How to Make Thanksgiving Charcuterie Cups

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Charcuterie boards are popular around the holidays and creating individual Thanksgiving charcuterie cups is a great way to add a fun and personalized treat to Thanksgiving day. These Thanksgiving charcuterie cups are very easy to make and can be given to each person to snack on during the day before dinner.

Find more Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas.

Best Supplies for Making Thanksgiving Charcuterie Cups

The first thing you will need when you are creating your charcuterie cups for Thanksgiving are the cups themselves. You can buy these easily online. Look for cups that aren’t too deep. You can add stickers or other decorations to your charcuterie cups or keep them simple. For a fun Thanksgiving, write individual names on each of the charcuterie cups. These are the cups we purchased. You can also use small mason jars or boxes for your charcuterie cup.

You will also need some sort of toothpick or skewer. While you can use small toothpicks, longer ones are better for this design.

While you can put any item into a charcuterie cup, below are some of the best ingredients for a charcuterie cup. You can scroll down to see exactly what we used for these Thanksgiving charcuterie cups.

Assorted Cheeses: A variety of cheeses adds complexity and richness to your charcuterie cups. Include options such as a creamy brie, a sharp cheddar, a tangy blue cheese, and a mild goat cheese. This diversity ensures a range of flavors and textures, satisfying different palates.

Cured Meats: Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo bring a savory and salty element to your charcuterie cups. Their distinct flavors and textures complement the cheeses and add a sophisticated touch to the overall presentation.

Crackers or Bread: A selection of high-quality crackers or artisanal bread provides a neutral base for your charcuterie cups. Choose a mix of crispy and soft options to cater to different preferences and to enhance the overall texture of the bite.

Fruits (Grapes, Figs, Apple Slices): Fresh fruits add sweetness and a burst of juiciness to the charcuterie cups. Grapes provide a refreshing pop, figs contribute a subtle sweetness, and apple slices offer a crisp and tart contrast, enhancing the overall balance of flavors.

Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds): Nuts bring a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the mix. Walnuts and almonds work well, providing a complementary texture alongside the soft cheeses and meats. Roasting the nuts can intensify their flavors and add an extra layer of warmth.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil bring aromatic and earthy notes to the charcuterie cups. Sprinkle them on top or use them as edible garnishes, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a fragrant element to the overall experience.

Pickles and Olives: Pickles and olives contribute briny and tangy flavors, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheeses and meats. Include a variety of pickles, such as gherkins or pickled onions, and a mix of olives for a diverse palate experience.

Dried Fruits (Apricots, Cranberries): Dried fruits add a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness to the charcuterie cups. Apricots and cranberries work well, offering a delightful burst of flavor that complements the other elements. Their vibrant colors also enhance the visual appeal of the cups.

Edible Flowers for Garnish: Edible flowers not only add a beautiful and whimsical touch to your charcuterie cups but can also introduce subtle floral notes. Choose edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums to infuse a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your presentation.

Ingredients for these Thanksgiving Charcuterie Cups

Here is a list of exactly what we used to make these charcuterie cups:

• Tall Crackers (can also use bread sticks or pretzels)
• Salami
• Cheddar Cheese (yellow and white)
• Olives
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Black Berries
• Maple Cookies

Additional Items

• Charcuterie Cups
• Toothpicks
• Tin foil or paper to create a layer in the bottom of the cups (optional)

Assembling and Personalizing Thanksgiving Charcuterie Cups

To assemble your charcuterie cups, create two tooth pick or skwers of food for each cup. Place your cracker in the back of each cup and place your ingredients in the cup. Use the toothpicks to add some height to the charcuterie cup.

PRO TIP: If your cup is too deep, put some paper or tin foil in the bottom to make it easier to create an attractive cup.

Below are some tips of creating a charcuterie cup – remember it is easy to personalize your cups and adjust them to each dietary preference.

• Consider Dietary Preferences: Before assembling your charcuterie cups, take note of any dietary restrictions or preferences among your guests. Offering vegetarian or gluten-free options ensures that everyone can enjoy the delightful assortment.
• Balance Flavors and Textures: Aim for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Combine creamy cheeses with crunchy nuts, savory meats with sweet fruits, and tangy spreads with mild crackers. This balance creates a dynamic and satisfying culinary experience.
• Layering is Key: When assembling your charcuterie cups, think about layering the ingredients to ensure that each bite is a delicious combination of flavors. Start with a base of crackers or bread, then add cheeses, meats, fruits, and other embellishments in an organized manner.
• Group Complementary Flavors: Arrange ingredients that complement each other in close proximity. For example, place honey near the blue cheese, or pair mustard with the cured meats. This organization makes it easy for guests to experiment with different combinations.
• Play with Colors and Shapes: Create a visually appealing charcuterie cup by incorporating a variety of colors and shapes. Use vibrant fruits, such as red grapes or green apple slices, alongside the rich colors of meats and cheeses. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall dining experience.
• Add Fresh Herbs for Aroma: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to add a fragrant element to your charcuterie cups. Not only do herbs contribute to the overall aroma, but they also introduce subtle earthy notes that enhance the complexity of the flavors.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Cups: While it’s tempting to include a wide array of ingredients, be mindful not to overcrowd the cups. Leave enough space for guests to easily pick up each cup and for the individual flavors to shine. An overcrowded cup can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate.

Serving your Charcuterie Cups for Thanksgiving

Serving your Thanksgiving charcuterie cups is half the fun! You can serve them before or with Thanksgiving dinner and get creative about placing them out. Since these are showy, they can easily be the centerpiece of an appetizer table or placed around during the day so people can snack before the big meal.

We like to serve them up with individual names on the cups so everyone can have their own snack during the day without filling up before the big meal.

You may also like our recipe for a Cornucopia Charcuterie Board.

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Cup Recipe

See more ideas on our Pinterest Page.