Charcuterie Party Bites: 18 Cups, Skewers and Sliders Guests Can Carry Around

Charcuterie party bites take everything people love about a meat and cheese board and turn it into food guests can actually carry around. A big board looks great until ten people crowd around it, each holding one cracker. Cups, skewers, wreaths and sliders fix that, and they are just as pretty on a holiday table. Charcuterie videos have pulled in about 140 million views on TikTok, and the fastest growing ideas are the creative spins and budget versions, not just bigger boards. Every slide below has a short shopping list and simple steps, and most of them come together with one trip to the grocery store. Pick three or four for your next party and watch them disappear..

Charcuterie Party Bites Start With Cups Guests Can Carry

Charcuterie cups are the reason so many hosts have given up the big board. Each clear cup holds folded salami, a few cheese cubes, grapes, a breadstick and a sprig of rosemary, so everyone gets their own. A party cup video on Instagram drew about 178,000 likes. They take 20 minutes to build and can sit in the fridge for a few hours before guests arrive. Would you rather have A: a cup of your own or B: a big shared board?..

You will need: 12 clear 9 oz cups, 24 slices salami, 8 oz cheddar and 8 oz pepper jack cut in cubes, 2 cups grapes, 12 breadsticks, 12 small wooden skewers, 1 cup olives, crackers, fresh rosemary.

How to make it: 1. Thread cheese cubes, olives and grapes onto small skewers. 2. Fold each salami slice in half and then in half again. 3. Put a few crackers in the bottom of each cup. 4. Stand a breadstick and a skewer in each cup. 5. Tuck in folded salami and a rosemary sprig. 6. Cover and chill up to 4 hours.

Charcuterie Party Bites on a Stick: Tortellini Antipasto Skewers

Cheese tortellini makes these skewers filling enough to count as dinner for the kids. Thread cooked tortellini with salami, mozzarella balls, olives and cherry tomatoes, then drizzle with Italian dressing. They are colorful, easy to eat standing up and can be made the night before. Which would you grab first: A: the tortellini or B: the salami?

You will need: 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini, 24 slices salami, 1 container (8 oz) mozzarella pearls, 1 cup pitted olives, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup Italian dressing, 24 six-inch skewers, fresh basil.

How to make it: 1. Cook the tortellini, rinse in cold water and toss with 2 tablespoons dressing. 2. Fold the salami slices into quarters. 3. Thread tortellini, salami, mozzarella, olive and tomato on each skewer. 4. Repeat to fill the skewers. 5. Lay them on a platter and drizzle with the rest of the dressing. 6. Garnish with basil and chill until serving.

Salami and Mozzarella Christmas Wreath

This is the showstopper of the holiday table, and it is easier than it looks. Arrange folded salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes and rosemary sprigs in a ring around a small bowl of dip. The rosemary looks like evergreen branches, and the red and white tell everyone it is Christmas. Guests pick from the edges, so it stays pretty all night. Want more ideas for the table? See our holiday appetizers guests love.

You will need: 1 package (8 oz) sliced salami, 1 container (8 oz) mozzarella pearls, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 cup green olives, 6 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 small bowl of pesto or herb dip, a large round platter.

How to make it: 1. Set the bowl of dip in the center of the platter. 2. Lay rosemary sprigs in a circle around it. 3. Fold salami into quarters and tuck along the ring. 4. Fill gaps with mozzarella, tomatoes and olives. 5. Add more rosemary on top. 6. Cover and chill until the party.

Charcuterie Dipping Oil

A charcuterie dipping oil video racked up about 5.9 million views on TikTok, and one taste explains it. Olive oil gets loaded with chopped salami, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, parmesan and herbs, and you scoop it up with warm crusty bread. It takes 10 minutes and turns into the first plate to empty. It is one of the easiest charcuterie party bites you can make.

You will need: 1/2 cup good olive oil, 1/4 cup finely chopped salami, 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons chopped olives, 1 clove garlic grated, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 baguette sliced.

How to make it: 1. Pour the oil into a shallow dish. 2. Add the salami, tomatoes and olives. 3. Stir in the garlic and seasoning. 4. Sprinkle the parmesan and pepper flakes on top. 5. Let it sit 10 minutes. 6. Serve with warm sliced bread for dipping.

How to Make Salami Roses

Salami roses make any plate look like it came from a caterer, and the trick takes a small, narrow drinking glass. Fold thin salami slices over the rim, overlapping each one, then flip the glass and lift it away. The slices fall into a rose. Set them on crackers or in cups. Have you tried this one yet?

You will need: 1 package (8 oz) thinly sliced salami, a small narrow drinking glass, crackers, cream cheese, fresh basil leaves for the ‘leaves’.

