Smoky BBQ Bourbon Companion (Printable Version)

A decadent spread of smoky meats, bourbon accents, dark chocolate, and creamy cheeses balanced on a rustic board.

# What You'll 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 (optional, for brushing meats)

→ 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
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 - Brush smoked meats lightly with bourbon if using, then 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 smoked brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage evenly on a large wooden board or serving platter.
03 - Distribute slices of triple cream brie, smoked gouda, and crumbled blue cheese around the meats to allow easy access.
04 - Intermingle pieces of dark chocolate and candied pecans between the meats and cheeses for textural contrast.
05 - Place clusters of seedless red grapes, thin apple slices, and small bowls filled with fig or cherry preserves across the platter.
06 - Insert toasted baguette slices and assorted rustic crackers into remaining spaces to complement the cheeses and meats.
07 - Decorate the board with fresh rosemary sprigs and, if preferred, add pickled onions or gherkins for a tangy accent.
08 - Present immediately with neat bourbon or a smoky cocktail for optimal pairing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's the kind of platter that makes people pause mid-conversation—that beautiful moment when sweet, smoky, and savory collide and suddenly everyone's reaching for another piece
  • You get to play the hero without spending hours cooking; most of the heavy lifting is done by the butcher and chocolatier
  • Dark chocolate and bourbon together feel luxurious, but they're actually the secret to making this feel effortless and impressive
02 -
  • The dark chocolate won't taste out of place—I learned this the hard way after initially thinking it was too adventurous. The combination of smoky, savory meats followed by dark chocolate is actually a well-established flavor pairing in fine dining, and once your guests taste it, they'll understand why.
  • Temperature contrast matters more than you'd expect. Warm meats against cool cheeses and fresh fruit creates an eating experience rather than just a collection of ingredients. This is the hidden technique that makes the board feel sophisticated.
03 -
  • Quality matters more than quantity here. Five exceptional ingredients beat ten mediocre ones every single time. Splurge on the smoked meats from a butcher you trust and the chocolate from a source that cares about origin—these are the moments where investment pays off in conversation.
  • The brown sugar bourbon rub is your secret weapon for making this feel intentional and elevated. Mix it fresh right before you warm the meats, and the whole board suddenly feels like you've been planning this elaborate experience, even if you assembled it in 25 minutes.
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