Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, festive, and downright delightful appetizer, then let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe. Trust me, these little cups are a game-changer for holiday parties — they’re visually stunning, packed with flavor, and super fun to assemble. Once I brought these to Christmas, my family went crazy for them, and I bet you’ll love how simple they are to make, too!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe is in the variety — each ingredient brings a different texture and flavor that perfectly balances the others. When shopping, pick out your favorite quality salami and cheese, and don’t skip on fresh rosemary for that piney holiday vibe.

• Hard Italian Salami: Look for slices that are firm and flavorful to stand up well in the cups.
• Salame di Parma: Adds a delicate and slightly sweet Italian touch that pairs beautifully with cheese.
• Mini Brie Bites: These creamy morsels melt in your mouth and complement the salty meats perfectly.
• Smoked Gouda Cubes: Give a smoky, deep flavor that contrasts nicely with the fresh ingredients.
• Aged Gouda Christmas Tree Shapes: Adds festive fun and nutty richness.
• Mixed Nuts: A crunchy base that anchors the cups and adds hearty texture.
• Jordan Almonds: Sweet and crunchy, perfect for a little touch of elegance and color.
• Blackberries and Raspberries: These fresh berries add burst of tartness and holiday colors.
• Crackers (Christmas Tree shaped Lahvosh): Provides a crisp crunch and a cute holiday shape.
• Gingerbread Man Cookies: Adds a whimsical and sweet finish to each cup.
• Rosemary Sprigs: Not just garnish — they bring a lovely pine aroma and visual appeal.

Variations

I love how versatile this Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe can be — it’s your canvas to mix and match flavors based on what you have or prefer. Play around a bit, and it’ll still impress every time.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap the meats for marinated mushrooms or grilled artichokes; I tried this once for a vegetarian guest, and it was a hit!
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to use your favorite cheeses — aged cheddar, goat cheese, or even blue cheese make great alternatives depending on your flavor cravings.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic or avoiding nuts, substitute with crunchy roasted chickpeas or crispy pita chips instead.
• Fruit Changes: I’ve switched berries for pomegranate seeds or dried apricots for a different burst of color and sweetness, which looks gorgeous, too.

How to Make Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Nuts and Almonds

Begin by spooning about half a cup of mixed nuts into the bottom of each cup. This creates a crunchy base that supports all the other beautiful ingredients without them sinking or getting soggy. Then, divide the Jordan almonds evenly among the cups — these add a little sweetness and a nice contrast in texture right from the start.

Step 2: Fold and Skewer the Salami

Here’s the trick I discovered: fold each slice of salami into a neat triangle to give it volume and make it easier to skewer. Then, slide the folded salami pieces onto cocktail picks, with the rounded edges facing outward for that lovely visual effect. This little folding technique makes the cups look fuller and more festive without too much extra effort.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Fresh Ingredients

Touch your skewers with cubes of smoked gouda, mini brie bites, and the adorable aged gouda Christmas tree shapes. Next, nestle in blackberries, raspberries, and little sprigs of rosemary around the skewers for a pop of color and that distinctive holiday aroma. The contrast of fresh fruit next to rich meat and creamy cheese is exactly what makes this recipe sing.

Step 4: Finish with Crackers and Cookies

Tuck in the Christmas tree-shaped lahvosh crackers and gingerbread man cookies toward the front of the cups as a final flourish. These add crunch and sweetness, and they look downright adorable — perfect conversation starters at holiday parties. Plus, the sturdy crackers handle the weight of the other ingredients well.

How to Serve Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but impactful for these cups. Fresh rosemary is my go-to because its piney scent screams holiday. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of honey or a few pomegranate seeds to brighten things up—both look stunning and elevate the flavors just a touch.

Side Dishes

These cups pair wonderfully with warm mulled wine or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a fuller spread, I serve them alongside other finger foods like stuffed mushrooms or roasted spiced nuts. It keeps everything festive and inviting without stealing the spotlight from these stars.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra festive flair, line your serving tray with pine needles or sprinkle edible gold glitter around the cups. I’ve even served these in mini mason jars or small clear cups tied with a little ribbon on the rim—everyone loved the personal touch and it’s perfect for party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover components separate — nuts, meat, cheeses — in airtight containers in the fridge. Once assembled, the cups are best eaten the same day because the crackers can get soggy if stored assembled for too long. If you must store assembled cups, keep them chilled and add crackers just before serving again.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well once assembled because of fresh fruit and crackers, but you can freeze salami and cheese portions separately. When you’re ready to entertain, thaw and assemble fresh — that way, you get the best quality every time.

Reheating

Since this is a cold appetizer, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want your smoked gouda slightly softer, set the cubes out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before assembling. That little step always brings the cheese flavors to life without melting them.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Cheese Recipe is one of those festive treats I keep going back to because it’s easy, irresistibly delicious, and gets me all warm and cozy remembering holiday gatherings with friends and family. I love how it brings together so many flavors and textures in such a charming package. So, if you want to wow your guests with minimal stress, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll get smiles all around, and maybe even requests for seconds!

Print