As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a delicious, hearty meal. Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions are the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky bacon, savory sausage, and the sweet kick of bourbon-glazed onions. Whether you’re hosting a winter BBQ or looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Here’s everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for the cold months ahead.
Ingredients:
- For the Bacon Dogs:
- 4 hot dog sausages (or your preferred sausage)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 4 hot dog buns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- For the Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Prepare the Bourbon-Glazed Onions: Start by caramelizing the onions to make the bourbon glaze. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
Once the onions have caramelized, add the bourbon to the pan, stirring to deglaze. Then, add the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs: While the onions are cooking, take your hot dog sausages and wrap each one with two slices of bacon. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place, ensuring it stays wrapped around the sausage during cooking.
In a grill pan or over medium heat on a BBQ grill, heat a little olive oil and place the bacon-wrapped sausages onto the grill. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, turning them occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are fully heated through.
3. Assemble the Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs: Once your sausages are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat. Place each bacon-wrapped sausage in a soft hot dog bun. Generously top each dog with the bourbon-glazed onions, making sure to drizzle some of the sweet glaze over the bacon and sausage.
4. Serve and Enjoy! Serve your Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs hot, alongside your favorite winter sides such as crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. These dogs are perfect for winter BBQs, tailgates, or even just a comforting dinner at home.
Tips for the Best Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs:
- Use quality sausages: The better the sausage, the better the bacon dog will taste. Look for high-quality, flavorful sausages, whether you prefer traditional beef or a spicier variety like chorizo.
- Adjust the bourbon glaze: If you like a stronger bourbon flavor, feel free to add a bit more bourbon. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of bourbon or simmer the glaze longer to cook off more alcohol.
- Grill the bacon-wrapped dogs over indirect heat: If you’re cooking them on a BBQ, using indirect heat helps ensure the bacon crisps up without burning.
Why You’ll Love Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. The crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch, while the bourbon-glazed onions bring a rich, caramelized sweetness. Paired with a juicy sausage and soft bun, these Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs are the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
Conclusion:
Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions are a must-try dish this winter. With their smoky bacon, juicy sausage, and the bold sweetness of bourbon-glazed onions, these dogs are guaranteed to impress your guests and keep you warm during chilly nights. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking inside, this recipe is a delicious way to embrace the season with comfort and flavor.
Serving Tips for Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
- Pair with Classic Sides: These bacon dogs are hearty on their own, but they pair perfectly with traditional BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy fries. You can also serve them with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Customize the Toppings: While bourbon-glazed onions are a must, you can get creative with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, jalapeños, or mustard. Try serving them with a side of pickles for a tangy contrast.
- Serve in Style: For a fun presentation, serve the Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs on a wooden board with a few dipping sauces on the side—like BBQ sauce, mustard, or a creamy ranch dip.
- Ideal for Gatherings: These bacon dogs are perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or winter BBQs. Prepare them in advance and then grill just before serving for maximum freshness.
Storage Tips for Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
- Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Sausages: If you have any leftover bacon-wrapped sausages, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to retain the crispy bacon texture.
- Storing Bourbon-Glazed Onions: The bourbon-glazed onions can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat them in a pan or microwave before serving to bring back the rich, sweet glaze.
- Freezing Options: You can freeze the bacon-wrapped sausages before cooking for later use. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then grill as instructed.
- Reheat and Serve: When reheating the entire dish, be sure to warm the buns separately to avoid sogginess. You can heat the sausages and onions together on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy your Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions even after your initial meal!
1. Can I make the bourbon-glazed onions ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the bourbon-glazed onions in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a pan or microwave to bring back the sweet and savory flavors.
2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option or prefer turkey bacon, feel free to substitute it. Keep in mind that turkey bacon might not crisp up as much as regular bacon, but it will still add great flavor to your bacon-wrapped sausages.
3. How can I make these Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs spicier? To add some heat, try topping your bacon dogs with pickled jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon-glazed onions. You can also use a spicy sausage or season the bacon with chili flakes before wrapping it around the dog.
4. Can I grill the bacon-wrapped sausages instead of pan-frying them? Yes, grilling is a great option! If you prefer to cook these on the BBQ, set your grill to medium heat and cook the bacon-wrapped sausages for about 7-8 minutes, turning them occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are fully heated.
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Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions are the ultimate comfort food. Juicy hot dogs wrapped in crispy bacon are topped with sweet and tangy bourbon-glazed onions and barbecue sauce for a delicious winter twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Serves 6
- For the bacon dogs:
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 slices of bacon
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) barbecue sauce
- For the bourbon-glazed onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy fried onions
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the bourbon-glazed onions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and bourbon. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill.
- Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with foil or on the grill.
- Bake or grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
- Toast the buns:
- Lightly toast the hot dog buns in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet.
- Assemble the bacon dogs:
- Place each bacon-wrapped hot dog in a toasted bun. Drizzle with barbecue sauce.
- Top generously with the bourbon-glazed onions.
- Add optional toppings:
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, or pickled jalapeños if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the bacon dogs hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw or fries.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the onions.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based hot dogs for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Leftover bourbon-glazed onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.