Save to Pinterest This charcuterie board brings together the best of both worlds—classic cured meats and cheeses with the unforgettable Filipino flair of ube macarons. It is designed to wow guests at gatherings and offers a unique sweet-and-savory combination you rarely encounter. The vibrant colors and playful contrasts are sure to be the star of your next party, whether as an appetizer or a centerpiece.
When I first shared this at a friendsgiving, everyone reached for the ube macarons first and marveled at the unexpected pairing. Even reluctant guests became instant fans and the board was empty in under an hour.
Ingredients
- Prosciutto: brings a delicate saltiness that pairs well with fruit and cheese. Choose the freshest slices from your deli for best flavor.
- Salami: offers a robust, slightly spiced flavor profile. Opt for one without too much grease for a cleaner bite.
- Soppressata: provides depth and a bit of heat. Select one with visible pepper flecks for a rustic look.
- Brie cheese: adds creamy richness. Look for one that is soft to the touch but not runny.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: gives boldness and a little tang. Aged cheddar with crumbly texture is best.
- Manchego cheese: offers nutty undertones and firm bite. Authentic Spanish manchego is worth the splurge.
- Seedless grapes: supply juiciness and sweetness. Choose plump grapes for eye-catching freshness.
- Mixed berries: add vibrant color and natural tartness. Berries should be firm and glossy.
- Apple slices: bring crisp acidity. Pick a crunchy apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Pear slices: introduce mellow sweetness. Ripe but still slightly firm pears slice beautifully.
- Mixed nuts: contribute crunch and richness. Make sure nuts are unsalted for balance.
- Dried apricots: lend chewy sweetness. Look for bright, glossy apricots without added sugar.
- Fig jam or honey: provides a sticky, floral counterpoint. Use local honey or thick jam for maximum flavor.
- Small baguette sliced thin and toasted: adds rustic crunch. Opt for a fresh, fragrant loaf.
- Assorted crackers: bring variety in texture and flavor. Go for plain and seeded types for contrast.
- Ube macarons: offer the signature Filipino flavor and an eye-popping purple hue. Choose macarons with a shiny shell and tender interior, whether store-bought or homemade.
Instructions
- Prepare the Board:
- Choose a large wooden or marble board and wipe it clean. Arrange cheese knives and small bowls or ramekins nearby for easy access during assembly.
- Add Cured Meats:
- Use your hands to gently fold prosciutto, salami, and soppressata into loose ribbons or artful piles. Cluster these in separate corners or along one edge of the board for a visually organized result.
- Slice and Place Cheeses:
- Cut brie into small wedges, cheddar and manchego into thin slices or cubes. Arrange cheeses so that each can easily be grabbed without touching others. Fan the slices for an inviting look.
- Arrange Fresh Fruits:
- Rinse grapes and berries well, drying thoroughly so nothing gets soggy. Place grapes in tidy bunches and group berries by color. Fan apple and pear slices in arcs or rows to highlight their shape.
- Add Dried Fruits and Nuts:
- Fill a few small bowls with nuts and apricots or make tiny piles directly on the board. Tuck these into open spaces so they look abundant but not cluttered.
- Scatter Bread and Crackers:
- Slide thin baguette slices and crackers into all remaining gaps. Stand a few crackers upright in stacks for height.
- Nestle the Condiment:
- Set a ramekin with fig jam or honey at a central point on the board. Provide a small spoon for serving.
- Display Ube Macarons:
- Place ube macarons in a bright spot on the board or tuck them in clusters between the fruits and cheeses for a playful pop of color.
- Final Touches:
- Step back and adjust items gently for balance. Chill briefly if needed but always let macarons return to room temperature for best texture.
Save to Pinterest Manchego always reminds me of my grandmother, who would patiently slice it for holiday parties. The first time I added ube macarons to our traditional board was unforgettable—my nieces squealed with excitement over their color and loved the subtle sweetness.
Storage Tips
If making ahead, assemble everything except the bread and macarons, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to eight hours. Add bread and macarons just before serving to keep them at their best. Store any leftovers in airtight containers. Macarons get soft in the fridge, so let them warm to room temperature before enjoying again.
Ingredient Substitutions
Skip the meats for a vegetarian board and add more cheeses like herbed goat cheese or a wedge of gorgonzola. For nut allergies, swap mixed nuts for crunchy pumpkin or sunflower seeds. If ube macarons are hard to find, pastel-colored French macarons or even purple-dyed meringue kisses work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Offer a few small plates and napkins so guests can create their own mini tastings. A crisp rosé or bubbly prosecco makes the perfect accompaniment. For a themed party, add tiny Filipino flags or decorative picks to the macarons.
Cultural Context
Charcuterie originates in France, while ube is a beloved root vegetable in the Philippines, often used in desserts. The unexpected fusion on this board represents how global flavors can come together in joyful, creative ways. Ube macarons are an edible symbol of culinary curiosity and open-mindedness.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in persimmon, pomegranate, or figs when berries are out of season. Go heavy on citrus and dried fruits during winter months. In summer, layer on even more fresh berries and stone fruits for brightness.
Save to Pinterest At our last family reunion, this board was demolished in twenty minutes flat. Guests kept asking for the ube macaron recipe, and I had to promise to double the batch for next time. The mix of familiar favorites and that beautiful purple surprise started so many fun conversations.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How should ingredients be arranged for the best presentation?
Arrange cured meats, cheeses, and fruits in separate sections. Scatter crackers, nuts, and ube macarons for vibrant pops of color across the board.
- → Can ube macarons be made at home or bought?
Ube macarons are available in Filipino bakeries or crafted at home using almond flour, egg whites, and ube halaya for a purple hue.
- → What wine pairs well with this board?
A crisp rosé or sparkling wine enhances both the savory and sweet flavors from cheeses, meats, fruits, and ube macarons.
- → Are vegetarian options possible?
Yes, simply omit meats and add extra cheese, roasted nuts, or marinated vegetables to maintain variety and richness.
- → What tools are recommended for assembly?
A large serving board, cheese knives, small bowls or ramekins, spoons for jams/honey, and a sharp knife for slicing are helpful.
- → How do I keep macarons fresh for serving?
Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the board if preparing ahead; bring out before serving.