Your guests will go crazy for these pint-size party containers! Easy individual charcuterie cups appetizers are simple to make, completely customizable, and ideal for celebrations, parties, holidays, and events.
They are a close cousin of traditional charcuterie boards with a single serving twist.
A huge thanks to Sarah Drexler (@sarah_drexler on Instagram), the host of this party! She created these charcuterie darlings for her sister’s baby “sprinkle” party and was so generous to share them with us today.
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There are just so many reasons to love these little appetizer cups.
They look so festive and make you look fabulous for coming up with the idea.
There’s no cooking required, just simple assembly. They are just as fun to assemble as they are to eat. Oh! And everyone gets their very own.
Trader Joe’s Charcuterie
You’ve got to love Trader Joe’s, where shopping and trying out new grocery products is always a fun adventure!
You can find all the ingredients you need for your appetizer cups at TJs, except the cups and skewers. (Scroll down to “Charcuterie Accessories” for more on that.)
If you are planning for more than 10 guests, consider buying some of your groceries at Costco or Aldi to save money. Sarah went to Costco for grapes, fruit, olives, cheese, and meat.
Cold Finger Food Appetizers
These appetizer cups are fun for incorporating all your favorite finger foods!
When using room-temperature snacks and chilled varieties, you must be careful to keep them safe for your guests to consume. Keep the cups in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Below are common appetizer questions.
Keep the meat and cheese wrapped and separated until 2 hours before your event so they don’t dry out. Also, add fruit and crackers just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
Chop or cut your food to size, then store it in plastic wrap or an airtight container until you are ready to put the cups together. Then, the assembly is easy and stress-free before your event.
A charcuterie board or cups should only sit at room temperature for 2 hours. This will help prevent bacteria from growing on the meats and making people sick. Be sure to dispose of any leftover food that has sat out longer.
If you use glass or ceramic jarcuterie jars (not paper), display your appetizers on top of a pretty platter or shallow pan filled with ice. This will keep everything chilled and fresh.
Charcuterie keeps best in cooler-temperature environments. Avoid serving it outside on hot days.
Charcuterie Cups Ideas
I’ve created a shopping list so you can make exactly what you see in these photos. Plus, I have more DIY charcuterie-filling ideas too.
For disposable cups, cones, cocktail skewers, and other fun accessories keep scrolling for ideas and where to buy resources.
Sarah purchased from several grocery stores, so the quantity inside each package was different, but here is what she bought.
Costco
Sliced cheese, one package
Assorted salami, one package
Prosciutto, one package
One Cantaloupe
Strawberries, two packages
Sangria tomatoes, one package
Garlic stuffed olives, one jar
Trader Joe’s
Marinated mozzarella balls, three tubs
Blueberries, one regular container
Red grapes, one bag
Green grapes, one bag (table garnish)
Parmesan crisps, three packages
Honey wheat pretzel sticks, one bag
Regular Grocery Store
White bread, two loaves
Chicken salad, one quart, for the sandwiches
She did have some leftovers from the bulk packages.
This made about 65 cups. However, Sarah ran out of the parmesan crisps and filled in with some pretzel thins.
Separate cups can be made vegan, gluten, or dairy-free.
More Charcuterie Cup Filler Ideas and Accompaniments
Nuts; cashews, macadamias, Marcona almonds, or pecans
Dried fruits; apricots, cherries, figs, mango, or pineapple
Crackers; various shapes, sizes, and flavors
Sweets; a small bar of good dark chocolate
Easy Individual Charcuterie Cups Appetizer
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
These easy individual charcuterie cups appetizers are simple to make, completely customizable, and ideal for celebrations, parties, holidays, and events.
Ingredients
Groceries
Fruits, blueberries, strawberries, and cantaloupe
Cherry tomatoes
Garlic stuffed olives
Meats; salami, pepperoni and prosciutto
Sliced cheeses; Havarti, cheddar, and gouda (made with pasteurized milk)
Marinated mozzarella balls
Trader Joe’s parmesan crisps
Honey wheat pretzel sticks
Balsamic glaze on the side for dipping, optional
Charcuterie Supplies (See links below)
Cups, Jars, or Cones
Cocktail Picks or Skewers
Instructions
Open all packaging, cup containers, and skewers. Scroll down for container and skewer design ideas and buying resources.
Design One Container First
Create and complete one charcuterie cup just as you want, so you have a plan.
First, thread 2 skewers for one cup (or more, depending on the size of your container). Remember to vary the skewers from each other and mix the food colors, textures, and flavors to create more interest and varied tastes. Fold your sliced meats 2-3 times to add depth to your skewers.
Now, add your loose elements to the container; the parmesan crisps and pretzels. Keep damp items like strawberries away from the crisp things until you are close to serving time. Next, fill in openings or add height if necessary with more oversized items like grapes, tomatoes, or tall parmesan crisps.
Set up your Assembly Line
Finally, set up your workspace in the order of items you want to put on your skewers and in your containers so you are as efficient as possible.
Repeat the process to make all of your charcuterie cups.
Your final finished cups may vary depending upon the size of your container and filling methods.
Notes
For resources to the exact amounts used in the photos and stores purchased, scroll up in the post.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 charcuterie cup
- Calories: 500 k
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 82 mg
Keywords: charcuterie cups, jarcuterie, appetizers, party food
Charcuterie Accessories
Mix it up with charcuterie containers and additions such as cocktail skewers for the season! Just click on the picture for more information. Affiliate links are included below.
Disposable Individual Charcuterie Cups
Cocktail Skewers
Charcuterie Cones
Charcuterie Boxes Kraft Boxes
Individual Charcuterie Cheese Boards
Jarcuterie, Glass Individual Charcuterie Jars
Enjoy your next event with these charming charcuterie appetizers. Your cup will overfloweth with compliments!
xo,
Cindy
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What a gorgeous party spread! Thanks for sharing all of the details with us, Sarah.
★★★★★