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Cozy Friendsgiving Charcuterie Cups for a Crowd: Easy, Best Recipe

Friendsgiving charcuterie cups - featured image

These individual charcuterie cups are a perfect, portable alternative to a traditional cheese board. They’re easy to assemble, customizable for any guest, and make cleanup a breeze—ideal for Friendsgiving or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 150g (5.3 oz) sharp cheddar, cubed
  • 150g (5.3 oz) brie, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g (5.3 oz) manchego, thinly sliced
  • 150g (5.3 oz) smoked gouda, cubed
  • 100g (3.5 oz) prosciutto, torn into ribbons
  • 100g (3.5 oz) genoa salami, sliced and quartered
  • 100g (3.5 oz) soppressata, sliced
  • 1 cup (150g) red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (80g) dried apricots, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or fig jam
  • 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup (100g) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), lightly toasted
  • 12–16 high-quality crackers or crostini
  • 1/4 cup (30g) pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup (40g) mixed olives, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons cornichons or pickled onions
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional garnish)
  • Fresh fig slices (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Cube all cheeses into 1/2-inch pieces. Halve grapes, tear prosciutto into 2-inch ribbons, quarter salami slices. Toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let everything come to room temperature.
  2. Layer the heavy items first: Place 2-3 olive pieces and 1-2 cornichons at the bottom of each cup. Add about 1 tablespoon of mixed nuts on top. Press down gently to create a flat surface.
  3. Add the cheese and meat layer: Drop in 2-3 cubes of each cheese variety. Tuck in 1-2 pieces of prosciutto or a folded slice of salami against the side of the cup for visibility.
  4. Incorporate the fruits: Add 3-4 grape halves and 2-3 pieces of dried apricot per cup. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of dried cranberries. If using fresh figs, place 2 thin slices on top of the cheese layer.
  5. Top with crackers and garnish: Gently press 1-2 crackers into the top layer at an angle. Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of honey over brie pieces or add a small dollop of fig jam. Sprinkle a few pumpkin seeds on top. Finish with a tiny sprig of rosemary tucked into the side.
  6. Serve immediately or store: If serving, arrange cups on a large tray. If making ahead, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let cups sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, add fresh crackers just before serving if making ahead. Let cups sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to allow cheese to soften. Customize ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie cups, Friendsgiving appetizer, individual charcuterie, easy appetizer, party food, cheese cups, holiday appetizer