Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board

The Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board is a fun way to celebrate this time of year with a shareable snack board made with multiple types of pretzels, soft cheese, hard cheese, pub cheese, fresh blackberries, crisp apples, whole grain mustard, cornichons all paired with some sauerkraut and bratwurst. 

The annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati was just this past weekend here in Cincinnati and the event got me thinking about how to create a fun, autumn, beer-inspired board with some German flare. I must admit, I am quite happy with how this board turned out and so was the family! This perfect for entertaining friends on Friday night or to serve while hosting Sunday football. Pretzels, beer and cheese… I mean, what is not to love with this. 

Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board

The Oktoberfest Charcuterie Board has a little something for everyone to enjoy. I personally am all about the soft pretzel bites dipped in to the beer pub cheese. My husband loves the pretzel rods with mustard. That is the beauty of a good charcuterie board though, there are options! I felt as though this was the type of board that can easily turn into a full meal so I also put some sauerkraut and bratwurst to serve on the side and really bring in that Oktoberfest feel. 

I know this question will come up so let us get it out of the way now. Is the beer pub cheese really German? No, no it is not. Pub cheese is popular around my area, especially Kentucky. With that said, it has beer flavor in it and it is perfect for pretzels so it is recommended for a German feel! If you want something more authentic, try to make a Obatzda. 

Sauerkraut with Bratwurst 

So, no serving a dish like sauerkraut and bratwurst is not typical with a charcuterie board. To get the full German themed Oktoberfest feel however, it just seems so necessary. I am not German and did not grow up eating German foods but I did marry into a German family and it is something that has grown on me. If you have never cooked sauerkraut, I think it may be something slightly intimidating but my method is very simple! Just drain excess liquid from the sauerkraut (mine is from a bag) and add to a hot nonstick pan or cast iron skillet. Pour in white wine and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper generously. Let that simmer for about 30 minutes or until that wine is absorbed. Then serve with browned bratwurst. Simple and delicious. 

Arranging Your Board

Begin with placing cornichons, mustard and pub cheese into small ramekins/bowls or jars. Then place the other cheeses on board along with those items. Next, put the pretzels on board in groupings of soft pretzels, mini pretzels and pretzel rods. Fill in any remaining space on board with blackberries and sliced apples. Serve with the sauerkraut and bratwurst on the side!

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