Charcuterie just got cuter. These Christmas Charcuterie Cups are the ultimate festive party trick. You get all the charm of a holiday grazing board packed into one perfectly portioned little cup. No more crowding around one tray. Everyone gets their own edible gift. These are fun to build, totally customizable, and shockingly simple to prep. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or planning a low-key night with snacks and bubbly, this appetizer brings joy to every bite
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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Charcuterie Cups
These cups are little flavor-filled ornaments for your party table. Each one holds a bite of everything: creamy cheese, juicy grapes, crisp crackers, savory salami. They’re easy to grab, no utensils needed, and perfect for both kids and adults. You can prep them hours ahead, pop them in the fridge, and watch the compliments roll in. Want to round out your spread? These Puff Pastry Nutella Christmas Trees add a sweet counterbalance to your savory setup
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheese cubes cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack
Cured meats salami, prosciutto, pepperoni
Fresh grapes and cherry tomatoes
Pickles or olives gherkins, kalamata, green
Mini crackers or thin breadsticks
Plastic appetizer cups clear 5 9 oz tumblers work best
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Toothpicks or party skewers
Try to pick colors that pop against each other: red cherry tomatoes, green grapes, white cheese. It all adds to the holiday vibe
How to Assemble Christmas Charcuterie Cups
- Start by folding salami or prosciutto into fans or rosettes. Skewer with cheese, grape, and tomato on party picks
- Place one or two skewers into each cup, anchoring them at an angle
- Tuck in crackers or breadsticks on the side for crunch
- Fill any gaps with extra cheese cubes, olives, or pickles
- Finish with a small rosemary sprig to mimic a mini tree
- Arrange cups on a tray and chill until ready to serve
These pair beautifully with these Juicy Mini Sandwiches for Parties if you need something a little more filling
Tips to Make Them Pop
Use clear cups so the colorful ingredients shine through
Don’t overload or the cups will topple
Stick to 5 6 components per cup for balance
If making ahead, keep crackers separate and add just before serving
Pre-folding your meats saves tons of time during assembly
Flavor Pairing and Presentation Ideas
Serve these charcuterie cups with sparkling cider, cranberry mocktails, or even warm mulled wine for an extra festive feel. Add a sweet nibble nearby like sugared pecans or chocolate-covered pretzels. Arrange the cups in a wreath shape on a circular tray or line them up on a wooden board with fairy lights. Add a fresh pop of color by placing an Elegant Veggie Platter nearby for balance and crunch
FAQ
Can I make these the night before?
Yes, just wrap the entire tray in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. Add the crackers and garnish right before serving
How do I keep crackers from getting soggy?
Either use extra crisp varieties or tuck them in at the last minute. You can also serve them on the side
Can I make them nut-free or vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap meats for marinated tofu or grilled zucchini ribbons, and skip nuts entirely
More Christmas Appetizer Ideas
These Puff Pastry Nutella Christmas Trees are fun and flaky for dessert
Serve your cups with Juicy Mini Sandwiches for Parties for a heartier spread
Add freshness with a colorful Elegant Veggie Platter to complete the board
Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday boards and party inspo or hop over to Facebook and show us how your charcuterie cups turned out
Christmas Charcuterie Cups – Easy Christmas Appetizer for Any Holiday Table
Equipment
- Plastic appetizer cups Use clear 5–9 oz tumblers for presentation.
- Party skewers Wooden or decorative picks work best.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheese cubes – cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack
- 1 cup Cured meats – salami, prosciutto, pepperoni
- 1 cup Fresh grapes and cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Pickles or olives – gherkins, kalamata, green
- 1 cup Mini crackers or thin breadsticks
- 8 Plastic appetizer cups – clear 5–9 oz tumblers
- 8 Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- 8 Toothpicks or party skewers
Instructions
- Start by folding salami or prosciutto into rosettes. Skewer with cheese, grape, and tomato on party picks.
- Place one or two skewers into each cup, angled for height and balance.
- Tuck in mini crackers or breadsticks on the side for crunch.
- Fill any empty spots with cheese cubes, olives, or pickles.
- Top with a small rosemary sprig to mimic a mini Christmas tree. Chill until ready to serve.