Jarcuterie
Needing a fun appetizer or snack for family game night or maybe a private watch party for your favorite sporting event? Why not give jarcuterie a try?
Jarcuterie (individual charcuterie servings assembled in a jar) started as a trend during the pandemic and has turned into an amazing gourmet appetizer that is perfect for summer picnics, parties, and potlucks!
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Charcuterie jars are such a simple savory or sweet snack or appetizer that can be put together with only a moment’s notice making them a super convenient solution for last-minute gatherings.
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What Does Jarcuterie Mean?
Jarcuterie is a twist on the word charcuterie which means “delicatessen”. Jarcuterie refers to single-serving charcuterie items served up in a cute mason jar.
The sky is the limit when it comes to getting creative with these little gourmet snacks! Normally they are made with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and fresh or dried fruits.
What Can You Put in a Jarcuterie?
The great thing about jarcuteries is that you can customize them to your own taste or to fit any occasion or menu. Below is a variety of ideas to get you started. Be sure to let me know in the comments about any other ideas you may have!
- Meats- salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, summer sausage, soppressata (or turkey pepperoni)
- Cheeses- parmesan, cheddar, manchego, gruyere, gouda, asiago, Havarti, Muenster, marbled blue jack, swiss, mini mozzarella balls, pepper jack (I love white cheddar)
- Fruits- grapes, strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, mango, raspberries, kiwi fruit
- Dried Fruits- apricots, figs, cherries, cranberries
- Olives & Pickles- black Kalamata olives, green pimento olives, baby gherkin pickles or cornichons, sweet & sassy pickles, pickled jalapenos or pepperoncinis if you’re looking for a spice kick!
- Nuts- pistachios, almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamias, or pecans
- Veggies- carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, mini peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes
- Herbs- rosemary, thyme, dill sprigs, chives, or sage
- Crackers- water crackers, mini toasts, french loaf bites, bread sticks, pretzel rods,
How Do You Make A Jarcuterie?
Gather all of your ingredients for the Charcuterie jars. Most grocery stores have a special section now for gourmet food items. If not try checking out Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s.
Chill the meats and cheeses for a few hours first so that they stay fresh longer.
Slice your cheeses.
Put the tomatoes and mozzarella balls on the bamboo picks and set them to the side.
Put olives and mozzarella balls on bamboo picks and set them aside.
Layer the salami on the bamboo picks. You could even make fun “salami roses”.
Assemble the jarcuterie into the jars.
How to Assemble Jarcuterie
Pour a layer of pistachios (or your favorite nuts) into the bottom of each jar.
Then add a layer of parmesan cheese crisps.
Next place a pretzel rod, pepper jack cheese, and a cheddar cheese stick in the jar.
Then add the tomato and mozzarella, olive sticks, and salami sticks.
Add a wedge of manchego cheese.
Finish with the berries to fill in on the top.
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or dill.
That’s all there is to it! Just seven simple steps and you’ll have a delicious jarcuterie to enjoy. Give it a try today and see for yourself how easy and tasty charcuterie jars can be.
What Size Jars for Jarcuterie?
The size of charcuterie jar you choose depends on how many items you wish to add to this fun snack-size version of charcuterie.
For the average jarcuterie, a 4-6 ounce jar is ideal. This size is perfect for holding a variety of meats, cheeses, and other snacks. Plus, it’s the perfect size for snacking on the go!
Shop my favorite Jarcuterie Jars below!
No matter what size jar you choose, jarcuteries make a great statement for your next private watch party or family game night! They’re so easy to customize and your guests will love them!
More Jarcuterie Ideas
There are so many ways to make up a few of these sweet little gourmet snacks. Here are a few other fun combinations to bring to your next get-together.
- Pizza Jar- fill with a tiny bit of pizza sauce on the bottom, then stack with pepperoni, black olives, mozzarella balls, and garnish with rosemary
- Smores Jar- create a jar with chocolate bar pieces, marshmallows on toothpicks, and graham crackers.
- Greek-style Jar- add tzatziki or hummus to the bottom, cucumber spears, olives, feta cheese, and pita points.
- Breakfast Jar- drizzle honey or syrup in the bottom, stand some french toast sticks up, and add a skewer of your favorite fruits.
- Southern Jar- start with a layer of your favorite fruit jam at the bottom, add a mini biscuit, skew of assorted fruits, and a hearty slice of thick-cut maple or pepper bacon.
- Movie Night Jar- pretzels and popcorn go on the bottom, followed by chocolate candies or m&ms, place sour strips or gummy bears on skewers, then stand a few Twizzler sticks up. (perfect for game night or movie night)
Jarcuterie
Equipment
- mason jars
Ingredients
- Meats
- Cheeses
- Fruits
- Dried Fruits
- Olives & Pickles
- Nuts
- Veggies
- Herbs
- Crackers
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients for the Charcuterie jars.
- Chill the meats and cheeses for a few hours first so that they stay fresh longer.
- Slice your cheeses.
- Put the tomatoes and mozzarella balls on the bamboo picks and set them to the side.
- Put 3 olives on bamboo picks and set them aside.
- Layer the salami on the bamboo picks.
- Assemble the jarcuterie into the jars.
