Can charcuterie be made ahead of time?

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.

How long can a charcuterie board sit out?

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.

What is the best way to keep charcuterie cold?

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.

Easy Individual Charcuterie Cups Appetizer

Description

These easy individual charcuterie cups appetizers are simple to make, completely customizable, and ideal for celebrations, parties, holidays, and events.

Ingredients

Groceries

fruit; blueberries, strawberries, & cantaloupe

cherry tomatoes

garlic stuffed olives

salami, pepperoni or prosciutto

cheese; havarti, cheddar, & gouda

marinated mozzarella balls

Trader Joe’s parmesan crisps

honey wheat pretzel sticks

balsamic glaze for dipping

Charcuterie Supplies (see below)

cups, jars, or cones

cocktail picks or skewers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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

Preparation. Keep the meat and cheese wrapped and separated until 2 hours before your event so it doesn’t dry out. Also, add fruit and crackers just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness

Resources. For reference to the exact amount of food used in the photos and the stores where it was purchased, see the post.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Cuisine: American

Keywords: charcuterie cups, jarcuterie, appetizers, party food