• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Peel with Zeal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • GF Resources
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • GF Resources
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Appetizers

    Published: Dec 6, 2022 · Modified: Jan 24, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Charcuterie Cups

    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email
    - Jump to Recipe -

    Handheld mini charcuterie cups are ideal for parties and gatherings. Mix and match the filling to make unique and fun combinations that wow guests and fit your budget. This easy appetizer recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare!

    Charcuterie and cheese skewers in a cup.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    These easy charcuterie cups are ideal for a variety of events such as bridal showers and baby showers, holiday parties, and even game day. There is just something about individual appetizers that feels fancy.

    In the summer I pair them with chips and mango salsa. our famous corn ribs recipe. For chillier weather, they complement our spicy shrimp deviled eggs and cream cheese stuffed peppers perfectly.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • 💭 Charcuterie Cup Ideas
    • ⏲️How to Make Charcuterie Cups
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
    • 🌡️Storage and Making Ahead
    • Pair with These Cocktail Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    Individual appetizers in a cup are a great way to accommodate multiple food allergies and restrictions like vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

    Each single serving cup can be unique and labeled as needed. Plus you can mix and match ingredients to find your favorite new combinations.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    For the individual charcuterie boards or cups, you can use any variety of meats, cheeses, and any accouterments that you like. Here are my recommended items.

    Cheese- Pick one easy-to-eat soft cheese like mozzarella balls or chunks of soft cheese like feta. Avoid mini cheese balls and goat cheese logs as they are too soft to skewer.

    And two kinds of cheese, a dill Havarti and a sharp white cheddar. For interest, I cut one into cubes and the other into thin slices.

    Meats- Again I like to play with shapes and textures. I used one round of salami that I sliced. Thick-cut pepperoni would make a great substitution. For a softer look, I cut prosciutto into think ribbons and loosely folded them.

    Vegetables- I prefer to use smaller cucumbers and grape tomatoes for my fresh items. And add pickled vegetables like gherkins, olives, or peppers for tang.

    Fruit- I like to use a mix of dry and fresh fruits on my charcuterie boards. Grapes, berries, or figs. For dried fruit, I like dried apricots, cherries, and dates.

    Nuts- I used toasted pecans but almonds, or even crunchy chickpeas.

    To decorate the cups you can add a sprig or two of fresh herbs.

    To complement your charcuterie cups serve with little jars of jam, honey, or mustard. Plus, regular crackers, gluten-free crackers, and toasted bread.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    Ingredients for a grazing board on a cutting board.

    💭 Charcuterie Cup Ideas

    Use your imagination! But here are a few recommended combinations.

    Charcuterie skewer ideas.

    ⏲️How to Make Charcuterie Cups

    Chop all your items into bite-size pieces varying the shapes and textures. If you have great knife skills or a special mandolin you can mix a few fun shapes if you like.

    Assemble the Skewers

    Try to create a balanced mix of flavors and textures, with a mix of soft and crunchy items. Mixing flavors like sweet with salty and spicy with creamy is what you want.

    I usually do ⅔ of the items on skewers and the rest directly in the cups

    Assemble the Cups

    Arrange the ingredients in the cup in an attractive way. Start by placing the nuts and dried fruits in the bottom of the cup. Add 2 to 3 skewers per cup,

    Fill in with the extra items. Add a fresh sprig of rosemary or parlsey for garnish.

    You can place the crackers in the cups or to the side.

    Where to Buy Charcuterie Cups

    For smaller events I use glass cups and martini glasses that I already have. For larger events, you may want to purchase disposable cups.

    You can either do a paper cup with the front cut out. Or use clear plastic cups, the same ones you serve drinks out of.

    I use these bamboo knot skewers for my toothpicks.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

    Serve the charcuterie cups with a variety of crackers, bread, and spreads to allow guests to create their own flavor combinations. This will make the charcuterie cups more interactive and fun to eat.

    Charcuterie and cheese skewers in a cup.

    🌡️Storage and Making Ahead

    You can buy all the ingredients for this recipe up to 3 days in advance. Store according to package instructions. Vegetables and fruits should be stored in their respective crisper drawers in the fridge.

    Cut all your items the night before your party. Assemble up to 2 hours before party time. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

    Pair with These Cocktail Recipes

    • Blood Orange Margarita
    • Cranberry Gin Cocktail
    • Vodka Margarita
    • Crockpot Mulled Wine

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make the charcuterie cups the night before?

    You can cut all the individual pieces up the night before and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble 2 hours before your event. This will prevent the cheese from drying out and other items from getting soggy.

    How do you fold the meat for charcuterie cups?

    For then long pieces of meat like proscuitto and ham, slice into ribbons and roll the piece up. For thin round pieces, like pepperoni or salami, pinch in the center to make a flower.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    Charcuterie and cheese skewers in a cup.

    Charcuterie Cups

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    Individual charcuterie cups are easy to put together and great for parties and showers. You can accommodate multiple dietary restrictions while serving a cute party appetizer. This twist on the classic charcuterie board is perfect for events where everyone is mixing and mingling.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 327 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cutting board
    • Knife
    • 16-20 Cups glass, plastic, or paper
    • Wooden Toothpicks

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups pecans
    • 2 cups dried fruit like dates and apricots
    • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or bocconcini
    • 8 ounces harvarti cheese any flavor
    • 12 ounces sharp cheddar
    • 8 ounces salami
    • 3 ounces prosciutto
    • 1 cup seedless cucumber sliced thin
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    • 1 cup blackberries
    • 1 cup pickled vegetables or olives
    • 2 boxes crackers

    Instructions
     

    • Chop all your items into bite-size pieces varying the shapes and textures. Add 2 to 4 pieces per skewer.
      8 ounces mozzarella pearls, 8 ounces harvarti cheese, 12 ounces sharp cheddar, 8 ounces salami, 3 ounces prosciutto, 1 cup seedless cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup pickled vegetables or olives
    • Evenly divide the dried fruit and nuts into the bottom of the cups. Add 2 to 3 skewers per cup. Any remaining items can be tucked in between the skewers. Add 3 crackers per cup.
      2 cups pecans, 2 cups dried fruit, 2 boxes crackers

    Notes

    • Ingredients and quantities are suggestions. Adjust according to your personal preference and dietary requirements. 
    • See the post for recommended combinations, including vegetarian options.
    • Serve with or without crackers. Or let guest add their own. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 327kcal | Carbs: 8g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 2g
    Keyword charcuterie in a cup, DIY charcuterie cups, unique charcuterie boards
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Next Recipe

    • Beef Nachos Supreme
    • BBQ Chicken Nachos
    • Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
    • Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    Subscribe

    Seasonal Recipes

    • Roast Turkey with Sage and Orange
    • How to Dry Brine a Turkey
    • Homemade Turkey Broth
    • Citrus and Herb Cornish Hens
    • Cranberry Salad with Raspberry Jello
    • Pecan Pie Filling

    Popular Recipes

    • Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
    • Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash
    • San Marzano Tomato Sauce
    • Demerara Syrup
    • Tanghulu
    • Easy Dog Birthday Cake

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out our new Web Stories

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Partnerships

    Copyright © 2022 Peel with Zeal