How to make it: 1. Fold a salami slice in half over the rim of the glass. 2. Add the next slice so it overlaps halfway. 3. Keep going around the rim with 6 to 8 slices. 4. Add a second layer for a fuller rose. 5. Press down, flip the glass onto a plate and lift it away. 6. Tuck basil leaves around the rose.

Charcuterie Party Bites in Slider Form: Muffuletta Sliders

The famous New Orleans sandwich becomes a pan of party sliders. Sweet rolls get layered with ham, salami, provolone and a chopped olive salad, then baked until the cheese melts. They are the most filling of these charcuterie party bites, perfect for a game day or a long holiday afternoon. Make them ahead and warm them right before serving.

You will need: 1 package (12 count) sweet rolls, 6 oz sliced ham, 4 oz sliced salami, 6 slices provolone, 1 cup chopped green and black olives, 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F. 2. Mix olives, peppers, oil and seasoning. 3. Split the rolls in one slab. 4. Layer ham, salami, provolone and olive salad on the bottom. 5. Add the top and brush with butter. 6. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then cut apart.

Make-Ahead Charcuterie Party Bites: Italian Pinwheels

Pinwheels are the bites that vanish while you are still setting out plates. Spread a flour tortilla with herbed cream cheese, layer on salami, provolone and spinach, then roll it tight and chill. Slice into rounds and the spirals look beautiful. Like most charcuterie party bites, they hold well in the fridge, so you can make them the morning of the party.

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 12 slices salami, 8 slices provolone, 1 cup baby spinach, 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers.

How to make it: 1. Mix the cream cheese and seasoning. 2. Spread it over each tortilla to the edges. 3. Layer salami, provolone, spinach and peppers. 4. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic. 5. Chill at least 1 hour. 6. Trim the ends and slice into 1 inch rounds.

Prosciutto and Melon Bites

Salty prosciutto and sweet melon is a classic Italian pairing, and on a toothpick it becomes the lightest of these charcuterie party bites. In winter, ripe pear slices work just as well. Add a basil leaf and a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze. They take five minutes and look elegant on any platter.

You will need: 1 small cantaloupe or 3 ripe pears, 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, toothpicks, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cut the melon or pears into bite-size cubes or wedges. 2. Tear prosciutto into strips. 3. Wrap a strip around each piece. 4. Add a basil leaf. 5. Secure with a toothpick. 6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a little pepper.

Charcuterie Party Bites for Color: Caprese Skewers

Red tomato, white mozzarella and green basil make these skewers look like Christmas on a stick. These charcuterie party bites are fresh, light and a good balance to the richer meats on the table. Thread them in the morning and add the balsamic glaze right before serving so it stays glossy. Which color stands out most to you on a holiday table?

You will need: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 container (8 oz) mozzarella pearls, 1 bunch fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, salt and pepper, short skewers.

How to make it: 1. Thread a tomato, a basil leaf and a mozzarella pearl on each skewer. 2. Repeat to fill the skewers. 3. Lay them on a platter. 4. Drizzle with olive oil. 5. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Add the balsamic glaze right before serving.

Budget Charcuterie Party Bites From One Grocery Run

You do not need fancy imported meats. A budget version from the regular grocery store can feed 12 for about the price of one pizza. Choose one salami, one block of cheddar and one soft cheese, a box of crackers, grapes and a jar of pickles. Charcuterie party bites made this way cost far less. Cut the cheese yourself instead of buying it cubed, and buy fruit that is in season.

You will need: 1 package (8 oz) salami, 1 block (8 oz) cheddar, 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese or a small soft cheese, 1 box crackers, 2 cups grapes, 1 jar dill pickle spears, 1 cup mixed nuts, a handful of fresh rosemary.

How to make it: 1. Cut the cheddar into cubes and the soft cheese into small squares. 2. Fold the salami slices. 3. Cut grapes into small clusters. 4. Slice pickles into bite-size pieces. 5. Arrange everything in small cups or on a platter in rows. 6. Tuck rosemary in the gaps.

Marinated Cheese Cubes in Herb Oil

Marinated cheese is a make-ahead trick that turns plain cubes into something special. Cheddar and mozzarella soak overnight in olive oil with garlic, herbs, lemon zest and a pinch of chili flakes. Serve them in a bowl with toothpicks and bread for the leftover oil. Keep the jar in the fridge and use within a few days.

You will need: 8 oz sharp cheddar cubed, 8 oz mozzarella cubed, 3/4 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic sliced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

How to make it: 1. Put the cheese cubes in a jar or bowl. 2. Whisk the oil with garlic, herbs, zest and pepper flakes. 3. Pour over the cheese. 4. Cover and chill overnight. 5. Let sit 20 minutes at room temperature before serving. 6. Serve with toothpicks and bread.

