On Big Game Sunday, the food matters as much as the football. Between kickoff and commercials, people want something they can graze, share, and keep coming back to, and a thoughtful charcuterie board delivers exactly that.
Here’s how to build one that feels elevated without being fussy, and sturdy enough to handle a full afternoon of snacking.
Step 1: Start With the Right Foundation
A great board doesn’t just display food, it protects it, anchors it, and keeps everything where it belongs.
Why a Boardsmith end-grain board board is ideal:
-Durable, stable, and won’t slide around once the room gets animated
-Gentle on knife edges for any last-minute slicing
-Naturally antimicrobial woods, no microplastics mingling with your prosciutto
-A statement piece that looks as good empty as it does fully loaded
Board size depends on guest count:
-Small gathering: 12-16"
-Large crowd: 18-24"
Step 2: Build a Balanced Lineup
Great spreads have contrast: rich and fresh, salty and sweet, smooth and crunchy.
Use this simple framework when deciding what you’ll buy for your board:
Charcuterie
• Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, sliced sausage
• Mix mild + spicy options
Cheese
• One sharp (cheddar)
• One creamy (brie or burrata)
• One with personality (pepper jack, blue, smoked gouda)
Crunch + Vehicles
• Crackers with structure
• Pretzels or kettle chips for texture
Fresh Elements
• Grapes, apples, citrus segments, berries
• Cucumbers, carrot sticks, pickled vegetables
Warm Bites (optional but memorable)
• Pigs-in-a-blanket
• Jalapeño poppers
• Buffalo chicken dip in tortilla-chip cups
Keep flavors varied but approachable. This is not the night to introduce the world’s most obscure and stinkiest cheese.
Step 3: Arrange With Intention
A charcuterie board is more inviting when it has flow. Think sections, not piles. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you’re building your board.
-Place bowls or dips first to create structure
-Alternate meats and cheeses for visual variety
-Stack and fold items to add height and interest
-Use smaller snacks to fill gaps and create clean edges
-Keep items that produce oil or moisture on parchment
-Remember: The goal is a spread that feels abundant without looking chaotic
Step 4: Add Accents That Elevate
When you’re done arranging the major elements of your board, think: What can I add that will only make this better. Small touches make a big difference here. Below are some ideas that might bring a little more life to your gameday board:
-Honey or hot mustard
-Marinated olives or cornichons
-Nuts or seeds
-Fresh herbs for color
These accents break up the richness from the cheese and meat and make the board feel more thoughtfully composed.
Step 5: Pair With Easy-Going Drinks
The drinks might be the most important part (after the football and the food). You don’t need a full bar, just a couple of good options:
-Crisp lagers or pilsners
-A reliable red and a chilled white
-Sparkling water or seltzer for balance
Step 6: Clean and Reset Quickly
Once the game’s over, a well-cared-for board is ready for daily cooking again. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps before it will look as good as new:
-Hand-wash promptly with warm soap and water
-Dry thoroughly
-Oil when the board looks dry or dull
-Never put it in the dishwasher
A handcrafted board should last for years, not just one party. In fact, it might even become a yearly tradition.
Game Day Hosting, Elevated
A well-built charcuterie board brings people together and gives them something to enjoy from the first whistle to the final seconds. When you’re ready to replace disposable platters with something lasting, a Boardsmith end-grain board is made for moments like this. Explore sizes and woods to match your hosting style.