Easy Small-Batch Charcuterie Cups: Best Parents Night Appetizer
These easy small-batch charcuterie cups are the perfect no-cook appetizer for parents’ night. They are portable, customizable, and can be assembled in under 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the party without being stuck in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Salami or Pepperoni, thinly sliced (Genoa salami recommended)
- Cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (sharp cheddar recommended)
- Red seedless grapes, washed and dried
- Almonds or cashews, roasted and salted
- Mini pretzel twists or crackers (Ritz crackers or gluten-free crackers)
- Cornichons or small pickles
- Olives, pitted kalamata or green (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Wash and dry the grapes. Cube the cheddar cheese into ½-inch pieces. If salami slices are large, cut them in half or into quarters. Set everything out in small bowls.
- Layer the base: Place a small handful of almonds or cashews in the bottom of each cup (about ¼ cup total for 12 cups).
- Add the cheese: Drop 3 to 4 cubes of cheddar cheese on top of the nuts.
- Layer the meat: Fold or roll a slice of salami and tuck it into the cup, leaning it against the side so it is visible. Use one slice per cup for small cups, or two for larger ones.
- Add the fruit: Place 2 to 3 grapes on top of the cheese and meat. If using olives, add one or two next to the grapes.
- Insert the pickles: Tuck one or two cornichons into the side of the cup.
- Top with crackers: Gently press 2 to 3 mini pretzel twists or crackers into the top layer, standing them upright or leaning them against the rim.
- Garnish (optional): Stick a small sprig of fresh rosemary into the center of each cup.
- Chill until serving (optional): Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Take them out 15 minutes before serving to let the cheese soften slightly.
Notes
Don’t overfill the cups. Keep wet ingredients (olives, pickles) patted dry to avoid soggy crackers. Layer strategically for visual appeal. Prep all ingredients before assembling. Make extra for yourself.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 11
Keywords: charcuterie cups, parents night appetizer, easy appetizer, no-cook appetizer, portable appetizer, small-batch charcuterie