Crispy Pepperoni Chips With Ranch Dip

Bake pepperoni slices until crisp and they turn into crunchy, salty chips, a great low carb snack for game day. They take about 10 minutes, and kids love them as much as adults do. Set them next to a bowl of ranch or marinara for dipping. Would you dip yours in A: ranch or B: marinara?

You will need: 1 package (6 oz) sliced pepperoni, 1 cup ranch dressing or marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Line a sheet pan with parchment. 3. Lay the pepperoni slices in a single layer. 4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp. 5. Drain on paper towels and let cool. 6. Serve with dip and parsley on top.

Christmas Tree Cheese and Cracker Platter

Arrange cheese cubes in the shape of a Christmas tree and everyone will want a photo before they dig in. Start with a wide row at the bottom and make each row shorter, then add rosemary garland, a pretzel trunk and a star cut from a cheese slice. It is a fun project to make with the kids. Add your favorite crackers around it.

You will need: 1 lb mixed cheese cubes (cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 pretzel rod, 1 slice yellow cheese, a small star cutter, crackers.

How to make it: 1. On a large board, lay a row of cheese cubes at the bottom. 2. Build shorter rows above it to form a triangle. 3. Tuck rosemary between rows like garland. 4. Add tomatoes as ornaments. 5. Place the pretzel as the trunk. 6. Cut a cheese star and set it on top.

Leftover Board Pasta Salad

After the party, the leftover meats, cheeses, olives and pickles make a terrific pasta salad. Toss them with rotini and an easy red wine vinaigrette for a next-day lunch. Nothing goes to waste, and it tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Do you have a favorite way to use up party leftovers?

You will need: 12 oz rotini, 2 cups chopped leftover salami and cheese, 1 cup olives and pickles chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/4 red onion diced, 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the pasta, rinse in cold water and drain. 2. Whisk oil, vinegar, seasoning, salt and pepper. 3. Add meats, cheese, olives, pickles, tomatoes and onion to the pasta. 4. Pour the dressing over. 5. Toss well. 6. Chill at least 1 hour and serve.

Charcuterie Party Bites in Mini Peppers

Sweet mini peppers are the perfect little boats for a creamy filling. Mix cream cheese with chopped salami, parmesan and herbs, pipe it into halved peppers and serve them cold or warm from the oven. The bright colors add a festive look to the table. These charcuterie party bites can be filled a day ahead.

You will need: 1 bag (1 lb) sweet mini peppers, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1/3 cup finely chopped salami, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 green onion sliced.

How to make it: 1. Halve the peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. 2. Mix cream cheese, salami, parmesan and seasoning. 3. Spoon or pipe the filling into the peppers. 4. Sprinkle with green onion. 5. Serve cold, or bake at 400 F for 10 minutes. 6. Arrange on a platter.

Charcuterie Party Bites in Paper Cones

Paper cones are a fun twist on charcuterie cups, and they look like little bouquets. Roll parchment into cones, fill them with breadsticks, folded meats, cheese and dried fruit, and stand them in a jar or a box of rice. Guests grab one and keep walking. These are perfect for a holiday open house where people come and go.

You will need: 12 squares of parchment paper, tape, 12 breadsticks, 24 slices salami or prosciutto, 8 oz cheese cubes, 1 cup dried apricots or cranberries, 1 cup roasted almonds, a tall jar or box filled with dry rice to hold the cones.

How to make it: 1. Roll each parchment square into a cone and tape it. 2. Stand the cones in the jar or rice. 3. Add a breadstick to each. 4. Fold the meats and tuck them in. 5. Add cheese, dried fruit and nuts. 6. Serve right away or chill up to 2 hours.

Pickle Roll-Ups With Ham and Cream Cheese

In parts of the Midwest these are called pickle wraps, and they show up at every holiday party. A slice of ham gets a layer of cream cheese, then wraps around a dill pickle spear. Slice into rounds and the green center looks festive. They are salty, tangy and usually the first charcuterie party bites gone.

You will need: 12 slices deli ham, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 12 dill pickle spears patted dry, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.

How to make it: 1. Pat the ham and pickles dry. 2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each ham slice. 3. Lay a pickle spear at one edge. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Chill 30 minutes. 6. Slice into rounds and sprinkle with dill.

Cucumber Bites With Salami and Herbed Cheese

For a fresh, crunchy bite, swap the cracker for a thick slice of cucumber. Top it with a swirl of herbed cream cheese, a folded salami slice and a tiny piece of dill. They are light and look like little flowers on the platter. Which of these charcuterie party bites will you make first?

You will need: 2 English cucumbers, 8 oz herbed cream cheese, 24 thin slices salami, fresh dill, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Slice the cucumbers into 1/2 inch rounds. 2. Pat them dry with a paper towel. 3. Pipe or spread cream cheese on each round. 4. Fold the salami and set it on top. 5. Add a small sprig of dill. 6. Season with pepper and chill until serving.