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Easy Christmas Charcuterie Cups: Best 15-Minute Appetizer

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These Christmas charcuterie cups are the perfect holiday appetizer—ready in 15 minutes, portable, and completely customizable. They look festive and impressive with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 4–6 ounces salami or Genoa salami, sliced
  • 2–3 ounces pepperoni (optional)
  • 4–6 ounces brie or camembert, cut into small wedges
  • 4 ounces sharp white cheddar, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 ounces gouda or smoked gouda, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2–3 ounces goat cheese log (optional)
  • 1 cup red grapes, cut into small clusters
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries or dried tart cherries
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or fig jam
  • 1/2 cup Marcona almonds or roasted almonds
  • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
  • 12–15 small rosemary sprigs
  • 12–15 small crackers or crostini

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: cut brie into 1-inch wedges, cube cheddar and gouda into 1/2-inch squares, cut grapes into small clusters of 2-3 grapes each, tear prosciutto slices in half lengthwise, fold salami slices into quarters or roll into cones.
  2. Start with the meat layer: drop a folded piece of prosciutto against one side of a clear plastic cup, add a folded salami slice or two against the opposite side, letting a little meat peek over the top edge.
  3. Add the cheese: drop in a brie wedge, a couple cheddar cubes, and a piece of gouda. If using goat cheese, crumble a little on top.
  4. Tuck in the fruit: add a small cluster of grapes, a few fresh cranberries, and a small pinch of dried cranberries or cherries.
  5. Add the crunch: drop in a few almonds and a small handful of pistachios, filling any empty spaces.
  6. Finish with the garnish: stick a small rosemary sprig into each cup, add a cracker or two leaning against the side, and if using honey or fig jam, add a tiny dollop on top of one cheese piece.
  7. Repeat until all cups are filled. Arrange on a serving tray and serve within 2-3 hours.

Notes

Make these no more than 2-3 hours before serving. The crackers can get soft if they sit too long. If prepping ahead, assemble everything except the crackers and add them right before serving. Let cups sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the cheese softens. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double up on cheese, adding marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red pepper strips, and olives. For gluten-free, replace crackers with cucumber rounds, apple slices, or gluten-free rice crackers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas charcuterie cups, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, 15-minute recipe, charcuterie cups, party food, Christmas party appetizer

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-christmas-charcuterie-cups-best-15-minute-appetizer/