Growing up, Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce were always the star of the show at our family barbecues. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air as my dad tended to the grill, carefully wrapping each juicy hot dog in a crispy bacon blanket. And that bourbon-spiked onion sauce? It was the stuff of legends – sweet, tangy, and with just the right amount of kick to make your taste buds dance.
As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of those Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce. I’d hover around the grill, waiting patiently for my chance to snag one fresh off the flames, the bacon sizzling and the sauce glistening. And when I finally got to take that first bite, it was pure bliss – the savory, smoky flavors mingling with the subtle sweetness of the bourbon, all wrapped up in a perfectly grilled hot dog. It was a flavor explosion that I couldn’t get enough of.
These days, Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce are still a staple at our family gatherings, and they’ve become a go-to dish for me whenever I’m hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something insanely delicious. The recipe has become a beloved tradition, passed down through the generations, and it’s one that I’m always eager to share with friends and loved ones.
Why This Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce
The secret to making these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce truly unforgettable lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, salty bacon wraps around the juicy hot dog, creating a mouthwatering contrast that’s amplified by the sweet and tangy bourbon-infused onion sauce. But it’s the unexpected kick of bourbon that really sets this recipe apart, adding a depth of flavor that takes these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Hot dogs – Choose high-quality, all-beef hot dogs for maximum flavor.
– Bacon – Thin-sliced bacon works best to ensure a perfect wrap.
– Onions – Yellow or white onions are the perfect base for the bourbon-infused sauce.
– Bourbon – A good quality bourbon will give the sauce a rich, complex flavor.
– Brown sugar – This adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the bourbon.
– Dijon mustard – For a touch of tanginess that complements the other flavors.
– Worcestershire sauce – Provides a savory, umami-packed depth of flavor.
– Salt and pepper – To season the sauce and bring out the best in the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce Instructions
Preparing Your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce
To make these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce, you’ll need about 30 minutes of active preparation time and 15 minutes of cooking. You’ll also want to have a grill or grill pan ready to go, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, and saucepan.
1- Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, slice your onions into thin half-moons.
2- In a saucepan, combine the sliced onions, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the sauce has thickened.
3- While the onion sauce is simmering, wrap each hot dog in a slice of bacon, overlapping the ends to create a spiral. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
4- Once the grill is hot, add the bacon-wrapped hot dogs and cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
5- Remove the toothpicks and transfer the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm bourbon-infused onion sauce over the top, making sure each hot dog is generously coated.
6- Serve your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce immediately, while the bacon is still crispy and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce are a hit, here are a few pro tips:
– Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the grill – cook the hot dogs in batches to ensure even browning.
– Keep a close eye on the onion sauce to prevent it from burning or becoming too thick.
– Adjust the amount of bourbon to your personal taste – start with a little and add more for a stronger flavor.
– Serve the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with plenty of napkins on hand – these can get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun!
Serving and Storing Your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce
Perfect Pairings for Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce
These Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce are the perfect centerpiece for any backyard barbecue or casual gathering. They pair beautifully with classic cookout sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy potato salad. And don’t forget the cold beverages – an ice-cold beer or a refreshing lemonade are the perfect accompaniments.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce leftover, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or air fryer until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
You can also prepare the bourbon-infused onion sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce
Creative Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce Variations
The great thing about this Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce recipe is that it lends itself to endless variations. Try swapping out the hot dogs for Italian sausages or bratwurst for a different twist. You could also experiment with different types of bacon, like thick-cut or pepper-crusted, to change up the flavors.
And for a seasonal flair, consider adding diced apples or pears to the bourbon-infused onion sauce, or topping the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Making Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free hot dogs and substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the Worcestershire sauce. For a low-carb or keto adaptation, you can use a sugar-free sweetener in place of the brown sugar in the onion sauce.
And for a plant-based take, you can wrap veggie dogs or seitan sausages in crispy tempeh or coconut bacon, and make the bourbon-infused onion sauce with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead of regular onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
A: Absolutely! While bourbon gives the onion sauce a rich, complex flavor, you can experiment with other types of whiskey, brandy, or even red wine for a different spin on the sauce.
Q: How can I make the bacon extra crispy?
A: To ensure your bacon gets as crispy as possible, try partially cooking it in the microwave or oven before wrapping it around the hot dogs and grilling. This will help render out some of the fat and get the bacon extra crunchy.
Q: Can I make these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill. Just be sure to keep the onion sauce separate and reheat it right before serving.
Q: How many Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 8-10 Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs, depending on the size of your hot dogs. It’s easy to scale up or down to feed a crowd.
Q: What if I don’t like bourbon – can I omit it?
A: While the bourbon is a key component of the onion sauce, you can certainly omit it if you prefer. The sauce will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate flavor explosion with these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs drizzled in a rich, bourbon-infused onion sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
– 8 all-beef hot dogs
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup bourbon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – Wrap each hot dog tightly with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks.
3. – Arrange the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
4. – In a medium saucepan, sauté the sliced onions over medium heat until softened and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
5. – Add the bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
6. – Remove the toothpicks from the hot dogs and drizzle the bourbon-infused onion sauce over the top.
7. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the onion sauce. You can also try different types of sausages or bratwurst in place of the hot dogs.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Bourbon-Infused Onion Sauce are truly a backyard barbecue showstopper. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a touch of heat makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving an indulgent treat, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to dive into the most mouthwatering Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs you’ve ever tasted. Bon appétit!
