Description
This Smoky BBQ Bourbon Companion is a rich and indulgent charcuterie-style platter perfect for entertaining. Featuring an enticing combination of smoked brisket, barbecue pulled pork, smoked sausage, and a trio of decadent cheeses, complemented by dark chocolate, candied pecans, fresh fruits, preserves, and toasted baguette slices. Enhanced by optional bourbon brushing and a brown sugar bourbon rub, this board delivers smoky, sweet, and savory flavors ideal for pairing with bourbon or cocktails.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 5.3 oz smoked brisket, thinly sliced
- 5.3 oz barbecue pulled pork
- 3.5 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp bourbon (for brushing meats, optional)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar bourbon rub (see notes)
Cheeses
- 4.2 oz triple cream brie, sliced
- 4.2 oz smoked gouda, sliced
- 3.5 oz creamy blue cheese, crumbled
Extras
- 2.1 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), broken into pieces
- 1.8 oz candied pecans
- 1 small bunch seedless red grapes
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fig or cherry preserves
- 1 small baguette, sliced and toasted
- 3.5 oz assorted rustic crackers
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Pickled onions or gherkins (optional)
Instructions
- Warm and Season Meats: If desired, brush the smoked brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage lightly with bourbon. Warm them gently in a skillet or on a grill over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through but not overcooked. Just before serving, sprinkle the meats with the brown sugar bourbon rub to add a sweet and smoky finish.
- Arrange Meats: Transfer the warmed and seasoned meats and sausages onto a large wooden board or serving platter, spreading them evenly to allow guests easy access.
- Add Cheeses: Place sliced triple cream brie, smoked gouda, and crumbled creamy blue cheese around the meats on the board, spacing them out to facilitate serving.
- Distribute Chocolate and Pecans: Scatter pieces of dark chocolate and candied pecans throughout the platter, nestling them between the meats and cheeses to create flavor contrasts.
- Add Fruits and Preserves: Cluster seedless red grapes and arrange thin apple slices on the board. Add small bowls of fig or cherry preserves nearby for guests to enjoy with the meats and cheeses.
- Fill with Breads and Crackers: Fill any remaining spaces on the board with toasted baguette slices and assorted rustic crackers, providing the perfect base for building bites.
- Garnish and Finish: Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for aroma and color. Optionally, add pickled onions or gherkins to introduce a tangy brightness that balances the rich flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Smoky BBQ Bourbon Companion immediately, ideally paired with neat bourbon or a smoky cocktail to enhance the smoky and savory flavors of the board.
Notes
- The brown sugar bourbon rub can be made by combining brown sugar with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a sweet and mildly spicy finish.
- If bourbon is not desired, simply omit the brushing step and rely on the rub for flavor.
- For best presentation, use a large wooden board with a natural finish to showcase the ingredients attractively.
- Ensure the meats are only warmed gently to prevent drying out or overcooking.
- Pair this platter with bourbon or smoky cocktails to complement its bold flavors.
