Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Charcuterie Cups are stylish, easy to assemble, and make serving guests a breeze. There’s no need to hover over a large board or worry about double-dipping—each guest gets their own beautiful, pre-portioned selection of treats. They’re perfect for entertaining, travel well, and offer endless possibilities for flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni
Cubed or sliced cheeses (cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, etc.)
Crackers or breadsticks
Fresh fruits such as grapes, berries, or apple slices
Olives or pickles
Nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish
Small skewers or toothpicks
Disposable cups or small jars

Directions

Choose your cup or container—sturdy paper cups, mini mason jars, or clear plastic tumblers all work well.
Roll or fold slices of cured meats and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Cube or slice a variety of cheeses.
Assemble each cup by layering in meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruits.
Add olives, nuts, and pickles for extra flavor and texture.
Finish with a small herb sprig or decorative skewer for a polished look.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8–10 charcuterie cups, depending on how full you pack them.
Prep time: 20–30 minutes
No cooking required

Variations

Themed cups: Tailor ingredients by season or occasion—like heart-shaped cheese for Valentine’s or mini pumpkins for fall.
Vegetarian: Skip the meats and load up on cheese, nuts, and veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices.
Kid-friendly: Use fun ingredients like mini pretzels, fruit snacks, cheddar cubes, and turkey roll-ups.
Sweet cups: Replace savory elements with chocolate pieces, dried fruits, and cookies for dessert-style charcuterie.
Luxury cups: Include high-end meats, gourmet cheeses, and unique spreads like fig jam.

Storage/Reheating

As these cups include perishable ingredients, they should be kept chilled until serving. Store assembled cups in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If prepping further in advance, prepare ingredients separately and assemble the cups shortly before serving. No reheating needed.

FAQs

What size cup should I use?

Use 9–12 oz cups for a generous serving size. Smaller 5 oz cups work well for light appetizers.

Can I make Charcuterie Cups ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble close to serving for best texture.

How do I keep crackers from getting soggy?

Keep crackers separate until just before serving or place them at the top of the cup to avoid moisture.

What kind of meats work best?

Thin-sliced salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni are ideal. Rolled or folded pieces look best in the cup.

Can I include dips or spreads?

Yes, use small condiment containers inside the cup for items like hummus, mustard, or jam.

Are Charcuterie Cups gluten-free?

They can be! Just use gluten-free crackers and check all packaged items for gluten-free labels.

How many cups should I serve per person?

One cup per person is usually enough as an appetizer. Offer more if serving as the main item.

What cheeses hold up well in the cups?

Firm cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and manchego work best. Soft cheeses can be added in sealed containers.

Can I serve these outdoors?

Yes, but be mindful of temperature. Keep them chilled or serve over ice trays in hot weather.

Do I need to use skewers?

Skewers help with presentation and make grabbing items easier, but they’re not required.

Conclusion

Charcuterie Cups are a fun, elegant, and practical way to serve a variety of snacks in a single, beautiful package. With endless combinations and a no-fuss setup, they make entertaining easier while still delivering the wow factor. Whether you’re planning a fancy event or a casual get-together, these cups are sure to impress every guest.

Charcuterie Cups

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Charcuterie Cups are individually portioned appetizers filled with cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and snacks, offering a fun and portable twist on the traditional charcuterie board. Perfect for parties and easy, mess-free entertaining.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20–30 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Choose your cup or container—paper cups, mason jars, or plastic tumblers work well.
Roll or fold slices of cured meats and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Cube or slice cheeses for easy grabbing.
Layer meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruits into each cup.
Add extras like olives, nuts, and pickles for variety.
Top with a sprig of fresh herbs or a decorative skewer.
Refrigerate until ready to serve and keep chilled during serving.

Notes

Use 9–12 oz cups for full servings or 5 oz for lighter portions.
Assemble close to serving time to keep crackers crisp.
Firm cheeses hold up best in advance prep.
Include sealed containers inside the cup for dips or spreads.
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor gatherings—just keep them cool.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg