Breakfast Charcuterie Cups are a brunch dream come true—cheesy, savory, and oh-so-easy to make, these adorable bites turn your favorite breakfast charcuterie board elements into individual, hand-held cups perfect for any gathering. Every cup bursts with melty cheese, eggs, smoky ham, and fresh veggies, creating a flavorful and colorful treat that looks just as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch or prepping a grab-and-go breakfast for the week, you’ll find yourself coming back to these captivating little cups over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple but essential ingredients, each chosen for the best taste, texture, and color. The magic really happens when these everyday elements are combined in each Breakfast Charcuterie Cup, so don’t skip any of the stars!
- Eggs: The protein-packed foundation, helping hold everything together while keeping the cups delightfully fluffy.
- Heavy cream or milk: A splash makes the eggs extra creamy and helps meld all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings gooey, melty goodness and a punch of sharp flavor with every bite.
- Thinly sliced ham or prosciutto: Adds a savory, smoky layer—plus, its edges get delightfully crisp in the oven.
- Cherry tomatoes: Lend a pop of juicy sweetness and vibrant color to each cup.
- Fresh baby spinach: A little goes a long way in adding color, nutrition, and freshness.
- Mini bagels, croissants, or English muffin rounds (optional, for cup bases): Provides a sturdy, buttery base that soaks up the egg mixture.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of each brings out the best in your ingredients without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- Chives or green onions (for garnish): A sprinkle on top gives a fresh finish and a pretty pop of green.
How to Make Breakfast Charcuterie Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tin
Start by generously greasing a muffin tin to ensure every cup pops out easily after baking. If you like a sturdy base, press down a round of mini bagel, croissant, or English muffin into each cup. Not only does this soak up all the delicious juices, but it adds a buttery crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Meats and Veggies
Gently lay a slice of ham or prosciutto into each muffin cup. Let the edges drape over slightly—they’ll crisp up beautifully! Then scatter a few spinach leaves and slices of cherry tomato into the cup. This combo makes each Breakfast Charcuterie Cup a medley of color and flavor right from the first bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, heavy cream or milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This is your chance to infuse the base with flavor, so whisk until the eggs look pale and frothy for the fluffiest results.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Pour the egg mixture evenly into each prepared cup, aiming to cover the fillings but not letting them overflow. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese—don’t be shy, this is where that gooey goodness really shines!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tops are golden. Let them cool in the tin for a couple of minutes before gently releasing with a small spatula or butter knife. Your Breakfast Charcuterie Cups are now ready for their grand entrance!
How to Serve Breakfast Charcuterie Cups
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add the perfect finishing touch. Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over each cup just before serving to give a burst of color and freshness. You can even add a dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes if you like a bit of zing with your Breakfast Charcuterie Cups.
Side Dishes
Pair your Breakfast Charcuterie Cups with a fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or crispy roasted potatoes to round out your brunch spread. For coffee lovers, a piping hot latte or cold brew makes an unbeatable match, while a mimosa sets the perfect brunch mood.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay out your Breakfast Charcuterie Cups on a wooden board, surrounded by extra slices of ham, tiny cubes of cheese, and fresh berries for a play on the classic charcuterie vibe. For gatherings, offer a variety with different cheeses or veggies—let guests pick their favorites and feel like brunch royalty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Breakfast Charcuterie Cups cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for three to four days, making them awesome for a speedy weekday breakfast or snack.
Freezing
Breakfast Charcuterie Cups freeze surprisingly well! Arrange fully cooled cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pull out as many as you need—the perfect solution for breakfast meal prep or unexpected company.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a cup for about 30–45 seconds until warmed through, or pop them back into the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 8-10 minutes. Either way, your Breakfast Charcuterie Cups will taste just as fresh and delicious as when you first made them.
FAQs
Can I make Breakfast Charcuterie Cups dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the heavy cream or milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative (like almond or oat milk), and use a dairy-free cheese. The result will still be deliciously satisfying and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
How can I customize the fillings?
Get creative! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, diced peppers, or a mix of cheeses for endless variety. You can even swap the ham for cooked bacon, turkey, or keep it vegetarian—the base recipe for Breakfast Charcuterie Cups is super adaptable.
What’s the best way to transport them for brunch events?
Let the cups cool, then pack them snugly in a container lined with parchment paper. If you’re hosting, you can even reheat them right before serving so everyone enjoys warm, cheesy goodness.
Can these be made ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Bake a double batch and store in the fridge or freezer for quick grab-and-go breakfasts. They reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy homemade Breakfast Charcuterie Cups all week long without the morning rush.
Do I need to use a crust or bread base?
Nope, it’s totally up to you! The bread base adds a bready bite, but the cups hold together just fine with only eggs and fillings. If you’re watching carbs or gluten, feel free to skip the bread and enjoy a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give these Breakfast Charcuterie Cups a try—they’re a joyful, playful twist on brunch that never fails to impress. There’s so much room for creativity, and each bite is its own little celebration. Happy brunching!
PrintBreakfast Charcuterie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Breakfast Charcuterie Cups are a creative and convenient way to enjoy all your morning favorites in one bite. Each portable cup is packed with classic breakfast items like eggs, bacon, fruit, cheese, and pastries, making them perfect for brunch, on-the-go mornings, or entertaining a crowd. You can customize each cup to match your tastes, making this recipe a fun and elegant addition to any breakfast spread.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 6 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved or quartered
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half
- 8 slices cooked breakfast sausage links, halved
Cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini)
Fruits
- 1 cup grapes, red or green, washed
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup blueberries
Pastries
- 12 mini croissants or mini muffins
Extras
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (apricots or cranberries)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish
- 12 small disposable cups or jars, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare All Ingredients: Begin by cooking the bacon and breakfast sausage links until crisp and golden. Hard boil the eggs, peel them, and cut them in half or quarters for easy portioning. Chop fruit and cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Cups: Take each cup or jar and start by adding a few bite-sized pastries at the bottom for stability. Then, layer in the proteins—add halves of eggs, pieces of bacon, and sausage. Follow this by arranging cheese cubes and mozzarella balls around the proteins.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Fill in the gaps with a colorful mix of grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. Add a small handful of mixed nuts and a few pieces of dried fruit for sweetness and crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each cup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs. Arrange the finished cups on a large platter or breakfast tray and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out any of the proteins, cheeses, or fruits to match your preferences or dietary needs.
- To save time in the morning, prepare and portion all ingredients the night before and assemble just before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and sausage and add extra cheese, roasted vegetables, or plant-based sausage.
- Choose gluten-free pastries to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Use sturdy cups to keep the ingredients upright and visually appealing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
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