Festive Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Brie Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and absolutely charming appetizer to wow your guests at your next holiday gathering, you’re in the right place. I’m so excited to share my Festive Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Brie Recipe with you! These little cups are like a party on a plate—bursting with flavors, textures, and a touch of holiday magic. You’ll find that they’re super easy to assemble yet impressive enough to make your guests think you went all-out. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every detail, share tips I’ve picked up, and help you nail this appetizer like a pro.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Brie Recipe really lies in picking ingredients that balance each other: rich and creamy cheeses, savory and slightly spicy meats, sweet berries, and crunchy nuts. I always recommend seeking out good-quality salami and fresh brie – it makes a noticeable difference, especially in bites this small.

• Hard Italian Salami: Look for thin, flavorful slices with a nice fat-to-meat ratio for folding easily and tasting rich.
• Salame di Parma: Adds a different texture and a bit of sweetness that pairs beautifully with brie.
• Mini Brie Bites: These melty, creamy nuggets are the heart of the cheese trio and melt just enough for perfect flavor.
• Smoked Gouda: Adds a smoky depth and firm texture for contrast.
• Aged Gouda Christmas Tree Shaped: Beyond the cute shape, this aged cheese packs nutty flavor—holiday spirit and taste in one!
• Mixed Nuts: A crunchy, salty base that keeps each cup interesting with different textures.
• Jordan Almonds: Their slight sweetness and crunch complement the meats and cheeses wonderfully.
• Blackberries and Raspberries: Fresh berries add a juicy burst and a touch of natural sweetness that livens up the savory elements.
• Crackers (like Christmas Tree shaped): I love Lahvosh crackers because they’re sturdy, slightly crispy, and hold up under toppings.
• Gingerbread Man Cookies: A surprise sweet note with festive charm that your guests will adore.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: I use these both for taste and as a garnish to bring that piney holiday aroma.

Variations

I love giving this recipe a little twist depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to adapt the cheese types or swap in different meats to make these cups your own festive masterpiece.

• Cheese Swap: I once replaced the brie with creamy goat cheese for an extra tangy touch that my cheese-loving friends went crazy for.
• Meat-Free Variation: For my vegetarian guests, I simply omitted the salami and added extra nuts and grilled veggies—still festive and delicious!
• Seasonal Fruit: Swap the berries for pomegranate seeds or even thin sliced figs depending on your local seasonality.
• Herb Upgrade: Rosemary is classic, but sometimes I use thyme for a different herbal note that pairs beautifully with the smoked gouda.

How to Make Festive Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Brie Recipe

Step 1: Start with the Nutty Base

Begin by adding about half a cup of mixed nuts into each cup, creating a crunchy “nest” that adds texture and holds the other delights in place. Then distribute the Jordan almonds evenly—you’ll notice they add this subtle sweet crunch that makes every bite exciting.

Step 2: Prepare Your Salami Skewers

Here’s a trick I learned: fold each slice of salami into a neat triangle to give it some dimension and make it easier to thread on a skewer or cocktail pick. I always fold the edges so the rounded sides face outward—this not only looks pretty but also gives a tactile texture your fingers will love holding.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

Arrange your salami skewers inside the cups, sticking them into the nuts so they stand firm like little festive flags. Then tuck in the rosemary sprigs—they brighten the aroma and add that holiday green pop we all adore. Finish with the gingerbread man cookie front and center for the cutest edible decoration you’ll ever serve.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Berries

Place the mini brie bites, smoked gouda cubes, and Christmas tree-shaped aged gouda strategically around the skewers and nuts, creating a colorful and flavorful mosaic. I like to add blackberries and raspberries last so they stay fresh and juicy, complementing the saltiness of the charcuterie beautifully.

How to Serve Festive Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Brie Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things classic with rosemary sprigs tucked in for color and aroma, but sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of honey over the cheese right before serving for a glossy, sweet touch. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on the brie also adds a subtle kick if you want to jazz it up.

Side Dishes

These cups are great finger food, but I often pair them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of marinated olives and pickles to keep the spread interesting and balanced. A glass of sparkling wine or a cozy mulled cider pairs beautifully too—trust me on this pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow-factor, try using mini mason jars or festive mini bucket-style cups if you want to elevate presentation. I’ve also layered the nuts and berries in clear cups for a beautiful color play. During one holiday, I arranged the cups on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by pine cones and fairy lights. It looked magical and made serving super easy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any left (which is rare!), cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. I found they keep best for up to 24 hours before the berries start to soften and the crackers lose crunch. For best freshness, I recommend assembling close to serving time if possible.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t the best option for this recipe because the fresh berries and crackers don’t thaw well—they can get mushy or soggy. If you need to prep ahead, freeze the meats and cheeses separately, then assemble right before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold appetizer, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer slightly softer cheeses, remove the cups from the fridge about 15–20 minutes before serving to warm to room temperature—that way the brie and gouda shine even more beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Festive Charcuterie Cups with Salami and Brie Recipe comes together for holiday parties or cozy get-togethers. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple it was to create a visually stunning appetizer that everyone raved about. My family goes crazy for the combination of creamy cheese, savory salami, and the sweet pop of fresh berries—plus, those gingerbread men always get a few smiles! I really hope you give this recipe a try and see how it can become one of your go-to festive crowd-pleasers. Happy holidays and happy snacking!

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