Jarcuterie (Charcuterie Board in a Jar)

Jarcuterie is a play on the words charcuterie board. All the sweet and salty party snacks that are arranged on a charcuterie board are artfully stacked in a small Mason jar to create individual charcuterie servings. These charcuterie jars eliminate guests touching spreaders and serving utensils of a communal board and perfect for portion control.

What is a charcuterie board?

A charcuterie board is a collection of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, olives, dipping sauces, fruit, and crackers typically served on a wooden board or platter.

The word charcuterie is derived from a French term "chair-cuit" that in short, means "cooked meat". It also refers to a place that sells cured meats.

It is pronounced "shahr-ku-tuh-ree".

What is cupcuterie?

Once you've caught on to the term "jarcuterie" as a fun, creative alternative to a charcuterie board it is easy to use your imagination with names. These same cured meats, fruit, cheeses, etc. can be arranged in a clear plastic punch cup, tea cup, or small cup of any kind.

What do I use to make jarcuterie?

The exact same items you would use to build a charcuterie board can be arranged in a 4 ounce Mason or Ball jar to make jarcuterie. There's no limit to what you can add to the jar. Start with what is already in your fridge and pantry and make a list of what to add from there.

Here's a list of examples to use in a jarcuterie appetizer divided in 6 categories: Meats, Cheese, Fruits & Vegetables, Nuts & Seeds, and Crackers & Bread, Pickles & Spreads

• Meats: Genoa salami, Capicola, Prosciutto wrapped around string cheese, pepperoni, homemade venison jerkey (my family favorite), cubed ham, crisp bacon
• Cheese: Gouda wedges, Cheddar slices, large shreds of Parmesan or Asiago, blue cheese wedges, large feta crumbles, goat cheese slices, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella pearls, string cheese
• Fruits & Vegetables: Grapes, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, persimmons, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, fresh and dried figs, fresh and dried apricots, dried cranberries, raisins, mandarin oranges, carrot sticks, celery sticks, grape tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, fresh herbs for garnish, cucumber slices, radishes, Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
• Nuts & Seeds: Toasted pecans, honey-roasted Alabama peanuts, pistachios, chocolate-covered almonds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds
• Crackers & Bread (Cookies): Grissini thin breadsticks, pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzels, honey wheat braided pretzels, crostini, bruschetta, baguette slices, cookies, Pocky biscuit sticks, buttery crackers, water crackers, rosemary crackers, woven wheat crackers, gluten-free crackers, pita bread wedges, cheese straws
• Pickles & Spreads: Gherkins, Shortcut Sweet Heat Pickles, Cinnamon Candy Christmas Pickles, green olives, Kalamata olives, black olives, pickled vegetables (Giardiniera), pickled beets, hot pickled okra, Pimiento Cheese with Fire Roasted Peppers, hummus, Ranch dressing, Tzatziki dip, fig jam, Red and Green Freezer Pepper Jelly, honey

How do I arrange or stack jarcuterie?

Arrange items in the 4 ounce jars in this order so they will stack easily.

• Smaller items like nuts, seeds and small grapes can be place in the bottom.
• Spreads and jams can also be placed in the bottom especially if crackers or vegetables are added for dipping.
• Fold cold cuts like salami in so it creates a fan and place in the jar.
• Wrap thin meats like prosciutto around string cheese and place in the back of the jar because those are taller.
• Thread berries and small items like olives and mandarin oranges on plain or decorative skewers.
• Add taller items like Grissini breadsticks, Pocky biscuit sticks, and skewers of fruit in the back so the shorter items will not be hidden in the front.
• Then, fill in any gaps with smaller items like nuts, cubes of cheese, and blueberries that are not skewered.

How can I make a cheap jarcuterie?

I'm all about being a good steward of my money even during the holidays! Here are some of my best tips for creating inexpensive, frugal jarcuterie.

• Visit the snack section of the Dollar Tree for nuts, seeds, crackers, thin breadsticks, olives, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
• Buy small amounts of anything. No need to buy in bulk. The jars are small and will fill up with just a few items.
• Check your pantry and fridge before making your shopping list. You will be surprised at how many items you already have.
• Use clear plastic punch cups and call it cupcuterie!
• Check your thrift store and online marketplaces for little Mason jars or ask your family and friends if they have some.
• Buy red party picks and skewers after Valentines Day when they are on clearance to use for Christmas. Red is red, no matter the holiday.
• Plan ahead and buy cold cuts and cheese when they go on sale.
• Cut blocks of cheese into cubes instead of buy pricey pre-cut cubed cheese.

Can jarcuterie be made ahead of time?

Yes. You can make jarcuterie ahead all the way or in steps.

• Skewer several items
• Fold salami
• Wrap string cheese with prosciutto
• Cube cheese
• Wash fruit ahead of time
• Store the items in groupings in airtight plastic containers. Then, assemble the jars a few hours before serving them.

The jars can also be completely assembled ahead (minus crackers and breadsticks that might get soggy). Place the jars on a tray or baking sheet that will fit in your fridge. Wrap the entire tray and jars in plastic wrap to keep everything fresh. Slip in the crackers and breadsticks right before serving.

Other party food recipes you will love

• Bacon-Wrapped Dove Jalapeno Poppers
• Bacon Tomato Dip
• 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Toasted Pecans
• Cranberry Apple Jalapeno Salsa with Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Leave a comment below the printable recipe if you have questions or want to tell me how you liked the recipe. Don't forget to give the recipe a rating of 5 stars if you love it!

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