Jarcuterie in Mason Jars

Jarcuterie is a great way to enjoy individual charcuterie appetizers with friends! These individual charcuterie jars offer everyone their own cheese and meat plate. 

Charcuterie boards have been hugely popular in the last year and while I have made a few for family. The great thing about these appetizers is that you can make this mason jar party food easily and take them on the go.

Jarcuterie is perfect for a picnic, beach trip or even a boat ride.

What is Jarcuterie?

If you have not heard of Jarcuterie, it is a recent trend in the food world. Jarcuterie is, quite literally, charcuterie in a jar.  Because indivisual appetizer plates are a good idea these days, these make great individual party appetizers. 

The typical items arranged on a tray are meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, and fruits. The only difference with jarcuterie that you are filling individual jars with the items. Each person has their own personalized appetizer and there is no need for a shared board. 

Why This Recipe

What's nice about these is that you can totally customize your jars according to each person’s food preferences. If you have a friend who has a pork or peanut allergy, you can completely specialize a jar just for them. 

These jars also keep well for packing purposes. As long as they stay refrigerated, you can seal each jar to maintain freshness. That way cheeses and meats are not just sitting out getting warm.

Another reason I love these is that they are festive! each one is a little different, so it adds some interest. In these times, you don't have to worry about everyone standing over the same plate - another plus. 

You just need a few ingredients for these and you can totally change them up to your liking. 

Ingredients for Charcuterie in a Jar

Meats I used ham, turkey and pepperoni. Other great meats are salami, prosciutto and pepperoni.

Crackers - So many types to choose from here - butter, rye, wheat, cheese, water crackers, etc. You can also use things like pita chips or rice crackers. 

Honey Roasted Nuts You can use peanuts, pistachios or cashews. 

Pretzel Sticks - You can also use breadsticks.

Fruit - I used fresh grapes and strawberries, but you can use dried fruit like raisins or apricots too.

Cheese - I like to use both sliced and block cheese to change it up.  Block cheeses are fun when cut with cookie cutters. I would suggest avoiding any strong cheeses that might take over the flavors in the jars. 

How to Make Jarcuterie in Jars

1. Cut the block cheese to the appropriate thickness and length for your cookie cutters to make the
   cheese designs.
2. Roll cold cuts and sliced cheese.
3. Layer the items inside of the jars carefully. 
4. Add the nuts and crackers last so that they do not get soggy. 
5. Seal the jars if packing to go for a picnic or outing. You may want to add the crackers right before serving to maintain crispness. 

Timesaving tipsTips to make this perfect every time

• You can cut the cheese with the cookie cutters ahead of time and store in your refrigerator.
• Adding the nuts throughout helps hold everything in place.
• Add the crackers and bread last so that they stay crisp. 

FAQ

What Should I Serve With Jarcuterie?

The possibilities are endless. You can serve with lemonade, sangria, wine or beer.

Can I make the Jarcuterie ahead of time?

Yes,  You can add the cheeses and meats the day prior and keep jars chilled in the refrigerater. Don't add crackers or nuts until about an hour before to serving because they will get soggy from the moisture. 

Related recipes

Salami Roses - these festive salami roses are perfect for an appetizer charcuterie board. 

Savory Party Snack Mix - Made with cereal and nuts in your oven for a great party snack. 

Valentine's or Date Night Charcuterie Board - A nice board with desserts for two.

Grape Jelly Meatballs - A delicious meatball appetizer that you can make in your slow ooker.

Sweet Dessert Jarcuterie - A lovely portable dessert idea!

Tik Tok Fried Cheese Rounds - Made with mini cheese rounds and just a few ingredients.

Easy Homemade Cereal Bars – Save money and preservatives, by making your own cereal bars.

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