Charcuterie Cups

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I whipped up these adorable charcuterie cups recently for a sweet baby shower, and let me tell you – they were a total hit. Not only did they add flair to the food table, but they were also incredibly practical.

No more hovering around a traditional charcuterie board, awkwardly trying to balance grapes and crackers while holding a drink. Each guest had their own individual charcuterie cup – compact, easy to grab, and perfect for mingling.

After seeing how well they worked at the shower, I knew these cups would become my go-to for many events. They’re the perfect appetizer for weddings, game days, or even a laid-back holiday season cocktail hour.

Whether you're hosting a brunch, party, or tailgate, these hand-held boards offer the ideal solution for serving a variety of flavors without the mess.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These easy charcuterie cups bring the best parts of a traditional charcuterie board but without the hassle. No more juggling small items like crackers or cheese slices – instead, each cup offers everything your guests need in one convenient, portable serving. They’re not just practical; they’re also a great way to add some charm to your food table.

With fresh fruit, soft cheeses, and savory deli meat packed neatly into individual servings, these cups are both stylish and stress-free.

You can prep them ahead of time, refrigerate them, and pull them out just before your event – making hosting easier than ever. Swap ingredients to suit the occasion, like adding mini pickles, baby carrots, or different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or cheddar cheese.

Trust me, these little cups will be a perfect addition to your next gathering, and your guests will love the variety of flavors in each bite.

Equipment List

• Paper Charcuterie Cups or Clear plastic cups: These hold the individual servings neatly and make for easy cleanup.
• Wooden Cocktail Skewers: Essential for holding smaller items like mini pickles, fresh fruit, and soft cheeses together.
• Toothpicks: Perfect for securing folded pepperoni into a rose shape.
• Sharp knife: Makes slicing cheese and deli meat a breeze.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for assembling your skewers and cups.

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What You’ll Need for DIY Charcuterie Cups

• Pepperoni: Folded into a rose for a decorative touch.
• Mini mozzarella balls: A soft cheese that pairs beautifully with basil and tomatoes.
• Hard salami: Adds savory flavor to the skewers.
• Post Oak smoked gouda: Brings a smoky depth to your appetizer cups.
• Dill gherkins: These mini pickles add a tangy crunch.
• Sartori BellaVitano Merlot cheese: Infused with wine for a subtle sweetness.
• Dried apricots and cherries: A delightful contrast to the cheeses.
• Red grapes and green grapes: Provide bursts of fresh flavor.
• Mixed nuts: Add texture at the bottom of the cup.
• Rustic crackers and sesame breadsticks: Essential for that satisfying crunch.
• Blackberries and strawberries: Perfect little sweet treats to balance the savory elements.
• Rosemary sprig or herb sprig: For garnish and a pop of greenery.

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How to Make Charcuterie Cups

• Start with the mixed nuts: Add a couple of tablespoons to the bottom of each cup. This anchors everything else.
• Arrange the long crackers and breadsticks: Position them toward the back of the cup, leaving space for skewers upfront.
• Assemble the pepperoni rose skewers:
  • Overlap five slices of pepperoni.
  • Fold them in half and roll them tightly into a rose.
  • Secure with a toothpick and add a basil leaf, a mini mozzarella ball, and a cherry tomato to finish the skewer.

• Make the gouda and gherkin skewers:
  • Skewer a mini pickle, a cube of smoked gouda, and folded slices of salami.

• Prepare the merlot cheese and dried fruit skewers:
  • Alternate between dried cherries, dried apricots, and cubes of BellaVitano Merlot cheese.

• Create the grape skewers:
  • Thread red and green grapes, alternating between colors.

• Add fresh fruit and garnish:
  • Drop a blackberry and a strawberry into each cup.
  • Garnish with a rosemary sprig for an elegant touch.
• Cover and refrigerate: Keep the cups cool until ready to serve.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Prep in advance: Assemble these appetizer cups up to a day before your event. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• Cheese variety: Swap gouda for cheddar cheese or try adding mini cheese balls made with goat cheese or blue cheese for extra variety.
• Use baby carrots: Add baby carrots to the skewers for a pop of color and crunch.
• Flexible crackers: No sesame breadsticks? Use pita chips or bagel chips instead.

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Serving Suggestions

These individual charcuterie cups are perfect for any occasion:

• Baby showers: Cute and convenient for mingling guests.
• Game days: Hand-held charcuterie boards that are easy to snack on.
• Holiday season parties: Add festive touches like cranberries or holiday-themed skewers.
• Cocktail hours: Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
• Brunch gatherings: Complement with light sandwiches or fruit salads.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or mini cheese balls made with goat cheese are all excellent choices.

Q: How far in advance can I make these cups?
A: They can be made 24 hours in advance. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Q: What other deli meat works well?
A: Try prosciutto or smoked turkey for a lighter option.

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Storage Tips

• Storage: Keep any leftover cups covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
• Shelf life: These appetizer cups will stay fresh for 1-2 days in the fridge.

These adorable charcuterie cups are a fun way to serve up variety without the mess of a good charcuterie board.

Whether you're hosting a casual game day, an elegant baby shower, or a festive holiday season gathering, these small cups pack a punch of flavor and charm. With fresh fruit, cheese slices, mini pickles, and herb sprigs, they’re a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Plus, they’re easy to customize with different types of cheese or deli meat to suit your event. Serve these hand-held charcuterie boards at your next party, and watch them disappear—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love their own little cup of deliciousness?

More Fun Appetizer Recipes

• 7 Layer Dip Cups
• Balsamic Kettle Chips with Blue Cheese and Truffle Oil
• Cranberry Crostini
• How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board