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. (You can find that HERE.) 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.

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.
Want more appetizer recipes that wow? Try these:
- Antipasto Kabobs
- Parmesan Truffle Popcorn
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Peppers
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wonton Cups
- Mini Pumpkin Cheeseballs
- Roasted Tomato and Burrata Crostini

What can you put in a jarcuterie?
I suppose the simple answer is whatever you want. 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 do you make jarcuteries?
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.

Recipes tips and ideas:
- 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.
- 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!

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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.
Well, I must say this was a HUGH hit for an “after golf” gathering I recently had. Everyone LOVED it! Michael, you have a very fun website that I seem to gravitate to. Great recipes, decorating and entertainment ideas (I can copy ideas really good but I’m not very creative myself) so thank you, you make me look good.
What a great food. Very unique combination of fruit and savory.
I love this recipe for Jarcuteries!! I am making them for a Girls Night. And I am definitely keeping this recipe on rotation for parties and holidays too!
Love this!! This is such a fun idea – perfect for any occasion and time of year!
Michael, ‘I love this idea. Ilike giving each guest their own serving of appetizers etc, so this is ideal. And serving them in little Mason jars is such a clever, easy way to prepare them bfore guests arrive. Thanks so much for this inspitation.
My sister in law and I made these for a bridal shower for our niece. They were adorable and delicious!
This is the best thing I’ve seen for a while! What are the paper cups that you recommend? The link does not work.
This is so creative and one of the neatest ideas you’ve shared with us yet! Thanks for your endless inspiration 🤩
I’m all about the jars! I’m already planning to serve these at a meeting, and at an event that I am doing the refreshments for. Thank you for including the resources too! Keep inspiring us my friend!
I also love anything served in a jar! These are so perfect. Can’t wait to serve them at a future party.
This is a masterpiece idea! I look forward to trying this out this summer. This is why I enjoy your blogs and emails…you inspire us to try new things. Thank you!
These are simply adorable. You never cease to amaze with your wonderful, creative and delicious ideas! BRAVO 👏 You have many followers here in Atlantic Canada 😁
You are so kind, Susan! Thank you!
xo Michael
What a wonderful idea, a jarcuterie !!!
Thank you Michael can’t wait to give it a try
Love love LOVE this, Michael!! Thanks for the inspiration!
That is a darling idea…….
Thank you, Debbie!!
xo Michael