Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Published: June 8, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Assemble: No cooking required! Just chop, roll, and skewer.
Flavor-Packed: A delicious combination of meats, cheese, and veggies that everyone will love.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for parties, picnics, or even as a fun lunch option.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and can be made together with kids for an engaging cooking experience.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers is simple with the right tools. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Wooden skewers
Knife
Cutting board
Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

Wooden Skewers: These are essential for assembling your skewers efficiently.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting ingredients neatly and safely.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen tidy.

Ingredients

For the Skewers

4 hardboiled eggs
½ English cucumber
2 oz. deli chicken ham, thick cut
2 oz. deli turkey breast, thick cut
2 oz. deli roast beef, thick cut
8 oz. Swiss cheese block
1 head red leaf lettuce
16 grape tomatoes
8 large green olives
8 (12-inch) skewers

For Garnish

Ranch dressing, for drizzling
Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting each hardboiled egg into four pieces. Slice the cucumber lengthwise and then cut it into ½-inch thick half-moons.

Step 2: Roll the Meats

Cut the chicken ham, turkey, and roast beef lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips. Roll each strip into a pinwheel shape.

Step 3: Cut the Cheese

Slice the Swiss cheese block into 16 squares that will fit nicely onto your skewers.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

On each skewer, alternate pieces in this order:
1. 2 pieces Swiss cheese
2. 2 cucumber slices
3. 2 grape tomatoes
4. 2 egg pieces
5. 1 chicken ham pinwheel
6. 1 turkey pinwheel
7. 1 roast beef pinwheel
8. 3 small bundles of folded red leaf lettuce

Finish each skewer with a green olive on top.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with black pepper before serving immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Deli meat and cheese skewers are a versatile appetizer that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual gathering, these skewers can elevate your snack game.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing over the skewers for a creamy flavor boost that complements the savory meats.
Honey Mustard: This sweet and tangy sauce pairs well with the richness of the cheese and meats.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the freshness of the vegetables.

Create a Charcuterie Board

Cheese Platter: Add various cheeses alongside your skewers to create a visually appealing platter.
Cured Meats: Include other cured meats such as salami or prosciutto for extra variety.
Fruits and Nuts: Fresh fruits like grapes and nuts can balance the flavors and offer crisp textures.

Serve as Part of a Meal

Lunch Boxes: These skewers make an excellent addition to lunch boxes for both kids and adults, providing protein and fun presentation.
Picnics: Pack them for picnics; they’re easy to transport and require no utensils.
Game Day Snacks: Perfect for watching sports, these skewers are finger-friendly and satisfying.

How to Perfect Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Making deli meat and cheese skewers is simple, but there are ways to enhance your creation. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.

Bold Ingredients: Choose high-quality deli meats and cheeses for better flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
Fresh Veggies: Use crisp vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers to add crunch. Freshness enhances both taste and presentation.
Even Assembly: Ensure even spacing on each skewer. This not only looks good but also makes it easier to eat.
Serve Immediately: For the best taste, serve your skewers right after assembly. They’re most appealing when fresh.
Garnish Creatively: Add herbs like parsley or chives as a garnish. This adds color and an aromatic touch.
Adjust Portions: Feel free to adjust ingredient amounts based on personal preference or dietary needs. Make them your own!

Best Side Dishes for Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Serving side dishes alongside deli meat and cheese skewers can enhance your appetizer experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Vegetable Platter: Fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a refreshing contrast.
Chips & Dip: Tortilla chips paired with guacamole or salsa make for a fun, sharable side dish.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the skewers.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the richness of the deli meats perfectly.
Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with vinaigrette can offer a zesty side that pairs well with the skewers.
Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks provide another layer of texture, making them great for dipping in sauces alongside your skewers.
Stuffed Mini Peppers: These bite-sized snacks are filled with cream cheese or other fillings, adding variety to your spread.
Olive Tapenade Crostini: Spread olive tapenade on toasted bread for an earthy flavor that matches well with deli meats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Using the wrong cheese: Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and flavor that complements the meats well. Substituting it with another cheese might alter the taste significantly.
Overloading the skewers: While it may be tempting to add too many ingredients, overcrowding can make them difficult to eat. Stick to the recommended quantities for a balanced bite.
Skipping the seasoning: A sprinkle of black pepper enhances flavors. Omitting this step can lead to bland skewers, so don’t forget to season before serving.
Not preparing ingredients properly: Ensure all ingredients are sliced and rolled as instructed. Improperly prepared items can affect both presentation and taste.
Serving without dressing: Ranch dressing elevates these skewers. Serving them plain can miss out on an essential flavor component, so drizzle generously!

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Keep refrigerated at all times.

Freezing Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture and flavor.
If necessary, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container.
Consume within 1 month if frozen.

Reheating Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and warm each skewer for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers?

Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers are quick-to-make appetizers featuring rolled meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, and olives, all assembled on skewers for easy serving.

How long do Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers last?

These skewers can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch up the meats or cheeses based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Adding different vegetables also works great!

Are Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers suitable for kids?

Yes! They make a fun snack or meal option for kids. You can adapt ingredient sizes for younger children to ensure they are easy to eat.

Final Thoughts

Deli Meat and Cheese Skewers are not only simple but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, they allow room for creativity in customization. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!