Father’s Day Dinner Party / Bourbon & Chocolate Charcuterie

Father’s Day is one of those holidays where we so often find ourselves discussing grilling, burgers, and beer. While Dads do enjoy these things, there’s no doubt, I decided to go a different route this year and up the ante to a few items that Dads also love – chocolate, bourbon, and cheese. I happen to love these too, so it’s a win-win all around. You’ll find all the inspiration you need to host the ultimate Father’s Day dinner party complete with a chocolate and bourbon charcuterie board (with Lindt EXCELLENCE) Let’s chat details, shall we?

When chocolate is a main component of your charcuterie board, it’s imperative that it’s chocolate made with premium ingredients. You wouldn’t want anything less than the highest quality for Dad, right? I chose four different Lindt EXCELLENCE high cocoa bars so we could mix and match. The darker chocolates are intense in flavor without being bitter. The bars are masterfully balanced and perfect for pairing with a variety of savory flavors. Here’s what I included in my board in case you want to mix and match the same combos!

BOURBON & CHOCOLATE CHARCUTERIE BOARD

• Prosciutto
• Lindt EXCELLENCE 70%, 78%, 85%, and 90%
• Dried Apricots
• Dried Cranberries
• Fresh Blackberries
• Mixed Nuts with Sea Salt
• Fig Preserves
• Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Dill, etc)
• Blue Cheese
• Iberico Cheese
• Edam Cheese
• Bourbon & Scotch Whiskey Varieties (Jack Daniels, Glenlivet 12, Johnny Walker Black Label, Johnny Walker Red Label)

My favorite combination was the Edam cheese paired with the Lindt EXCELLENCE 85% and a dab of fig preserves. Sounds unusual, I know, but it was out of this world delicious.

You can use the above list as a guide to create your own board or start from scratch and pull in your favorite flavors. We used this board as more of an appetizer than the full meal but you could bulk it up with more meats, breads, and cheeses for it to serve as dinner.

For the board itself, you can use a variety of wood cutting boards or serving platters placed down the center or use one long board. I love the long board because it’s visually appealing and sets the stage to display the “edible centerpiece”. Everyone can gather around and celebrate all the special Dads, Grandfathers, Uncles, and more!

For place settings, I paired black plates with special toppers complete with a photo of Dad and a name for seating. This is such an easy touch that truly makes the dinner party even more special. If you have little ones, let them color a card and place it at Dad’s seat.

Little bow ties made from hunter green plaid fabric added a masculine touch. I continued these down the bourbon and chocolate board too. You could easily create little bow ties with fabric or ribbon of your choice.

Guests also had full-sized Lindt EXCELLENCE bars to take home because I love adding a little favor to each place setting. Trust me, everyone wants chocolate to take home! I hope you’re inspired to celebrate Dad in “sweet” style this year.

Check out all the Lindt EXCELLENCE flavors here. And check out 5 more ways to celebrate with chocolate here!

Find Lindt Chocolate in your favorite retailer, in a Lindt Chocolate Shop near you, and on Lindt.com.