These charcuterie cups are an easy party appetizer filled with cheese, salami, fresh fruit and crackers. Everyone gets their own little snack cup to enjoy while they mingle!
Customize your cups with charcuterie board ideas, whether it’s mini antipasto skewers or fresh fruit and cheese inspired by a classic fruit and cheese platter.
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Key Takeaways: Easy Individual Charcuterie Cups
- Easy to serve: Each cup is already portioned, so guests can grab one and snack while they visit.
- Make them your own: Mix and match your favorite meats, cheeses, fruit and crunchy snacks to fit the occasion.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the meat and cheese skewers ahead of time for easy party prep.
- Perfect for parties: A colorful appetizer for baby showers, holiday gatherings or girls’ night, with no cooking required.
Why I Love This Appetizer Idea for Parties
These individual charcuterie cups have all my sweet and salty charcuterie board favorites but are perfectly portioned in a portable cup. I like to include a little crunch with mixed nuts and a piece of chocolate to finish with something sweet.
For Christmas, a sprig of rosemary and a red ribbon bow make these single-serving charcuterie cups feel extra festive, but my favorite part is how easy they are to customize for any party or menu.
Supplies Needed
- Charcuterie cups: You’ll need 8 disposable charcuterie cups. Disposable paper French fry cups or sturdy clear plastic cups both work well.
- Cocktail toothpicks: Use 16 picks, one for the salami and cheese and one for the berries in each cup.
- Baking sheets and plastic wrap: Helpful for keeping the prepared skewers covered in the fridge and transporting the cups.
What to Include in Charcuterie Cups
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Meat: Fold salami into fourths to thread onto skewers. Prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella adds another meat and cheese pairing without any extra prep.
- Cheese: Colby Jack cubes hold their shape well on skewers.
- Fruit: Strawberries and blackberries add fresh flavor and a pop of color.
- Mixed nuts: Add these to the bottom of each cup for crunch and to help support the taller ingredients.
- Crackers: A tall flatbread cracker adds height. Use your favorite variety or tuck in a few smaller crackers.
- Chocolate: Finish each cup with a wrapped chocolate, such as a Hershey’s Nugget, for something sweet.
- Rosemary: A fresh sprig adds greenery and makes the cups look especially festive for the holidays.
Filling Variations
- Meat and cheese: Try pepperoni, cubed cheddar or Gouda, or tuck in a mini Brie wheel.
- Fruit: Swap the berries for grapes, dried apricots or figs.
- Something crunchy: Use pretzels, breadsticks or pita chips in place of the flatbread crackers.
- Something sweet: Add chocolate-covered pretzels, a honey stick or a mini cookie.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra cheese, fruit or a skewer of grape tomatoes.
- Nut-free: Replace the mixed nuts with pretzels or dried fruit, checking the other ingredients for nuts as needed.
- Themed cup ideas: Turn your favorite platter or board into single-serving cups. Try savory options inspired by my mezze platter or Italian antipasto platter, or go sweet with treats from my Christmas dessert board or hot chocolate charcuterie board.
How to Make Charcuterie Cups
Fold the salami slices into fourths, then thread onto cocktail picks, alternating with Colby Jack cheese cubes. On separate picks, alternate strawberries and blackberries.
Add ¼ cup mixed nuts to the bottom of each cup. This creates a sturdy base and gives the other ingredients a little height.
Place the tallest items in first, including the flatbread cracker and prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella. Tuck in the meat and cheese skewers and fruit skewers, then finish each cup with a wrapped chocolate and a sprig of rosemary.
Recipe Tips
- Start with one cup: Check the arrangement and skewer length before assembling the rest. Leave enough of each pick above the rim for guests to grab.
- Build a sturdy base: Add mixed nuts first to support the skewers, then spread taller items around the cup for balance. Avoid packing too tightly so everything is easy to pull out.
- Choose sturdy ingredients: Firm cheese cubes hold up better than soft or crumbly cheeses. Berries and grapes are great fruit options that won’t brown quickly.
- Keep moisture in check: Pat washed fruit dry and drain any olives or pickles well. Add crackers just before serving to keep them crisp.
Charcuterie Cups FAQs
Yes! For veggie cups, use a food-safe plastic cup with a little dip in the bottom and stand the vegetables upright.
For charcuterie cups, tuck in a small lidded condiment cup or serve dips, jams and mustards nearby so guests can add their own. Keep crackers away from dips until serving.
Sturdy 9- to 12-ounce cups work well, with enough room for the fillings and skewers
Plan on one cup per person when serving alongside other appetizers. For a longer gathering or a smaller appetizer spread, have a few extras ready.
You can prep the components the night before. Cover and refrigerate the fruit and meat-and-cheese skewers, prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella and rosemary. Keep the nuts, crackers and wrapped chocolates separate from the refrigerated ingredients, then assemble before serving.
More charcuterie board ideas include fall charcuterie board, Valentine’s Day charcuterie board and pancake charcuterie board.
More Holiday Appetizer Recipes
Charcuterie Cups
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 strawberries
- 16 blackberries
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 8 rosemary sprigs
- 8 pieces chocolate , such as Hershey Nuggets
- 24 pieces salami
- 24 cubes colby jack cheese , or other favorite cheese
- 8 prosciutto wrapped mozzarella
- 8 flatbread crackers
Any other cheeses, fruits, chocolates or crackers such as grapes, honey sticks, or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Skewer meat and cheese: Fold salami into fourths, and place on skewers, alternating with cheese cubes. Set aside.
- Skewer fruit: Alternate strawberries and blackberries on skewers. Set aside.
- Add nuts: Add 1/4 cup mixed nuts to the bottom of every cup. This will add height to the other items in the cup.
- Add items to cups: Add the tallest items to the cup first, filling in with all other items and topping with a piece of chocolate. See notes for preparing in advance.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
