If you’re craving a dish that combines smoky, savory, and sweet flavors, Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions is a must-try! These hot dogs are wrapped in crispy bacon, grilled to perfection, and then topped with rich, caramelized bourbon-glazed onions. The addition of BBQ sauce brings everything together, making it a mouthwatering treat perfect for winter BBQs or any casual gathering. The smoky bacon, juicy sausage, and sweet bourbon onions will leave you craving more. Serve with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Hot Dogs:
- 8 hot dog sausages
- 8 hot dog buns
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
For the Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions for Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
To begin, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and starting to turn golden brown.
Next, pour in the bourbon and sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir to combine, and let the mixture cook until the liquid reduces and the onions become caramelized, about 10 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the onions from burning. Once the onions are soft and sweet, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon Dogs
While the onions are cooking, prepare the bacon-wrapped hot dogs. Wrap each hot dog sausage tightly with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary. This ensures the bacon stays in place while cooking and crisps up perfectly.
Next, either grill or pan-fry the bacon-wrapped hot dogs over medium heat. Turn them frequently to ensure the bacon becomes crispy on all sides, and the hot dogs heat through. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush each hot dog with BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly for added flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Dogs
Once your bacon-wrapped hot dogs are ready, it’s time to assemble. Toast the hot dog buns lightly on the grill or in a pan, just until they’re golden brown. This will add some extra texture and flavor.
Place a bacon-wrapped hot dog into each toasted bun and top generously with the bourbon-glazed onions. The sweet, tangy onions will balance the smokiness of the bacon and the richness of the sausage.
Step 4: Serve
Serve these delicious Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs immediately while they’re still hot. If you like, offer some extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color.
Tips for Perfect Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs
- Choose High-Quality Hot Dogs: For the best flavor, use high-quality beef or pork sausages. The flavor of the sausage will shine through, especially with the crispy bacon and sweet bourbon onions.
- Control the Heat: When grilling or pan-frying the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, keep the heat moderate. You want to crisp the bacon without burning it, so don’t rush the cooking process.
- Make Extra Bourbon-Onions: Bourbon-glazed onions are the perfect topping not only for these dogs but also for burgers or grilled chicken. Consider making extra and storing them for future meals.
- Bacon Wrapping Tip: To make wrapping the bacon easier, you can partially cook the bacon until it’s slightly crispy before wrapping it around the hot dogs. This will help it cook faster and evenly during grilling.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add some cheese, jalapeños, or a drizzle of mustard to personalize your bacon dog!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different kind of alcohol for the onions?
Yes, while bourbon adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute with whiskey, rum, or brandy. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on what you choose.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
For this recipe, a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce works best. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own with ingredients like ketchup, molasses, and vinegar for a tangy kick.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the bourbon-glazed onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply reheat them before serving. For the bacon-wrapped dogs, it’s best to cook them fresh, but you can pre-cook the bacon slightly to speed up the process.
Are these hot dogs gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free buns and ensure your BBQ sauce and sausages are gluten-free, these hot dogs can be made suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions combine all the best flavors of a winter BBQ into one mouthwatering dish. The savory bacon-wrapped hot dogs, paired with sweet bourbon onions, and finished off with BBQ sauce, make this a meal that’s both indulgent and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or just craving something hearty, these dogs are sure to please every palate.