Smoky BBQ Bourbon Companion (Printable View)

A bold platter combining smoky meats, bourbon, dark chocolate, and creamy cheeses for a rich flavor blend.

# What You Need:

→ Smoked & Barbecued Meats

01 - 5.3 oz smoked brisket, thinly sliced
02 - 5.3 oz barbecue pulled pork
03 - 3.5 oz smoked sausage, sliced
04 - 1 tbsp bourbon (for brushing meats, optional)

→ Cheeses

05 - 4.2 oz triple cream brie, sliced
06 - 4.2 oz smoked gouda, sliced
07 - 3.5 oz creamy blue cheese, crumbled

→ Accompaniments

08 - 2.1 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), broken into pieces
09 - 2 tbsp brown sugar bourbon rub (mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground black pepper, pinch of chili powder)
10 - 1.8 oz candied pecans
11 - 1 small bunch seedless red grapes
12 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
13 - 2 tbsp fig or cherry preserves

→ Breads & Crackers

14 - 1 small baguette, sliced and toasted
15 - 3.5 oz assorted rustic crackers

→ Garnishes

16 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
17 - Pickled onions or gherkins (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - If preferred, brush smoked meats lightly with bourbon and warm gently in a skillet or on a grill for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with brown sugar bourbon rub just before serving.
02 - Place meats and sausages on a large wooden board or serving platter, arranging evenly.
03 - Position sliced cheeses around the meats, ensuring easy access for guests.
04 - Distribute dark chocolate pieces and candied pecans between meats and cheeses.
05 - Add clusters of grapes, apple slices, and small bowls of fig or cherry preserves to the arrangement.
06 - Fill remaining gaps with toasted baguette slices and assorted crackers to complete the board.
07 - Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and optionally add pickled onions or gherkins for an extra burst of flavor.
08 - Serve immediately, pairing with neat bourbon or a smoky cocktail of choice.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when the real magic is in the curation, not the cooking
  • The contrast of smoky meats, creamy cheeses, and dark chocolate creates a flavor journey that feels sophisticated yet approachable
  • Perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknight entertaining to impressing guests who think they know food
02 -
  • The order of tasting matters more than you'd think—guide guests to start with lighter cheeses, move to meats and chocolate, and finish with fruit and pickles. The palate journey is what makes this board memorable.
  • Don't assemble this board more than 2 hours before serving. The meats stay fresher, the chocolate holds its form better, and the apple doesn't oxidize. Timing isn't rigidity; it's respect for the ingredients.
  • The wooden board itself matters. It becomes the canvas that makes this feel intentional and beautiful. Invest in one good board rather than many mediocre ones.
03 -
  • Source your smoked meats from a quality butcher who understands smoke depth. The difference is profound and worth the extra effort and cost.
  • The dark chocolate moment is unexpected enough that most guests won't try it first—pair it for someone and watch their face change. This board is generous in that way; it rewards small acts of guidance.
  • Keep bourbon chilled and nearby. The spirit becomes another element on the board, another flavor to explore alongside the food. It's not just a beverage; it's part of the narrative.
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