Tailgate Power Stack Platter (Printable)

Hearty layers of smoked sausage, turkey, cheeses, chips, and fresh veggies for easy party grazing.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
02 - 8 oz roasted turkey breast, sliced
03 - 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
04 - 8 oz pepper jack cheese, cubed

→ Carbs & Crackers

05 - 1 large crusty baguette (12 oz), sliced
06 - 2 cups sturdy pretzel chips
07 - 2 cups pita chips

→ Vegetables & Pickles

08 - 1 cup baby carrots
09 - 1 cup celery sticks
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
11 - 1 cup dill pickle spears
12 - 1 cup pickled banana peppers

→ Dips & Spreads

13 - 1 cup ranch dip
14 - 1 cup spicy mustard
15 - 1 cup roasted red pepper hummus

→ Garnishes

16 - ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
17 - ½ cup mixed nuts

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp. Let cool.
02 - On a large, sturdy serving board or platter, arrange pretzel chips, pita chips, and toasted baguette slices as the foundation.
03 - Layer smoked sausage, roasted turkey breast, sharp cheddar, and pepper jack cheese cubes in alternating stacks for visual appeal and easy serving.
04 - Nestle baby carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, dill pickle spears, and pickled banana peppers evenly around and between the protein layers.
05 - Place ranch dip, spicy mustard, and roasted red pepper hummus in separate small bowls and position them securely among the stacks.
06 - Sprinkle with roughly chopped fresh parsley and mixed nuts for added color and crunch. Serve immediately and replenish as needed.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No cooking required for most components, which means you can prep in your dorm or kitchen without breaking a sweat
  • It's built for sharing and grazing, so everyone finds something they love without needing formal serving or plates
  • The layering trick makes it look impressive and feel substantial, turning a simple board into the centerpiece of the party
  • It actually holds up during movement and celebration, unlike delicate appetizers that fall apart
02 -
  • Toast your baguette slices—this is non-negotiable. Untoasted bread will get soggy within minutes and ruin the whole structure. The toasting is what transforms simple bread into the foundation that actually holds up.
  • Use a sturdy board or platter that won't tip easily. A flimsy surface will make your beautiful stack wobbly and unstable. Invest in a proper serving board if you plan to do this more than once.
  • Cut your cheeses into actual cubes, not thin slices. People can grab them one-handed and they stack better, which means your tower stays tall and impressive.
03 -
  • Prep everything the night before except assembly—slice your meats and cheeses, wash your vegetables, and toast your bread. On game day you just stack everything together, which takes 15 minutes max.
  • Use parchment paper or foil under your board to catch any drips and make cleanup infinitely easier. Your future self will thank you.
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