Individual Charcuterie Cups

Charcuterie cups are easy to customize and make for any occasion! Each cup is an individual serving packed with all your favorite flavors, from savory meats and cheeses to fresh fruits. They're perfect for your any gathering, big or small!

Looking for a fun and unique way to serve appetizers at your next party? These individual Charcuterie Cups are your solution! I made them for my niece's wedding last year, and they were a crowd favorite! Packed with meats, cheeses, and fruits, they were not only beautiful on the reception tables, but they were also convenient for guests to enjoy while socializing and waiting for their turn to make their dinner plate.

What I love about charcuterie cups is their versatility. You can customize them to fit any occasion, and the best part is that they can be prepped ahead of time.

Besides weddings, these cups are a great appetizer for parties, wedding showers, baby showers, corporate events, game-day events, and holiday get-togethers. Let me share all of our charcuterie cup ideas, so you can create these delightful individual servings of goodness that are sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

• Perfect Size and Portable: Individual charcuterie cups are an easy and stylish way to serve your favorite snacks without the mess. Great for parties, weddings, showers, or game days!
• Endless Customization: You can easily tailor the appetizer cups to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making them suitable for everyone.
• Visual Appeal: Charcuterie cups are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for impressing guests.
• Interactive Snacking: Guests can grab their own individual cups, making it a fun and engaging way to enjoy charcuterie. It can also be a great snacks folks can have to hold them over til' the main meal.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card.

The awesome thing about charcuterie cups is you can make however many you want and can include whatever ingredients you like. I made 275 for my nieces wedding and here is the draft I made for hers and how much each item cost at Costco and Kroger.

1. Skewer #1: Black Olives, Basil, Grape Tomatoes, Mini Mozzarella Balls, Pepperoni
2. Skewer #2: Strawberry, Cheddar Cheese, Salami, Grape
3. Skewer #3: Beef Stick, Grape, Meat Roll-Up
4. Variety of Nuts: You can use savory nuts like a roasted nut mix blend or sweet nuts like sweet and spicy pecans or mocha almonds!
5. Variety of Dried Fruit
6. Pockeys or Pirouette Cookie
7. Cracker Assortment (Pita Chips, long crackers, sesame crackers)

Bonus: We added a small jar of local honey next to it.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Paring Knife
• Charcuterie Cups and Cocktail Picks/Wooden Skewers

How to Make Charcuterie Cups

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients and tools. Decide on the combinations of meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies you want to use. You'll want a variety of flavors and textures.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Cheese: Cut cheeses into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
   • Meats: Roll or fold the cured pieces of meat for an appealing presentation.
   • Fruits and Veggies: Wash and cut fresh fruits and oversized vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
   • Nuts: Keep nuts whole or chop them coarsely if desired.

3. Select Your Cups: Choose little cups or containers suitable for individual servings.
4. Start Layering:
   • Base Layer: Begin with a layer of hard or soft cheeses cubes or folded meats as the base.
   • Add Crunch: Next, include a selection of crunchy vegetables around the edges for a colorful appearance.
   • Incorporate Fruits: Add fresh fruits in the middle or around the sides for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Add Nuts and Crackers: Sprinkle in a handful of nuts and/or add a few crackers or breadsticks. You can place the crackers vertically for a fun effect.

5. Include Condiments: If using dips or spreads, place them in small jars or cups next to the charcuterie cups, or use a toothpick to hold a small portion.
6. Garnish: For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme or a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top.
7. Repeat: Continue filling the remaining cups, assembling them in a similar fashion until all ingredients are used.
8. Cover and Chill: If preparing in advance, cover the assembled cups with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. For best results, add fresh items like fruits or veggies just before serving to keep everything crisp.
9. Serve: Arrange the cups on a platter or serving table for your guests to grab and enjoy!

Here is a chart of a variety of ingredients to help you craft your own cups!

Tips and Substitutions

• Balance Flavors: Aim for a mix of flavors and textures in each cup. Combine savory meats with creamy cheeses, crunchy vegetables, and sweet fruits to create a well-rounded snack.
• Mix Colors: Choose a variety of colorful ingredients more vibrant.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Start with a sturdy base to provide support for other ingredients. Make sure the heavier items are at the bottom. Layer items neatly so that each component is easily accessible.
• Prep in Advance: If time permits, prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Slice meats and cheeses, wash and cut fruits and vegetables, and store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the cups.
• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to fill the cups to the brim, avoid overcrowding them. This ensures that each ingredient is easily accessible.
• Serve with Utensils: Provide toothpicks, skewers, or spoons for easy serving.
• Keep It Chill: If serving outdoors or at a warm gathering, consider using small ice trays or a cooler to keep the charcuterie cups fresh and cool.
• Choose a Sturdy Base: French fry paper cups and clear plastic cups work great for charcuterie cups. Charcuterie cones are a popular choice as well, but you'll need a display to hold them upright in as well.

Storage

Typically, you can prepare the meat/fruit/cheese skewers up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Don’t assemble the cups more than 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to serving as this will cause the crackers to absorb some of the moisture and cheese can harden. If using fruits or wet items, consider adding them just before serving to prevent making the other ingredients soggy.

Dried fruits and nuts can be placed in the charcuterie cups ahead of time and stored in a airtight containers until ready for assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes Like This 

• Mini Holiday Charcuterie Boards
• Spring Charcuterie Board
• Holiday Meat and Cheese Spread