Charcuterie Skewers Recipe
Introduction
Charcuterie Skewers offer a fun and easy twist on traditional charcuterie boards. These appetizer skewers combine savory meats, flavorful cheeses, olives, and pickles on a stick, making them perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings. They’re simple to prepare, easy to serve, and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
- 24 cubes of your favorite block-style cheese
- 12 small slices of salami or pepperoni, folded
- 12 olives or pickles (small ones or cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 pieces of roasted red pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- 12 bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: Take a bamboo skewer and thread a cube of cheese onto it.
- Step 2: Add a folded slice of salami or pepperoni next, followed by an olive or pickle.
- Step 3: Add a piece of roasted red pepper onto the skewer.
- Step 4: Finish the skewer with another cube of cheese to fill it nicely.
- Step 5: Repeat this process until you have assembled 12 skewers.
- Step 6: Arrange the skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.
- Step 7: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Try different cheeses and deli meats to create a variety of flavors and colors.
- Use gluten-free ingredients or omit meat and cheese for vegetarian or allergy-friendly options.
- Replace bamboo skewers with fresh rosemary sprigs to add a festive aroma.
- Enhance flavor by adding ingredients like stuffed olives, dried cranberries, marinated artichokes, or cherry tomatoes.
- Fold larger slices of meat so they fit neatly on the skewer without hanging off.
Storage
Charcuterie skewers can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Reheat is not required; simply enjoy them cold or at room temperature. You can also remove the ingredients from the skewers to add to salads or snacks.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Where can you get bamboo skewers?
Bamboo skewers are commonly found in grocery stores near party supplies or kitchen utensils. You can also purchase them online from retailers like Amazon. In a pinch, toothpicks or plastic cocktail picks can be used instead, though 4-inch bamboo skewers work best for this recipe.
What does charcuterie mean?
Charcuterie is a French term meaning “pork butcher,” originally referring to cured meats. Today, it includes an assortment of meats, cheeses, nuts, breads, and accompaniments served together, often on boards or platters, making it popular as an appetizer or snack.
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Charcuterie Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
Description
Charcuterie Skewers offer a fun and easy twist on traditional charcuterie boards, combining your favorite meats, cheeses, olives, and pickles on handy skewers. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, these colorful and flavorful appetizer skewers make serving and eating simple and mess-free. They provide a balanced bite of savory, salty, creamy, and crunchy with a sophisticated presentation that your guests will love.
Ingredients
Charcuterie Skewers Ingredients
- 24 cubes of block-style cheese (such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella)
- 12 small slices of salami or pepperoni, folded to fit on skewers
- 12 olives (black, green, or a mix)
- 12 small pickles or larger pickles cut into bite-sized pieces (sweet or spicy)
- 12 pieces of roasted red pepper (from jar or homemade)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as rosemary or parsley) – optional
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling – optional
- 12 bamboo skewers (4-inch recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut block cheeses into bite-sized cubes. Fold the sliced meats such as salami or pepperoni so they fit neatly on the skewers. If using larger pickles, slice them into small pieces.
- Assemble Skewers: Take one bamboo skewer and thread one piece of cheese, followed by a folded slice of meat, an olive, a piece of roasted red pepper, and another cube of cheese to fill the skewer.
- Repeat Assembly: Continue threading ingredients onto skewers until you have made a total of 12 skewers.
- Garnish and Finish: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skewers as a colorful, tasty appetizer ideal for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the skewers with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables such as artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, fresh figs, or stuffed olives.
- Use disposable bamboo skewers for easy cleanup after the party.
- Cheeses and meats can be adjusted to accommodate dietary preferences or allergen restrictions (e.g., vegetarian or dairy-free options).
- Charcuterie skewers can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days and repurposed in salads or as snacks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, American Italian
Keywords: charcuterie skewers, appetizer, party food, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, meat and cheese skewers, finger food, picnic food
