Pin this An elegant charcuterie board combining classic cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, and the unique twist of delicate ube macarons—this vibrant Filipino-inspired treat is sure to impress at any gathering.
I prepared this charcuterie board for my family during a recent holiday and the inclusion of ube macarons sparked fun conversations and delighted both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, 100 g salami, 100 g soppressata
- Cheeses: 100 g brie cheese, 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, 100 g manchego cheese
- Fruits: 1 cup seedless grapes, 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), 1 apple sliced, 1 pear sliced
- Accompaniments: 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews), 1/4 cup dried apricots, 1/4 cup fig jam or honey, 1 small baguette sliced, 1 box assorted crackers
- Ube Macarons: 12 ube macarons (store-bought or homemade; for homemade, see Notes)
Instructions
- Arrange Meats:
- Arrange cured meats in loose ribbons or piles on a large serving board or platter.
- Slice & Place Cheeses:
- Slice cheeses and arrange them in separate sections, fanning out for easy grabbing.
- Add Fruits:
- Place fresh fruits, grouping similar colors and types together for visual appeal.
- Include Nuts & Dried Fruits:
- Add dried fruits and nuts in small piles or bowls around the board.
- Fill Empty Spaces:
- Fill empty spaces with crackers and baguette slices.
- Add Jam or Honey:
- Place a small dish of fig jam or honey on the board.
- Ube Macarons:
- Nestle the ube macarons in a prominent spot, or scatter them artfully among the fruits and cheeses.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (macarons are best at room temperature).
Pin this Sharing this festive board with my family always sparks smiles and brings everyone together—especially when someone discovers the sweet surprise of ube macarons nestled among the savory delights.
Required Tools
Large wooden or marble serving board, cheese knives, small bowls or ramekins, spoons for jams/honey, sharp knife for slicing fruits and cheeses.
Homemade Ube Macarons
Whip 3 egg whites to stiff peaks, gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, then fold in 1 cup sifted almond flour, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp ube halaya (purple yam jam) with a few drops ube extract. Pipe rounds, rest, bake at 150°C (300°F) for 15 minutes. Fill with ube buttercream.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 24 g, Carbohydrates 37 g, Protein 15 g.
Pin this This fusion board turns any occasion into a vibrant, memorable celebration—just add your favorite wine and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What makes ube macarons unique on a charcuterie board?
Ube macarons add a Filipino-inspired twist, providing vibrant color and subtle earthy sweetness that balances savory components.
- → How do I arrange ingredients for visual appeal?
Group cured meats in ribbons, cheeses fanned out, fruits clustered by color, and scatter nuts, dried fruits, and ube macarons artfully.
- → Can this board be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit cured meats and substitute with extra cheeses, marinated vegetables, or roasted nuts for a satisfying option.
- → What wine pairs well with this board?
A crisp rosé or sparkling wine complements both the rich cheeses and the sweet notes of fruit and macarons.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Use gluten-free crackers or bread to make the board suitable for guests with gluten sensitivity.
- → Where can I buy ube macarons?
Ube macarons are often found at Filipino bakeries or specialty stores. Homemade versions can showcase personal flair and fresh flavors.