Pin It A playful, eye-catching jar layered with bold meats, cheeses, veggies, and crunchy surprises is perfect for parties or snacking with a wild twist.
I first assembled these for a game night, and everyone loved picking out their favorite layers right from the jar. The organized chaos always draws compliments.
Ingredients
- Spicy salami: 4 slices
- Smoked ham: 4 slices
- Prosciutto: 4 slices
- Manchego cheese: 60 g, cubed
- Sharp cheddar: 60 g, cubed
- Mozzarella balls: 60 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 8
- Pitted green olives: 8
- Cornichons: 8 (small pickles)
- Roasted red peppers: 1/4 cup, sliced
- Grissini breadsticks: 8, broken in half
- Mixed nuts: 1/2 cup (almonds, cashews, pecans)
- Seasoned pretzel bites: 1/2 cup
- Seedless red grapes: 1/2 cup
- Dried apricots: 1/2 cup
- Fresh basil leaves: as needed, for garnish
- Whole-grain mustard: 4 tbsp
- Honey: 4 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare jars:
- Arrange four large mason jars or clear tumblers.
- Layer meats:
- Roll or fold each slice of meat and set at the bottom of each jar.
- Add cheeses:
- Layer cubes of Manchego, cheddar, and mozzarella balls above the meats.
- Vegetable and pickle arrangement:
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, cornichons, and roasted red peppers in a scattered arrangement for vibrant color.
- Add crunchy elements:
- Insert grissini sticks, nuts, and pretzel bites for texture and crunch.
- Sweet layer:
- Tuck grapes and dried apricots along the sides for a burst of sweetness.
- Garnish:
- Add fresh basil leaves to each jar.
- Serve:
- Top each jar with whole-grain mustard and drizzle with honey on top or the side for dipping.
Pin It My kids love these jars for lunch on-the-go, using little forks to explore each surprise inside. They have become a picnic tradition for our family outings.
Required Tools
You'll need 4 large mason jars or clear tumblers, small knives for cutting cheese, and small spoons for serving mustard and honey.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, nuts, and gluten. Double-check labels for extra allergens.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per jar: 430 calories, 25 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein.
Pin It Fill the jars and let everyone dig in for a playful, delicious treat. Your guests will love the bold flavors and whimsical style.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I swap the meats for other proteins?
Absolutely! Try turkey, pepperoni, or even vegetarian options like marinated artichoke hearts or roasted chickpeas.
- → What jar size works best for this dish?
Large mason jars or tall clear tumblers give space for layered ingredients and stylish presentation.
- → How do I keep crunchy additions crisp?
Store separately until assembling, then layer above moist ingredients to maintain texture.
- → What wines pair well with this jar?
Crisp rosé or a light lager complement the bold flavors and variety of meats and cheeses.
- → How can I customize for allergies?
Omit meats for vegetarian needs, choose gluten-free snacks, and substitute dairy-free cheeses as required.