Description
A vibrant and hearty Tailgate Power Stack Platter perfect for gatherings, featuring layers of smoked sausage, roasted turkey, sharp cheddar, and pepper jack cheese combined with a variety of crunchy chips, fresh vegetables, pickles, and flavorful dips. This platter is designed for easy sharing and grabbing, making it an ideal centerpiece for any tailgate party or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Cheeses
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 ounces roasted turkey breast, sliced
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese, cubed
Breads and Chips
- 1 large crusty baguette (approx. 12 ounces), sliced
- 2 cups sturdy pretzel chips
- 2 cups pita chips
Fresh Vegetables and Pickles
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup celery sticks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup dill pickle spears
- 1 cup pickled banana peppers
Dips
- 1 cup ranch dip
- 1 cup spicy mustard
- 1 cup roasted red pepper hummus
Garnishes
- ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- ½ cup mixed nuts
Instructions
- Toast Baguette: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sliced baguette pieces evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they become crisp. Once toasted, remove and let them cool down before assembling.
- Construct Base Layers: On a large and sturdy serving board or platter, evenly layer the sturdy pretzel chips, pita chips, and the cooled toasted baguette slices to create a solid base for the stack.
- Stack Proteins and Cheeses: Arrange the sliced smoked sausage, roasted turkey breast, cubed sharp cheddar, and pepper jack cheese in alternating layers on top of the chip and baguette base. This layering not only looks visually appealing but also allows for easy grabbing.
- Add Vegetables and Pickles: Nestle the baby carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, dill pickle spears, and pickled banana peppers in and around the protein and cheese layers. Distribute them evenly to add fresh crunch and tangy flavors throughout the platter.
- Arrange Dips: Place the ranch dip, spicy mustard, and roasted red pepper hummus each in separate small bowls. Nestle these bowls securely among the stacks on the platter, making sure they are accessible from all sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling the roughly chopped fresh parsley and mixed nuts over the platter for extra freshness and crunch. Serve immediately and replenish the layers as needed during your gathering to keep the platter looking full and inviting.
Notes
- Use a sturdy base board or platter to support the weight of the layered ingredients without collapsing.
- For best flavor, allow the toasted baguette slices to cool completely before layering.
- Adjust the amount of chips and vegetables based on the number of guests to ensure ample portions.
- Choose high-quality smoked sausage and turkey breast for optimal taste and texture.
- Keep dips chilled until just before serving to maintain freshness and food safety.
- This platter can be customized with other favorite cheeses or proteins to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tailgate platter, party appetizer, smoked sausage, cheese platter, finger foods, easy entertaining, game day snacks
