Easy Charcuterie Skewers (Two Ways!)

Need a quick and easy appetizer or a fun twist for lunch? You absolutely need to try these easy and delicious charcuterie skewers made two ways!

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Why you’ll love these

These charcuterie skewers make an absolutely fabulous party appetizer for any dinner party (especially if you’re intimidated to make a classic charcuterie board!), and they’re a fun healthy lunch option too!

They’re easy, they’re versatile, and you can customize your skewers to include all of your favorite meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies!

You can make these charcuterie kabobs with any variety of flavors that you enjoy, which is the best part. I love changing these up with different cheeses and using a variety of meat and veggies, too!

As a dietitian I’m a huge fan of fun meal and snack ideas, and I especially love snack-y meals (I have an entire blog on Adult Lunchables!).

Whether you’re prepping these for a holiday appetizer or using them for a fun way to meal prep your lunches, you’re going to love making your own charcuterie skewers.

Ingredients

Charcuterie skewers are super customizable, but these are my two favorite combinations! One is most salty/savory and the other is a savory/sweet combination.

Meat, cheese + veggie

1. Mozzarella balls: I love using the small mozzarella cheese balls because they’re perfect for skewering! You can also buy a large ball of mozzarella cheese and cube it yourself.
2. Sharp cheddar cheese cubes: You can either buy a block and cube it, or make your life easier and buy the pre-cubed kind! You can also use sliced cheese.
3. Grape tomatoes: Both grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work great here!
4. Baby bell peppers: I like the mini bell peppers because they’re a little more tender and sweet but you can also use large bell peppers and slice them into bite sized pieces.
5. Salami: For the salami, either use sliced salami or buy a full salami and then cube it!
6. Turkey pepperoni: My favorite turkey pepperoni brand is Applegate!
7. Green olives and/or mini dill pickles: Use whatever you enjoy for olives or pickles. I love the salty vinegary addition these add to the skewers!
8. Optional: Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Fruit, turkey + cheese

1. Grapes: I like using a combination of green and red grapes, use your favorite!
2. Strawberries: Strawberries, blackberries, or even blueberries would all work here.
3. Sliced turkey: I usually use the Applegate Farms sliced turkey for these, but if you’re looking for a lower sodium option, you can also use cubed turkey breast or cubed chicken breast.
4. Swiss cheese cubes: I love the combination of mild swiss cheese with sweet fruit!
5. Sharp cheddar cheese cubes: Sharp cheddar gives a nice salty bite to these fruit and turkey skewers!

Step-by-step instructions

1. To make the meat, cheese and veggie version, skewer one of each ingredient onto the skewer: mozzarella ball, fresh basil leaf, grape tomato, sharp cheddar cheese cube, bell pepper slice, salami cube, olive, pepperoni. Repeat the pattern until your skewer is full.

2. To make the fruit, turkey and cheese option, skewer each ingredient onto the skewer: grape, swiss cheese cube, turkey, strawberry half, cheddar cheese cube. Repeat the pattern until your skewer is full.

Recipe FAQ

Can you prep these ahead?

Yes! I love prepping these ahead for an easy grabbable lunch and then pairing them with some whole grain crackers, like my favorite Triscuit Thins. Assemble your skewers and store in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 4 days.

Where do I get skewers?

My bamboo skewers are from Amazon!

You can also make mini charcuterie skewers by using smaller skewers!

How do you prep the ingredients to be skewered?

• Slices of meat: Fold in half before skewering. If it’s a large slice, you can also fold in half an additional time.
• Blocks of cheese: Cut cheese blocks into small cubes.
• Fruit: Grapes, raspberries, blackberries, or even blueberries can be skewered as is. For larger fruits, like strawberries, you can either keep them whole, halve them, or quarter them. For large fruits like pineapple or mango, slice into cubes.
• Larger cuts of meat (log of salami, chicken breast, etc): Cut into small cubes.
• Slices of deli meat: I recommend cutting each slice of deli meat into 4 pieces. Then fold in half, then in half one more time before skewering.
• Herb leaves (like basil): Simply fold in half. If they’re very large, fold in half an additional time.

How to serve them

As an appetizer

These are the perfect appetizer to make for any party, holiday or dinner. Display them on your favorite serving platter or cheese board for an impressive platter!

Another great way to serve them is vertically in serving cups!

Serve your appetizer skewers with small containers of your favorite dips, dressings and/or jams!

As a healthy and balanced lunch option

To serve as an easy lunch option, I recommend 3-4 skewers with a high fiber carbohydrate source, like whole grain crackers (my favorite are Triscuit Thins!). If you’re making these for lunches you can also choose to add more/less of whatever ingredients fit your needs!

For example, I’ll often add extra veggies or lean meats to my skewers!

Variation ideas

Add your favorite charcuterie ingredients

Add any charcuterie ingredients you typically enjoy for different flavors and options! Here are some ideas:

• Pieces of bread
• Artichoke hearts
• Cooked cheese tortellini
• Roasted red peppers
• Black olives or kalamata olives
• Pickled veggies (cauliflower, carrots, onions)
• Cucumber slices
• Prosciutto
• Ham
• Sharp manchego cheese
• Chicken breast
• Shrimp
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mandarin slices
• Dried fruit

Drizzle or dip them

You can also dip your skewers in a vinaigrette or dip, or drizzle with a dressing!

• Balsamic glaze
• Basil vinaigrette
• Pepper jelly
• Fruit jams or marmalades
• Honey mustard
• Spicy mustard
• Italian dressing
• Hummus
• Drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

More appetizers + easy lunches

Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip

The Best 10 Adult Lunchables (Easy + Healthy!)

Easy Cucumber Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes & Feta

2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip (High Protein)

How to Make Guacamole with One Avocado (Easy 5-Minute Guac)

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