Guardar Sophisticated, bite-sized appetizer cups featuring crisp Manchego cheese crackers filled with a medley of cured meats, fruits, nuts, and garnishes are perfect for entertaining guests at any occasion. This Spanish-inspired recipe delivers flair and flavor in every crunchy, savory, and subtly sweet bite.
I first crafted these charcuterie cups for a holiday cocktail party, and they were an instant hit—guests loved having all the classic board flavors in a single, handheld bite. The crisp cheese cups add a unique twist and fun presentation.
Ingredients
- Manchego cheese (finely grated): 1 1½ cups (150 g)
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Jamón Serrano or prosciutto (halved): 6 slices
- Chorizo (halved): 6 slices
- Seedless red grapes (halved): 12
- Marcona almonds: 12
- Cornichons or gherkins (halved): 12 small
- Roasted red peppers (cut into strips): 1⁄2 cup (60 g)
- Basil leaves (optional): 12 small
- Honey: 1 tbsp, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Form cheese cracker cups:
- Place tablespoon-sized mounds of grated Manchego cheese on the baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each with smoked paprika and black pepper.
- Bake cheese rounds:
- Bake for 7–8 minutes until cheese has melted and edges turn golden. Remove from oven.
- Mold into cup shapes:
- While warm and pliable, lift cheese rounds with spatula and press into mini muffin tin wells to shape cups. Let cool completely to set.
- Remove and fill cups:
- Gently remove cooled cheese cups from the tin and place on serving platter. Fill each cup with Jamón Serrano, chorizo, half a grape, Marcona almond, roasted red pepper strip, and half a cornichon.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with a basil leaf if desired and drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
Guardar Setting these out at family gatherings always sparks conversation about everyone's favorite cheese and meat combinations—even kids love assembling their own cups with extra grapes and honey.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat, mini muffin tin, spatula, knife, cutting board
Notes
Substitute Manchego with Parmesan for a different flavor or swap the meats for roasted vegetables to create a vegetarian version. These cups pair especially well with dry Spanish white wine or Cava.
Nutritional Information
Per cup: 110 calories, 7 g total fat, 3 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein.
Guardar Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor. These charcuterie cups will make any gathering unforgettable and delicious.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre recetas
- → How do I shape the Manchego cups?
Shape warm cheese rounds using a mini muffin tin while pliable, pressing gently to create cup forms.
- → Can I substitute Manchego cheese?
Yes, Parmesan works well as an alternative, yielding a different but delicious flavor profile.
- → What meats work best for the filling?
Jamón Serrano, prosciutto, and chorizo are ideal choices for authentic Spanish-inspired taste.
- → Are these cups gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free crackers or verify cheese and meats are free from gluten ingredients.
- → What wine pairs well with these appetizers?
Dry Spanish white wine or sparkling Cava pairs perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the charcuterie cups.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Omit meats and fill cups with roasted vegetables, almonds, fruit, and herbs for a delicious veggie option.