Introducing the ultimate party appetizer - Charcuterie skewers! These easy antipasto skewers are the epitome of fun and deliciousness, offering a delightful twist on the classic charcuterie board. It's a burst of flavors and textures in every bite, tantalizing your taste buds and making for most mouthwatering treats!
Looking for more epic charcuterie board ideas, check out this breakfast charcuterie board and fruit charcuterie board!
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I live for a good charcuterie board. The combination of flavors - meats, cheeses, veggies, fruits, all make for the perfect appetizer and finger food! However, we're taking it up a notch and turning a charcuterie board into charcuterie kabobs!
Charcuterie skewers not only taste incredible, but they also look like edible works of art! The vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and layers of flavors make them an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.
Plus, their individual servings make them easy to grab and enjoy without any fuss or mess. They combine the elegance of a charcuterie board with the convenience of a skewer, resulting in a fun and delicious treat that is sure to impress everyone.
So, whether you're hosting a party, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a delightful snack, charcuterie skewers are the way to go.
Why You'll Love this Recipe!
- Perfect for special occasions! Whether its the holiday season or a dinner party, these are the perfect appetizer for social gatherings!
- Super easy appetizer! This is SUCH an easy and customizable recipe. Just grab your wooden skewers and all of your favorite charcuterie ingredients!
- Ideal for any diet! You can make these charcuterie bites keto/low carb, vegan, gluten free, plant based, vegetarian, dairy free etc. Make according to your liking!
- Fun way to turn a charcuterie board into bite sized treats!
- Easily transportable! It can be difficult to transport an entire charcuterie board, however, it's simple to wrap up the skewers and take them on to the or as a dish for a party!
Ingredients
(exact measurements in the recipe card)
- Mini Skewers: I used these bamboo skewers but you can use kabob sticks too!
- Charcuterie Meats: I used salami cut into cubes and prosciutto. You can also pepperoni, mortadella, or any of your favorite cold meats.
- Tomatoes: I used cherry tomatoes but grape tomatoes work too!
- Olives: a mix of green olives, black olives, and kalamata olives - ever since going to Italy last month I've been obsessed with olives.
- Cheese: marinated fresh mozzarella balls and cheddar cheese are my go-to cheeses to use, however, you can use your favorite cheese.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: this adds a colorful and tangy/sweet peppery taste to the skewers. It goes SO well with cheese! You can also use sliced or mini pickles instead.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: totally optional but such a great ingredient to have to add a touch of freshness to your charcuterie sticks.
Additional Add-Ins
Cheese tortellini, red peppers, slices of pepperoni, red onion, and artichoke hearts are all ingredients I love to add for a little something different. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and a balsamic glaze or italian dressing on top to add a little more flavor.
This is also a great way to use up leftovers. If you have any leftover roast beef or bell peppers in the fridge, cut those up and put them onto the skewers too!
Tips and Tricks
Skewer assembly: When assembling your skewers, alternate the ingredients to create an appealing visual presentation. For example, alternate between meat, cheese, and veggies to ensure each skewer has a variety of textures and flavors.
Size matters: Cut your ingredients into bite-sized pieces that can easily be enjoyed in one or two bites. This ensures that your guests can savor all the flavors without having to take large bites or struggle with oversized pieces.
Play with colors and shapes: Use a variety of colorful ingredients to make your skewers visually appealing. Incorporate different shapes, such as rolling or folding slices of meat, to add interest and texture to the skewers.
Make it your own: Mix and match ingredients with contrasting textures and complementary flavors. For example, pair creamy brie with sweet fruits or fresh rosemary sprigs. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
Serve at the right temperature: Some ingredients, like cheese, are best served at room temperature, while others, like certain meats, are better chilled. Consider the optimal serving temperature for each ingredient and adjust accordingly to maximize flavor.
How to make Charcuterie Skewers
- Prep the ingredients: cut cheese into cubes and slices the meats. Remove the stems from the basil leaves.
- Assemble: add ingredients to the skewers, alternating the ingredients and mixing up a variety of textures. The order I went in was: olives, mozzarella balls, prosciutto, basil leaves, tomatoes, cheese cubes, pepperoncini peppers, and slices of salami.
- Serve: place skewers onto a serving platter garnish with fresh herbs, a balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of italian seasoning (optional).
How to Serve
I love serving these skewers as a holiday appetizer or on the picnic table at cookouts. Typically, I serve them alongside crackers or crostinis or with whipped ricotta dip. These appetizer skewers also go well with:
- Bruschetta with Mozzarella
- Pineapple Pico de Gallo
- Deviled Eggs with Bacon
- House Salad
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
Let me know how you serve these at your next gathering!
Storing Leftovers and Making Ahead
Store leftovers in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you have any leftover ingredients, cover them with plastic wrap until you're ready to use them.
Making Ahead: you can make this easy charcuterie appetizer up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the kabob sticks, place onto your serving platter, and cover with plastic wrap until you're ready to serve. If adding seasonings or glaze on top, do not add until you're ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
I recommend using 6-9 inch skewers or kabobs. This will allow all of the ingredients to fit onto the skewer without falling off.
Yes! You can make this recipe up to 2 days in advance.
You can use whatever you like! My recipe is provided as a guide/inspiration.
Antipasto is an appetizer made with a variety of olives, charcuterie meats, and cheeses.
More Charcuterie Ideas
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Charcuterie Skewers
Equipment
- 12 Bamboo Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mixed Olives (green olives, kalamata olives, black olives)
- 12 Mozzarella Balls
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 lb Prosciutto (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese (cut into cubes)
- 12 Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
- 10 oz Salami (sliced)
- 12 Pepperoncini Peppers
Optional Additions
- Italian Seasoning
- Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)
- Balsamic Glaze
Directions
- Prep the ingredients: cut cheese into cubes and slices the meats. Remove any long stems from the basil leaves.
- Assemble: add ingredients to the skewers, alternating the ingredients and mixing up a variety of textures. The order I went in was: olives, mozzarella balls, prosciutto, basil leaves, tomatoes, cheese cubes, pepperoncini peppers, and slices of salami.
- Serve: place skewers onto a serving platter garnish with fresh herbs, a balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of italian seasoning (optional).
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