faster than a halftime show, with just five simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag (about 24-30) frozen meatballs (homestyle or Italian-style)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into thin squares or cubes
  • 6 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pitted green olives (Castelvetrano preferred)
  • 1 box (8-10 ounces) sturdy crackers (Ritz or water crackers)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Spread the frozen meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until heated through and slightly browned on the outside. Halfway through baking, give them a gentle shake so they brown evenly.
  3. Slice the block of sharp cheddar into thin, even slices about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into triangles or small squares, or 1/2-inch cubes.
  4. Fold each slice of salami in half, then in half again to create a small triangle, or roll into little cylinders.
  5. Arrange the board: Place a small bowl or ramekin in the center for the meatballs. Arrange cheddar slices in a fan pattern on one side, folded salami on the opposite side. Scatter olives in small clusters around the board. Fill gaps with crackers in rows or small piles.
  6. Optional glaze: Once meatballs are done, let cool 2-3 minutes. Toss in a bowl with 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce or a mix of 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
  7. Transfer glazed meatballs to the small bowl in the center of the board. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
  8. Serve immediately. Place the board in the center of your table or coffee table and let everyone dig in.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, swap crackers for gluten-free crackers or cucumber rounds. For dairy-free, replace cheddar with plant-based cheese or skip cheese and add extra olives and meatballs. Warm meatballs are essential—keep them warm in a small slow cooker if serving over a long period. Don’t overcrowd the board; give each ingredient breathing room. Prep cheese, salami, and crackers ahead of time to minimize game day work.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie board, game day snack, football party, easy appetizer, 5-ingredient, meatballs, salami, cheddar, olives, crackers

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-5-ingredient-football-charcuterie-board-for-game-day/