Save An elegant charcuterie board featuring classic cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, and the vibrant twist of ube macarons brings together French and Filipino flavors for a show-stopping appetizer. This fusion board is designed to delight guests with unique textures and colors, making any gathering memorable.
When I first created a charcuterie board with ube macarons, my friends were delighted at the unexpected Filipino touch mingled with European favorites. It quickly became the centerpiece of our family gatherings, sparking lively conversations and recipe requests!
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; see notes for homemade method)
Instructions
- Arrange Meats:
- Arrange cured meats in loose ribbons or piles across your serving board.
- Prep and Place Cheeses:
- Slice cheeses and fan them out in distinct sections.
- Arrange Fruits:
- Place fresh fruits together in attractive color-coordinated groups.
- Add Dried Fruits & Nuts:
- Scatter dried apricots and mixed nuts in small piles or bowls.
- Add Bread & Crackers:
- Fill empty spaces with baguette slices and assorted crackers.
- Add Jam or Honey:
- Place a small dish of fig jam or honey on the board.
- Place Ube Macarons:
- Nestle ube macarons in a prominent spot or scatter among fruits and cheeses.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving (macarons are best at room temperature).
Save During our latest family party, my niece couldn't stop raving about the purple macarons and even tried pairing them with sharp cheddar cheese—surprisingly delicious and a new favorite!
Homemade Ube Macaron Method
Whip 3 egg whites to stiff peaks. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, fold in 1 cup almond flour (sifted), 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp ube halaya with a few drops of ube extract. Pipe onto trays, rest, bake at 150°C (300°F) for 15 minutes. Fill with ube buttercream.
Allergen & Diet Information
Contains milk (cheese), eggs (macarons), tree nuts (nuts, macarons), and wheat (crackers, bread). For gluten-free, choose gluten-free crackers and baguette. Check store labels for allergen details.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Pair your board with a crisp rosé or sparkling wine. A large wooden or marble serving board, cheese knives, small bowls, and spoons make prep easy.
Save This charcuterie board with ube macarons will wow your guests and spark joy with every vibrant bite. Your gatherings will never be the same!
Recipe FAQ
- → How should I arrange items for a visually appealing board?
Group similar colors and textures together, fan out sliced cheeses, create loose ribbons of meats, and nestle fruits and macarons in prominent spots for an attractive presentation.
- → Can I prepare this board ahead of time?
You can assemble most elements ahead and refrigerate. Allow macarons and bread to reach room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- → What wine pairs well with this board?
A crisp rosé or sparkling wine complements the savory cheeses and sweet ube macarons, balancing flavors beautifully.
- → How do I make homemade ube macarons?
Beat egg whites, add sugar, fold in almond flour, powdered sugar, ube halaya, and extract. Pipe, rest, bake, then fill with buttercream.
- → Is there a vegetarian option available?
Yes, omit cured meats and add more cheeses, marinated veggies, or extra roasted nuts for a vegetarian-friendly spread.
- → How do I adapt for gluten-free guests?
Replace standard crackers and baguette with certified gluten-free options to accommodate gluten sensitivities.