Charcuterie Skewers

Bring flair to your next gathering with these charcuterie skewers. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a holiday party, these bite-sized appetizers are easy to prepare, customizable, and downright delicious.

Four wooden skewers with grape tomatoes, pickles, folded slices of salami, green and red grapes, and cubes of cheese are arranged on a wooden board. A plate with salami and a bowl of pickles are in the background.

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If you’re tired of assembling elaborate cheese boards, this is the fuss-free solution for creating the ultimate snack your guests will love.

Charcuterie refers to a selection of cured meats, often served with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments. It originated in France and has become a popular appetizer or snack option around the world.

If you love these appetizer ideas, then make sure you check out this recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan, Stuffed Italian Mini Meatloaves or this Garlic and Herb Chicken Wings

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to assemble these tasty skewers. For exact measurements, scroll down to the recipe card below.

Sliced Salami: Adds a savory burst of flavor with every bite, offering a rich, smoky taste that’s a staple for charcuterie lovers. Fold or roll the slices for an appealing presentation on the skewers.
Cubed Cheeses: Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar for a bold kick, creamy mozzarella balls for a smooth texture, or gouda for a nutty, smoky flavor. Combine different textures and tastes to please all palates.
Gherkin Pickles: Tiny, tangy pickles bring a pop of brightness to balance the rich elements. Their crunch adds texture, and their vinegar tang cuts through the heaviness of cheese and meat.
Red and/or Green Grapes: A sweet touch that pairs beautifully with cheese and meats. Opt for seedless grapes for easy snacking, and mix colors for visual appeal. Chill them beforehand for a refreshing bite.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a juicy, fresh element to your skewers. Their slight acidity complements the richness of the other ingredients, and their vibrant red color makes the skewers more visually enticing.
Long Bamboo Skewers: The perfect base for stacking all your ingredients. Ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold everything without bending and consider soaking them in water beforehand to prevent splintering.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Charcuterie Skewers

This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.

A white plate with three slices of salami and a wooden skewer holding a cube each of yellow and white cheese and a cherry tomato. In the background, a container with assorted cheese cubes is partially visible.

Step 1: Cut your cheese into cubes and rinse your grapes, cherry tomatoes, and any other fresh add-ons. Lay out all your ingredients in individual bowls or on a clean work surface for easy assembly. Start with cheese and a grape.

A white plate with three skewers, each holding grape tomatoes, pickles, green and red grapes, folded deli meat, and cheese cubes. Containers of cheese cubes and a bowl of pickles are nearby on a white surface.

Step 2: Add two slices of salami. You can either fold the slices or roll them into flower shapes for a fun presentation. Follow it up with a gherkin pickle and cherry tomato. Repeat this sequence until your skewer is full, leaving some space at the bottom for easy handling.

Wooden skewers on a cutting board, each holding a grape tomato, pickle slice, folded salami, green grape, cheddar cheese cube, and red grape, arranged in a neat row.

Step 3: Pop your assembled skewers in the fridge to keep them fresh until it’s time to serve. They’re best enjoyed cold!

Variations and Substitutions

Cheeses: Swap out cheddar cheese for sharp parmesan, brie, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Protein: Add cubes of smoked turkey or prosciutto for a different texture.
Veggie Lovers: Include colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, or roasted zucchini pieces.
Drizzle Magic: Serve your skewers with a balsamic glaze on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Storage

Storage Tips: If you need to make your skewers ahead of time, carefully wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. This ensures the ingredients stay fresh for up to 48 hours.
Avoid Freezing: It’s best to avoid freezing these skewers. The fresh vegetables and cheeses don’t thaw well and may lose their texture and flavor.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be deconstructed and placed in airtight containers in the fridge. Use them to make easy salads or snack plates!

Four skewers on a wooden cutting board, each with grape tomatoes, pickles, green grapes, slices of deli meat, purple grapes, and cubes of yellow and white cheese. A dish with more cheese and meat is in the corner.

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💡 Pro Tips

To make your skewers look more visually appealing, alternate colors and textures of ingredients. This will also help add variety in taste.
If you’re serving these for a party or gathering, consider using themed bamboo skewers to add an extra touch of fun.
For a vegetarian option, replace meat with grilled tofu or marinated mushrooms.
Don’t be afraid to mix sweet and savory elements on your skewers, such as adding chunks of fruit like grapes or strawberries alongside cured meats and cheeses.

FAQ

Can I substitute larger skewers with smaller ones?

Definitely. Use cocktail skewers or toothpicks to create mini versions that are just as delicious but perfect for bite-sized servings.

How should I serve charcuterie skewers?

You can display them creatively by standing them upright in a glass jar, arranging them on a platter, or layering them over a cheese board for a mix of traditional and unique presentation styles!