If you’re looking for a fun, elegant, and totally crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Charcuterie Cups Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine personalized mini boards but in a cup—each filled with an irresistible mix of savory salami, creamy brie, crunchy almonds, crisp sugar snap peas, sweet grapes, juicy blackberries, and crunchy crackers. This dish takes the traditional charcuterie experience and makes it portable, charming, and oh-so-delicious, perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or just a fancy snack at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Charcuterie Cups Recipe lies in its simplicity and variety. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from adding texture and flavor contrast to making these cups visually stunning. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before assembling your cups.
- 10 oz. variety package of salami: Using a mix like peppered and felino gives you layers of savory and spice.
- 1 oz jar green olives: Adds a salty, tangy punch that brightens every bite.
- 4 oz. round of brie cheese: Creamy, smooth, and indulgent for that rich cheese component.
- 5 oz. rosemary and sea salt “fancy” almonds: These provide crunch with a fragrant herbal note.
- 8 oz. sugar snap peas: Fresh and crisp, they add a delightful pop of green.
- 1 lb. red seedless grapes: Sweet and juicy, balancing the savory flavors perfectly.
- 12 oz. blackberries: Adds tartness and a burst of color.
- 4 oz. package of cheese twists: Crunchy and cheesy, perfect for framing the cups.
- 8 oz. package of crackers: We recommend date and seed specialty crackers for an extra flavor kick.
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, lavender, basil, or oregano): These elevate the aroma and add a finishing touch to your cups.
How to Make Charcuterie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by opening all your packages so everything is ready to go. This makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable since you won’t be searching for items mid-build. Having each component laid out also sparks your creativity as you start to visualize your cups.
Step 2: Arrange Your Cups
Use short plastic cups that are wide enough to hold all your goodies but still look neat. These cups are ideal because they keep everything contained and presentable, giving your charcuterie a fun, modern vibe.
Step 3: Layer the Bottom with Almonds
Add a handful of those rosemary and sea salt almonds at the bottom. Not only do these nuts add a satisfying crunch, but they also help weigh down the cup so it stays sturdy while layering all the other delicious ingredients.
Step 4: Add Tall Components
Place cheese twists upright at the back of each cup. These serve as a tasty frame and add height, making your cups look visually appealing. Don’t forget to tuck in some crackers alongside; they’re perfect for scooping up cheese and salami later.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Salami Picks
Fold your salami slices into fourths and thread 4 to 5 pieces onto food picks. These salami picks become the savory backbone of your cups and slot in beautifully behind other items, creating layers of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Make Cheese and Fruit Picks
Cut your brie into eight wedges and pair each with some grapes or blackberries on skewers. The creamy cheese combined with sweet fruit is a classic combo, and placing them on picks makes them easy and elegant to enjoy.
Step 7: Skewer the Olives
Thread a few green olives per pick and add these to your cups. Their salty, briny flavor complements the richness of brie and peppery salami perfectly, ensuring your cups hit all the right notes.
Step 8: Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Slide a fresh herb sprig like rosemary, lavender, or oregano to the back of each cup. This adds a burst of color and aroma that instantly elevates the experience.
Step 9: Fill in with Grapes, Berries, and Almonds
Finally, fill any empty spaces with plump grapes, blackberries, and a few more almonds. This not only makes the cups look full and inviting but ensures every bite offers variety and balance.
How to Serve Charcuterie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Using fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or basil as garnishes adds a beautiful pop of green while infusing subtle herbal notes into your cups. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops to enhance the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple by pairing these Charcuterie Cups Recipe with a chilled white wine or sparkling water infused with citrus and herbs. For heartier occasions, a light green salad or grilled vegetables complement the charcuterie’s rich and fresh components without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cups on a rustic wooden tray surrounded by fresh flowers or herbs for a charming touch. You can also place each cup inside a small paper bag tied with twine for effortless party favors. For an interactive twist, offer a “build your own” station with extra ingredients for guests to customize their own cups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Charcuterie Cups in airtight containers and refrigerate. To keep the crackers and cheese twists from getting soggy, store them separately and add them freshly when ready to eat again.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh since many ingredients (like berries, grapes, and crackers) don’t freeze well. Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture and flavor significantly.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary or recommended for these cups. They are meant to be served cold or at room temperature to preserve the fresh, vibrant flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is deliciously creamy and pairs wonderfully with fruit, cheeses like goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or gouda can be great alternatives depending on your flavor preferences.
What can I substitute for sugar snap peas?
If you can’t find sugar snap peas, crunchy veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or even bell pepper strips work beautifully to add that refreshing crisp.
How far in advance can I assemble the cups?
It’s best to assemble the Charcuterie Cups Recipe no more than a few hours before serving to ensure freshness. Prepare ingredients earlier but assemble close to serving time for the best presentation.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the crackers for your favorite gluten-free variety, and ensure any packaged items you use do not contain gluten to maintain the appeal of this dish.
What’s the best way to transport these for a party?
Use a sturdy tray or shallow box with sides to keep the cups upright and nestled tightly together. Keeping them refrigerated en route will help maintain freshness and appearance.
Final Thoughts
This Charcuterie Cups Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It transforms the traditional charcuterie board into something playful, approachable, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a special snack, these cups bring together exciting flavors and textures in every bite. Give them a try—you’ll love how stunning and deliciously convenient they are!
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Charcuterie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Charcuterie Cups are a delightful and visually appealing way to serve a variety of snacks and appetizers. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these cups combine savory salami, creamy brie, crunchy almonds, fresh fruits, and crisp crackers in individual servings, making them easy to enjoy and share. The fresh herb garnish adds an aromatic touch that elevates the presentation and flavors.
Ingredients
Meats
- 10 oz. variety package of salami (peppered and felino salami)
Cheese
- 4 oz. round of brie cheese
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1 oz jar green olives (or mixed olives)
- 8 oz. sugar snap peas
- 1 lb. red seedless grapes
- 12 oz. blackberries
Snacks
- 5 oz. rosemary and sea salt “fancy” almonds
- 4 oz. package of cheese twists
- 8 oz. package of crackers (date and seed specialty crackers recommended)
Garnish
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, lavender, basil, or oregano)
Instructions
- Prepare the Components: Open the packaging for all charcuterie items to have them ready and accessible for assembly.
- Set up Cups: Arrange short plastic cups that will hold the charcuterie items and create an attractive individual serving.
- Add Almonds: Place a few rosemary and sea salt almonds at the bottom of each cup to weight it down and provide a crunchy base.
- Insert Cheese Twists and Crackers: Add the tall cheese twists at the back of each cup to frame it, then incorporate some crackers alongside them.
- Create Salami Picks: Fold pieces of salami into fourths, skewering 4-5 pieces on each pick, and tuck the picks into the cups for easy eating.
- Make Cheese and Fruit Picks: Cut the brie into eight wedges; pair each wedge with berries or grapes on picks and place these in the cups.
- Olive Picks: Skewer olives onto picks and add them to the cups to enhance flavor variety.
- Garnish with Herbs: Add fresh herb sprigs like rosemary, lavender, basil, or oregano toward the back of each cup for aroma and presentation.
- Fill Remaining Space: Complete each cup by filling empty spaces with additional grapes, blackberries, and almonds.
Notes
- Use short plastic cups for easy serving and an impressive presentation.
- Folding the salami and securing it on food picks helps keep everything neat and easy to grab.
- Choose a mix of sweet and savory components to balance flavors.
- Fresh herbs elevate the visual appeal and add subtle fragrance.
- This recipe requires no cooking, making it quick and simple to assemble.
