Single-serve grazing is trending, and essential, for today’s redesigned pandemic event. While creating jarcuterie, it’s possible to go beyond the traditional charcuterie bite and create a unique and self-contained appetizer.
For a sturdy base, a wide-mouth half-pint glass Mason jar is a perfect place to start. For the harried hostess, prep can occur in advance, leaving only assembly for the day of the event. Possibilities are limited only by imagination.
Here are ten “graze bouquets” to try. These can be served cold, prepared ahead, or served hot, with proteins cooked in advance and heated prior to serving.
Schmear, Salmon & Bagel
Pipe 2 ounces of whipped cream cheese in bottom of jar
Add a roll of skewered smoked salmon
Add sliced red onion
Add a toasted mini bagel
Garnish with capers and green onion
Charcuterie Jarcuterie
Place the following into a jar:
Flatbread cracker
Artisan cheese
Skewered grapes and berries
Skewered artichoke hearts
Rolled prosciutto and salami
Garnish with Italian parsley
Meatballs With Pesto
Spoon 2 ounces pesto in bottom of jar
Add skewered 1/2-ounce cooked meatballs
Add skewered cooked tortellini
Add skewered mozzarella cheese and tomatoes
Garnish with fresh basil
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Spoon 2 ounces cocktail sauce in bottom of jar
Skewer cooked shrimp with rosemary sprigs
Garnish with lemon wheel
Pork Belly Buster
Spoon 2 ounces slaw in bottom of jar
Add skewered grilled sliced sausage and roasted potatoes
Add sliced smoked pork belly
Add skewered pickle and onion
Top with toasted sliced bread “soldiers”
Drizzle with barbecue sauce of choice
Turkey Club
Spoon 1 ounce thyme aioli in bottom of jar
Add rolled and skewered thinly sliced turkey
Add crisp bacon, endive leaves and skewered heirloom tomatoes
Top with toasted sliced bread “soldiers”
Garnish with thyme sprigs
Blackberry Chicken and Waffles
Spoon 2 ounces blackberry syrup in bottom of jar
Top with a homemade blackberry waffle, cut into 3-inch triangles
Add skewered grilled chicken and fresh blackberries
Add crisp bacon
Garnish with skewered fruit
Hummus and More
Spoon 3 ounces hummus in bottom of jar
Top hummus with 1 ounce crumbled feta
Add skewered Kalamata olives, tomatoes and peppers
Add a cucumber stick and carrot chips
Add fresh pita, toasted and cut in wedges
Pineapple Chicken
Spoon 2 ounces cooked rice in bottom of jar
Add skewered baked sesame chicken and pineapple
Add dried seaweed sheets and chopped green onion
Drizzle with chile sauce
Garnish with chopped peppers
Caviar With Blini
Place 5 blini in bottom of jar
Top with 1 ounce crème fraîche
Top with caviar of choice, depending upon budget
Garnish with lemon wheel and fresh strawberry