Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions

Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions offer a mouthwatering twist on the classic hot dog. Picture this: a juicy, smoky hot dog wrapped in crispy bacon, perfectly complemented by a rich and savory bourbon-glazed onion topping. Whether you’re hosting a winter BBQ or simply craving a flavorful comfort food dish, this recipe is sure to impress. The sweetness of the bourbon glaze balances out the smoky bacon and savory onions, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Served in a soft bun, these bacon-wrapped hot dogs will satisfy your hunger and elevate your grilling game. Easy to prepare, yet packed with complex flavors, these winter BBQ bacon dogs are the perfect addition to your cold-weather menu. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also allow you to enjoy the warmth of a grill even during the colder months. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking steps, you can create a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. Ready to make your next BBQ extra special? These winter BBQ bacon dogs with bourbon-glazed onions will definitely hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Winter BBQs

The combination of smoky bacon, savory hot dogs, and the warmth of a bourbon-glazed topping makes this dish ideal for colder weather. It’s a fun and comforting way to enjoy the BBQ experience during the winter months.

2. Crispy Bacon and Juicy Hot Dogs

Wrapping hot dogs in bacon ensures every bite is packed with crispy, savory goodness. The bacon adds a satisfying crunch while keeping the hot dog juicy and flavorful.

3. Unique Bourbon-Glazed Onions

The bourbon glaze infuses the onions with a sweet, rich, and slightly smoky flavor that perfectly complements the savory bacon-wrapped hot dogs. It’s a unique twist that takes this simple recipe to the next level.

4. Quick and Easy to Make

With just 30 minutes of total prep and cooking time, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

5. Customizable and Versatile

You can customize this dish to suit your tastes. Add extra toppings like cheese, mustard, or pickles, or swap out the bourbon for a different spirit. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Bacon strips
• Yellow onions
• Bourbon
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the hot dogs for plant-based sausage or other vegetarian options. You can also use vegetarian bacon or skip the bacon altogether for a lighter version.

2. Spicy Bourbon-Glazed Onions

If you love a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon glaze. This will bring an extra kick to the dish and balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

3. Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs

For extra indulgence, try using cheese-stuffed hot dogs. These will melt as they cook, adding a creamy element to the already rich and smoky flavors.

4. Grilled Onion Variation

If you prefer grilled onions, you can place the sliced onions directly on the grill, allowing them to soften and char slightly for a smoky flavor before glazing them with the bourbon sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the bacon to a crispy texture.

Step 2: Wrap the Hot Dogs in Bacon

Wrap each hot dog with a strip of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks. This will help the bacon stay in place during grilling and ensure it crisps up evenly.

Step 3: Grill the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

While the hot dogs are grilling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Bourbon Glaze

Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the onions.

Step 6: Assemble the Hot Dogs

Place each bacon-wrapped hot dog into a soft bun. Top with a generous spoonful of the bourbon-glazed onions and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Secure the Bacon Properly: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the hot dog, ensuring it doesn’t unravel during grilling.
• Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing the onions to develop their full flavor. Don’t rush this process.
• Adjust the Glaze to Taste: Taste the bourbon glaze before serving and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more brown sugar or ketchup as needed.
• Use a Grill Basket: If you’re worried about the bacon falling off the hot dogs, consider using a grill basket for added stability.

How to Serve

These Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs are best served fresh off the grill, nestled in a soft hot dog bun with a generous scoop of bourbon-glazed onions on top. You can pair them with side dishes like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the bacon and onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bacon-wrapped hot dogs and bourbon-glazed onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the bacon-wrapped hot dogs before grilling. After wrapping them in bacon, place them on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The bourbon-glazed onions can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. The bourbon-glazed onions can be reheated in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

FAQs

1. Can I make these without bacon?

Yes, you can skip the bacon or use a bacon alternative, such as turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon.

2. Can I use a different type of alcohol in the glaze?

Yes! If you don’t have bourbon, whiskey, rum, or even dark beer would work as great substitutes.

3. How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping during grilling?

Secure the bacon with toothpicks or toothpick skewers to keep it wrapped around the hot dog while cooking.

4. Can I cook the hot dogs in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, you can bake the bacon-wrapped hot dogs at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy.

5. How do I make the bourbon-glazed onions spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped fresh chilies to the onions as they cook.

6. Can I prepare the bourbon-glazed onions in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

7. Can I use sweet onions instead of yellow onions?

Sweet onions will give the dish a milder flavor, but they will still work well with the bourbon glaze.

8. How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?

Cook the onions on medium heat and stir frequently to ensure they don’t burn. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

9. Can I use a different kind of hot dog?

Absolutely! You can use beef, chicken, or pork hot dogs, or even plant-based hot dogs for a vegetarian option.

10. What sides go well with these bacon-wrapped hot dogs?

Sides like potato salad, grilled vegetables, or a tangy cucumber salad complement these bacon-wrapped hot dogs perfectly.

Conclusion

Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions are a fun, indulgent twist on a classic favorite. The combination of smoky bacon, juicy hot dogs, and rich, sweet onions creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re grilling in the winter or hosting a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to become a hit. Simple, quick, and full of taste, these bacon-wrapped hot dogs are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the perfect winter BBQ treat!

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