Jarcuterie
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
Looking for an appetizer that SHINES when it comes to flavor and presentation? Then you need a jarcuterie. These single-serving charcuteries assembled in a small jar are perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or even just a movie/game night with friends.
Friends, you know how much I love anything made or served in a jar. In fact, I wrote a whole blog post about it. So naturally, I’m obsessed with the new trend of creating a single-serving charcuterie board, putting it in a jar, and calling it a jarcuterie.
Can it get any cuter?!
If jarcuteries are a new concept to you, you may be asking yourself, “What is it?”.
What is a Jarcuterie?
Jarcuteries are single-serving charcuteries assembled in small jars They typically contain things like cured meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, berries, nuts, and crackers.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Unique and Customizable – With endless options for fillings and toppings, you can create a custom snack that caters to your taste buds. They can also be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. You can easily make vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free versions by swapping out certain ingredients or using alternatives.
- Practical – Unlike a charcuterie board, these jars are perfect for serving smaller groups, making them ideal for movie nights or intimate gatherings. Plus, they are easy to assemble and require no special tools or equipment.
- Endlessly Versatile – They can be adapted to fit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, and outdoor even like picnics and barbecues, or even a more formal dinner party, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests.
Jarcuteries are a beautiful gourmet appetizer idea that can be served at potlucks, celebrations, or even small get-togethers at home. They can be made with a variety of ingredients that you can customize to suit your party and menu.
And if you like these, I create two similar, but different, ideas:
- Charcuterie Boxes – Create a charcuterie board “to go” with these gourmet Charcuterie Boxes. These are perfect for outdoor get-togethers or a snack on the go!
- Charcuterie Cups – These are a winner in both presentation and flavor. It’s an individual festive charcuterie boards served in a paper cup.
- Snackle box – A to-go charcuterie in a tackle box! So cute and convenient!
- Charcuterie Wreath – A wow-worthy round wreath shaped charcuterie.
Ingredients
What can you put in a jarcuterie? Generally speaking, you want to stick to things you’d find on a charcuterie or grazing board, but you could really do whatever you’d like. If you’re looking for a little more guidance, here are some of the things I included and a few additional suggestions.
- Cheeses: Use what you love. I find harder cheeses a bit easier to manage, but you could certainly make anything work. I used cheddar, pepper jack, and mini mozzarella balls. Want to take it to the next level? Cubes of my Marinated Mozzarella would be wonderful here!
- Meats: Charcuterie literally translated means “the products of a fancy pork butcher,” so including cured meats is a must. Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, sopressata, capicola, etc. are some of my favorites.
- Berries and Fruits: Berries and fruits add freshening sweetness. Try blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, apples, and/or pear slices.
- Veggies: I didn’t use any here, but sugar snap peas, carrots, radishes, etc. would be lovely.
- Nuts: Pistachios, walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, Craisins, figs, apricots, etc.
- Olives/Pickles: Kalamata, stuffed olives, and even gherkins! (I do recommend using pitted olives.)
- Crackers/Bread: Tall and thin works best. I really love La Panzanella crackers. The tall thin crusty breadstick-style crackers work great too.
- Fresh Herbs (to garnish): A sprig of fresh herbs makes any dish look gourmet. Rosemary, thyme, or sage is perfect here.
What size jar to use for jarcuteries?
For my jarcuteries, I used these 4-ounce Quilted Crystal Jars from Ball. I think they are a perfect size. However, any jar around 4-6 ounces is ideal. You could do 8 ounces, but that’s really the max size. Remember this is just a little snack or appetizer, not a full meal.
Tip: If you enjoy Oui yogurt, it comes in the cutest little glass jar that would be perfect for a jarcuterie.
Prefer a single-use cup? You can do that too! These Paper Cups would work great.
You’ll also need some toothpicks.
Since you are working with small jars, you’ll want to get many of your items up and out while still being contained within the jar. Toothpicks are great for skewering items to give them height, thus allowing them to “spill” out of your jars.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Looped Bamboo Picks
- Cocktail Tasting Forks
- Cylinder Top Picks
- Bamboo Cocktail Picks
- Faux Pearl Wooden Picks
How To Make
Here’s a quick rundown of how to assemble jarcuteries. A detailed recipe with an ingredient list is available in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by filling your jars with smaller items.
- Tuck in your crackers toward the back of the jar.
- Using your toothpicks, skewer a few of your ingredients such as cheeses, meats, olives, etc.
- Place the toothpick skewered items into your jar. Vary heights and colors to create interest.
- Fill in with extra ingredients to hold things in place.
- Garnish with a sprig of a fresh herb.
Additional Recipes Tips
- Yes, you can make these ahead. Add everything to the jar except for your crackers. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one day in advance. This will give you more time to focus on other aspects of your party, like decorating or mingling with guests.
- Get creative. I made my jarcuteries the more traditional way, but you could do all fruits and vegetables and serve with dip. Another option would be to do a dessert jarcuterie and fill it with your favorite sweet treat. Have fun with it!
And that’s it my friends. Now you officially know all the necessary info in regards to making some adorable and flavor-packed jarcuteries.
Have fun and enjoy!
More Appetizer Recipes That Will Wow
- Antipasto Kabobs
- Parmesan Truffle Popcorn
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Peppers
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wonton Cups
- Mini Pumpkin Cheeseballs
- Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini
I hope you’ve enjoyed these jarcuteries as much as I do. Be sure to give them a try! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Jarcuterie
Ingredients
- 16 ounces assorted cheeses
- 24 slices/pieces cured meats
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 1/2 cup grapes
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1 cup nuts
- 16 long thin crackers
- 8 pieces fresh herbs
- various toothpicks
Instructions
- Begin by filling your jars with the smaller items.
- Tuck in your crackers toward the back of the jar.
- Using your toothpicks, skewer a few of your ingredients such as cheeses, meats, olives, etc.
- Place the toothpick skewered items into your jar. Vary heights and colors to create interest.
- Fill in with extra ingredients to hold things in place.
- Garnish with a sprig of a fresh herb.
Jarcuteries in jars? Such a delightful and inventive idea! These individual charcuterie servings are ideal for gatherings or a relaxed evening at home. The ability to customize them is a fantastic feature, and the detailed guide makes it accessible to all. I can’t wait to experiment with my own creations!