Charcuterie Skewers with Salami Roses
These charcuterie skewers with mini salami roses are the cutest little appetizer to show off at your next party. Each skewer is stacked with cheese, meats, and accompaniments. They have all the flavors of a charcuterie board in handheld form.
In the past few years, the charcuterie board trend has really taken off. Picture-worthy platters have been gracing the internet with platters that look almost too pretty to eat.
Glorified meat and cheese platters that can consist of different cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits (fresh or dried), vegetables and/or sauces displayed in a beautiful, intentional way.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy entertaining - These charcuterie skewers are perfect for dinner parties, showers, or holiday gatherings.
- Beautiful presentation - A platter of these charcuterie skewers can become a beautiful edible centerpiece for your table.
- Customizable - Start with this simple charcuterie skewer recipe, then switch up your cheeses, meats, and fruits to match the season or your mood.
- Scalable - Whether you're feeding a small group or a big holiday bash, these charcuterie skewers scale beautifully. Just double or triple the ingredients!
Ingredient Notes
The beauty of charcuterie skewers is that they're endlessly adaptable. Think of these ingredients as a framework rather than a rulebook.
A good way to think about it is to include a salty, creamy, and sweet element for the perfect variety.
Cheese - Two different kinds gives some nice variety in flavor and texture. You want a cheese that isn't too soft where it will fall apart, or too hard where it will crumble when you try to thread it on the skewer.
Some good options include: gouda, cheddar, Swiss, Colby, havarti, Monterrey jack, pepper jack, gruyere or manchego. I also love using ciliegine, which are the bite-size mozzarella pearls. Budget-friendly cheeses from Aldi or Costco work great too!
In these photos, I used a mild cheddar and mozzarella pearls.
Meat - My favorite thing about these skewers are the mini salami roses. They create so much visual appeal and are a fun way to display the meat on the skewer.
Use thinly sliced hard or Genoa salami (about 2½-3 inches in diameter).
Other cured meats like pepperoni or thin summer sausage also work. The combo of cheese and meat makes this a protein-packed snack!
Olives - Plain or marinated black or green olives. Be sure they are pit-less, but use a stuffed olive for added flavor. Look for ones that are larger so they are similar in size to the other items.
Pickles - Depending on their size, cut baby dills into ½ or ⅓. Again, you are aiming for all the items to be a similar size on the skewer.
Bread & butter, spicy pickles or other pickled veggies are a fun way to switch things up.
Grapes - Finish with seedless grapes for a burst of sweetness that balances the savory bites. Try mixing red grapes with green for color.
You can also add additional fruit if you prefer. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are some other great options.
How to Make Charcuterie Skewers
Step 1 - Prep all ingredients - Taking the time to get all the ingredients cut up and ready to go will make these skewers come together so quickly. Cut cheese with a thin, sharp chef's knife for clean edges.
I use these 6 inch bamboo skewers. Look for ones that's aren't too thick as you'll have a hard time threading everything onto them. These are perfect.
Since the salami roses will not stay together if not skewered, we are going to start the skewers then build the roses.
Step 2 - Skewer first cheese and olive - On 12 skewers thread the first cheese and olive. I like to use the harder of the 2 cheeses first. Set these aside while you make the salami roses.
Step 3 - Make salami roses - Fold a piece of salami in half. Starting on one end, tightly roll the salami into a rose.
Thread each salami rose onto a skewer after making it (next to olive).
Step 4 - Finish charcuterie skewers - Add a pickle slice, your second cheese, and finish with a grape. Arrange on a serving platter, and you've got charcuterie on a stick!
You'll love how easy these meat and cheese skewers are to prep ahead and assemble before guests arrive.
Expert Tips
- Choose 2 cheeses that are different from each other. One sharper flavor and one more mild creates a nice variety that will please a variety of preferences. Using one cubed cheese and a mozzarella ball creates some visual appeal just as using one orange and one white cheese does.
- Make sure components are all similar sizes for visual appeal and easy eating.
- Drain and dry the olives and pickles. This will prevent the brine from leaking onto the other items.
- Think about the order of items on the skewer as if you are eating it. Don't place the pickle right next to the grape as no matter how much to try, some pickle juice will leak onto the grape. Making charcuterie is more intentional of a process than making any meat and cheese board or skewer.
- Plan for 2-3 skewers per person as a light appetizer.
Charcuterie Skewer Variations
These charcuterie appetizer ideas are endlessly customizable. Switch up the cheeses, meats and fruit to fit the season and your guests!
- Kid-friendly version: Skip the olives and use mild cheeses, like Colby jack or string cheese bites.
- Festive flair: Alternate fruit and olive colors for holidays. Think red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween. Purchase themed skewers for extra flair.
- Mini caprese style: Add cherry or grape tomatoes and drizzle with a balsamic vinegar glaze before serving. You could also lightly brush mozzarella balls with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or fresh basil before assembling.
Storage Tips
Serve your charcuterie skewers slightly chilled or at room temperature. If making ahead, keep them covered in the fridge and let sit out 15-20 minutes before serving so the cheese softens slightly for best flavor.
These skewers make great easy make-ahead appetizers. Just cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving. You could also prep ingredients (cut cheese, slice pickles, roll salami roses), store separate for up to 2 days ahead and assemble the day of.
Quick Tip: If making ahead, place finished skewers on a parchment-lined tray and cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent condensation.
FAQ
To serve, fan them in a circle on a platter, line them in rows, or display upright in small jars or glasses. Add festive herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive flair.
Yes! Store them on toothpicks in an airtight container in the fridge, then transfer to skewers before serving.
Use cubes about 1-1½ inches thick and opt for semi-soft to semi-hard varieties. Avoid extra-aged cheeses as they crumble too easily.
Other Appetizer Ideas You'll Love
Be sure to follow The Darling Apron on Facebook & Instagram along with what I'm pinning on Pinterest!
Have you made one of my recipes? I'd love your feedback on the comment box and star rating below the recipe!
📖 Recipe
Charcuterie Skewers with Salami Roses
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- On 12 - 6 inch skewers, thread 1 cheese cube and an olive. Set aside to make salami roses.
- Fold a piece of salami in half and then roll into a rose. Thread onto skewer next to the olive.
- Next thread a pickle piece, second cheese and a grape onto the skewer.
- Repeat to make 12 total skewers. Place on a serving platter or tray to serve.
I love how easy and customizable this recipe is! Will be making again for the holiday season!
They will be perfect for the holidays!
This recipe was a total win for a High Tea birthday party that we hosted. The kids loved the range of flavors! My kiddos were excited that there were leftovers so that they could take them for lunch.
Very clear directions. Remarkably easy to assemble. Love how the little "roses" turned out.
So glad you enjoyed them, Michelle!