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Ultimate Game Day Charcuterie Board with Easy Soft Pretzel Bites

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A warm and salty soft pretzel bites board paired with cured meats, cheeses, and dips. Perfect for game day, this crowd-pleasing spread is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup baking soda (for the boiling bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for the wash)
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
  • 8 oz salami (Genoa)
  • 6 oz prosciutto
  • 6 oz spicy capicola or soppressata
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar (block)
  • 6 oz brie or camembert
  • 4 oz aged gouda
  • 1 cup beer cheese dip
  • ½ cup whole grain mustard
  • ¼ cup spicy honey
  • 1 cup cornichons or pickled okra
  • ½ cup Marcona almonds
  • ½ cup candied pecans
  • 1 cup red grapes
  • 1 small apple (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons fig jam or preserves

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  2. Prep the Board: While dough rises, arrange charcuterie board. Place small bowls for dips first. Fan out sliced salami and prosciutto. Cut cheddar into cubes and triangles. Place brie and gouda in different corners. Scatter grapes, cornichons, and nuts in empty spaces. Leave a large central area open for pretzel bites.
  3. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 1-inch thick rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. The Boiling Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add baking soda carefully. Reduce heat to a simmer. Drop 5-6 pretzel bites into water at a time. Boil for 20-30 seconds until they float. Transfer back to baking sheet with a slotted spoon. Repeat with all bites.
  5. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Brush boiled bites with beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes.
  6. Final Assembly: Immediately toss hot pretzel bites with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Pile into reserved center of charcuterie board. Serve immediately while bites are warm.

Notes

For best pretzel bites, use bread flour for a chewier texture. Buy block cheese and cut yourself; pre-shredded has anti-caking agents. Spicy honey can be made by mixing regular honey with cayenne and red pepper flakes. Do not overboil pretzels (20-30 seconds max). Let cheeses come to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Serve pretzel bites on a warmed plate or in a cast iron skillet to keep them warm longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: game day, charcuterie board, soft pretzel bites, appetizer, party food, snack board

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/ultimate-game-day-charcuterie-board-with-easy-soft-pretzel-bites/