Charcuterie cups are my favorite way to turn a classic grazing board into a fun, portable appetizer. These single-serve treats are perfect for parties, showers, or picnics—anytime I want to impress without the mess of a big communal board.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how customizable and elegant these cups are. They look upscale but take minimal effort. I can prep everything in advance, and each guest gets their own perfect bite-sized selection—no crowding or double-dipping. It’s classy, sanitary, and fun to eat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto, pepperoni)
Cubed cheeses (cheddar, gouda, mozzarella balls)
Crackers or breadsticks
Fresh fruit (grapes, berries)
Pickles or olives
Nuts (almonds, pistachios)
Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme)
Small cups (plastic, paper, or mini mason jars)
Skewers or cocktail picks

Directions

I start by cutting cheese into bite-sized cubes and folding or rolling cured meats.
I thread meats, cheeses, olives, or small tomatoes onto skewers for structure.
In each cup, I layer crackers and breadsticks vertically to anchor the base.
I tuck in skewers, then fill gaps with fruit, pickles, nuts, and herbs.
I finish by adjusting items so they peek out attractively from the top.
I refrigerate until serving, but I let them come to room temp for best flavor.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8–12 individual cups (depending on size and ingredients)
Prep: 30–40 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

Themed cups – I make Mediterranean (feta, olives, hummus), breakfast (mini pancakes, fruit, bacon), or dessert (chocolate, berries, cookies) versions.
Kid-friendly – I swap meats for mini sandwiches, string cheese, goldfish crackers, and fruit snacks.
Vegetarian – I use roasted veggies, hummus cups, and marinated tofu cubes.
Mini jars – When I want a rustic touch, I assemble everything in small mason jars.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the assembled cups in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours. I avoid wet ingredients touching crackers so they stay crisp. No reheating needed—just a quick rest at room temperature before serving to let the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I make charcuterie cups ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them up to a day in advance and refrigerate. I keep crackers separate until serving if I want them extra crunchy.

What size cups work best?

I like 9–12 oz clear plastic or paper cups. They’re big enough for a variety of snacks but still easy to hold.

How much meat and cheese should I plan per cup?

I go with 2–3 slices of meat and 2–3 cheese cubes per person, then build around that with extras.

Do I need to use skewers?

Skewers make stacking easier and look great, but I’ve also layered ingredients freely without them for a more rustic feel.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely—I use gluten-free crackers, cured meats without fillers, and make sure all toppings are safe.

Conclusion

Charcuterie cups give me all the wow-factor of a fancy board without the cleanup or crowding. They’re elegant, endlessly customizable, and always the first thing to disappear at a party. Whether I’m prepping for a big event or just a cozy gathering, these little cups deliver huge flavor in every bite.