We love building charcuterie boards almost as much as we enjoy eating them. They are a quick and fuss-free dinner option for us, and we also turn to them time and again when hosting guests. While we appreciate the visual appeal and variety of flavors on a charcuterie board, we also recognize that assembling one can be time-consuming, especially for larger gatherings.
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Charcuterie skewers offer a simplified, elegant way to present the flavors of a charcuterie board, all in bite-sized, easy-to-eat portions. They are also convenient for guests to enjoy while mingling. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or an elegant dinner party, charcuterie skewers are a surefire way to impress your guests and elevate your appetizer spread.
If you love appetizers that make entertaining easy, you’ll want to try our marinated mozzarella balls, chorizo-stuffed mushrooms, or cranberry brie bites for your next gathering.
What is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie, pronounced sharh-KOO-tuh-ree, is a French term centered on preparing, preserving, and presenting cured and processed meats, predominantly pork. Common charcuterie varieties include salami, sausage, pâté, terrine, rillettes, and confit. Charcuterie boards typically feature meats, cheeses, bread, and/or crackers, and a mix of sweet and savory elements like olives, figs, and nuts, complemented by spreads such as honey and mustard. Popular in Europe, charcuterie boards have gained a cult following in the US, with people creating diverse variations like s’mores boards, pancake boards, burger boards, taco boards, and more.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Just like charcuterie boards, charcuterie skewers are entirely customizable. The possibilities are endless, but here are some classic charcuterie skewer ingredients:
In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Meats: There is a wide selection of meats, such as prosciutto, salami, ham, capicola, and smoked sausages, that can be included on charcuterie skewers. Pick a variety of your favorites to mix and match when making the skewers.
- Cheeses: Any type of hard or firm cheese is great for skewers, but avoid soft cheeses like brie. We like mixing a couple of cheeses, like cheddar, Manchego, and marinated mozzarella balls.
- Other Items: To give a variety of tastes and textures, include elements like olives, tomatoes, fresh basil, melon, and cubed bread.
What Type of Skewer to Use
The best type of skewer for charcuterie skewers depends on your ingredients and the desired presentation. We used 6-inch bamboo skewers. You can also use wooden skewers, but you would probably avoid the metal type. For mini charcuterie skewers, you can use all kinds of cocktail picks or toothpicks.
How to Make Charcuterie Skewers
Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.
Pro tip: Alternate between different types of ingredients. This not only makes the dish more visually appealing but also creates a nice balance of flavors and textures.
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice your cheese, slice or fold your cured meats into decorative shapes, and wash and cut any fruits or vegetables. Larger fruits like apples or pears should be sliced into smaller pieces, while melons can be cut into cubes or scooped into melon balls. Remove the basil from its stems and then slice or fold the leaves. If you add bread to your skewers, cut it into small cubed pieces.
2. Assemble Skewers: Take bamboo skewers or toothpicks and thread the ingredients onto them, alternating between meats, cheese, and the other ingredients. You can create a pattern or mix and match for variety. Once assembled, the skewers can be drizzled with honey or a balsamic reduction or served on the side as a dipping sauce.
How to Serve Charcuterie Skewers
Charcuterie skewers are a versatile and delicious appetizer, ideal for any occasion, from holiday parties or casual get-togethers to lunches, snacks, or picnics. Elevate your charcuterie experience by pairing these skewers with crackers, crostinis, and dipping sauces like mustard, honey, or fruit jam. Add a touch of variety with traditional charcuterie elements on the side, such as nuts, berries, and chocolate. Don’t forget the wine, a traditional accompaniment to charcuterie. Red wine, white wine, and rosé are all excellent choices, each complementing the rich flavors of the meats and cheeses.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: Properly preparing and storing charcuterie skewers can help you save time and keep them fresh. Cut and prepare all the ingredients a day before, keeping them refrigerated until assembly. Assemble the skewers a few hours before serving. However, avoid adding items that could become soggy or mushy, like fresh melon or bread, until closer to serving time. Once assembled, cover the skewers with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
How to Store: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If your skewers include moist (fresh fruits) and dry components like bread, store them separately to prevent the dry items from becoming soggy.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Serve charcuterie skewers at room temperature. This allows the flavors of the meats, cheeses, and other ingredients to meld together.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces. Mustard, honey, balsamic glaze, and jams are all classic choices that pair well with charcuterie skewers.
- Accompany the skewers with additional crackers or bread. This provides guests with options to balance the flavors and textures.
- Have fun and be creative! There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating charcuterie skewers. Experiment with different ingredient combinations and presentation styles to find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Appetizer Recipes to Try
Looking for more appetizer recipes for your next happy hour or gathering? Try these other favorites:
- Stuffed Mushrooms with Chorizo – These small bites combine the earthy richness of mushrooms with the bold, spiced flavor of chorizo. They are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion.
- Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day! It’s made with spinach, artichoke hearts, lump crab meat, and three kinds of cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. This crowd-pleasing dip will be gone in minutes!
- Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tartlets – These tartlets combine sweet caramelized onions, tangy goat cheese, and buttery puff pastry for the perfect holiday appetizer.
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Charcuterie Skewers
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Equipment
- 12 Bamboo Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 12 marinated mozzarella balls
- 8 ounces cheese such as cheddar, cubed
- 3 ounces prosciutto
- 3 ounces dried salami
- 12 cherry or grape tomatoes
- fresh basil
- 3 ounces melon balls, such as cantelope
- 3 ounces grapes
- 12 pieces bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
- honey, fig preserves, or balsamic reduction, optional, for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Cube or slice the cheeses.
- Cut the cured meats into bite-sized pieces or fold them into decorative shapes.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes.
- Slice any larger fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the bread into small squares or rectangles.
Assemble Skewers
- Take bamboo skewers or toothpicks and start threading the ingredients onto them in a visually appealing manner. You can create a pattern or mix and match for variety.
- Consider alternating between meats, cheeses, fruits, and bread to create a balanced combination of flavors.
Drizzle with Honey or Preserves (Optional)
- If you like, you can drizzle a bit of honey, fig preserves, or balsamic reduction over the skewers to add a touch of sweetness.
