Cozy Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions Recipe

Sizzling Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs: Bourbon-Glazed Onions Recipe

Chilly nights call for hearty comfort food that warms winter bbq bacon dogs with bourbon-glazed onions straight from the grill.

Smoky aromas fill the backyard as sizzling dogs wrap themselves in crispy bacon layers.

The bourbon glaze adds a rich, caramelized depth that transforms ordinary hot dogs into a gourmet experience.

Crisp winter air mingles with the savory scent of grilling meat and sweet, boozy onions.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and salty flavors that dance on your palate.

Serve these decadent dogs alongside your favorite sides for a memorable outdoor meal that defies the cold.

Serving Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions

  • Winter Warmth Plating: Create a rustic wooden board with the bacon dogs lined up, sprinkled with fresh herbs for a cozy winter presentation.
  • Sidekick Companions: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a tangy winter slaw to complement the rich bacon and bourbon flavors.
  • Beverage Pairing: Match these hearty dogs with a robust craft beer or a smooth bourbon cocktail that echoes the glaze's warmth.
  • Casual Gathering Style: Perfect for game day, winter movie nights, or casual friend gatherings where comfort food takes center stage.

How To Store Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions

  • Quick Batch Preparation: Slice onions and wrap hot dogs with bacon in advance. Store prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking, saving precious time during meal preparation.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftover bacon dogs wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or sealed containers. These delicious dogs will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, perfect for quick reheating.
  • Freezing Technique: Individually wrap uncooked bacon-wrapped hot dogs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated bacon dogs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep bacon crispy and prevent soggy buns. Add fresh bourbon-glazed onions after reheating for maximum taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions

For Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
  • Butter: Provides rich, velvety base for caramelizing onions with smooth depth.
  • Onions: Sweet, tender base that transforms into golden, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness when slowly cooked.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps create gorgeous deep brown color.
  • Bourbon: Infuses bold, smoky warmth with complex flavor undertones.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Introduces tangy brightness that balances the rich, sweet elements.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and brings out natural onion sweetness.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
For Protein and Wrapping:
  • Hot Dogs: Classic protein centerpiece with hearty, satisfying texture.
  • Bacon: Crispy wrapper that adds smoky, salty dimension and incredible crunch.
  • Toothpicks: Optional securing tool to keep bacon perfectly wrapped.
For Serving and Finishing:
  • Hot Dog Buns: Soft, warm vehicle for delivering delicious bacon-wrapped dogs.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Adds zesty, sweet-tangy finish with traditional cookout character.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Optional melty, sharp topping for extra indulgence.
  • Crispy Fried Onions: Optional crunchy garnish with intense onion flavor.
  • Pickled Jalapenos: Optional spicy, tangy topping for heat lovers.

What Tools Help With Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions

  • Large Skillet: Essential for caramelizing onions and creating the bourbon glaze.
  • Baking Sheet: Perfect for cooking bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the oven.
  • Foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Toothpicks: Useful for securing bacon around hot dogs.
  • Grill or Oven: Needed for cooking bacon-wrapped hot dogs and toasting buns.
  • Tongs: Great for turning hot dogs and handling bacon.
  • Cutting Board: Helpful for slicing onions.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for preparing ingredients.

How To Put Together Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions

  • Bourbon Caramelized Bliss

Create rich, sweet onions by slowly simmering sliced onions in butter until they transform into golden, soft deliciousness. Splash bourbon and balsamic for deep, complex flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Bacon Wrapped Magic

Carefully hug each hot dog with crispy bacon strips, securing them snugly. Grill or bake until the bacon turns perfectly crunchy and the sausage is heated through, creating an irresistible outer layer.

  • Bun Transformation

Warm the buns until they’re slightly toasted, developing a delicate crispness that complements the juicy hot dogs.

  • Flavor Explosion Assembly

Nestle the sizzling bacon-wrapped hot dogs into the toasted buns. Drench with tangy barbecue sauce and crown with the luxurious bourbon-soaked onions.

  • Gourmet Finishing Touches

Sprinkle additional toppings like sharp cheddar, crunchy fried onions, or spicy pickled jalapeños to elevate the flavor profile.

  • Delicious Delivery

Serve these gourmet dogs immediately alongside classic comfort sides like creamy coleslaw or golden crispy fries.

Tips To Make Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions Better

  • Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs with Bourbon-Glazed Onions
  • Bacon Wrapping Pro Tip: Choose thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crispier results. Stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap to ensure complete hot dog coverage without excessive overlap.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap hot dogs for plant-based sausages or grilled portobello mushrooms. Use smoked tempeh strips instead of bacon for a similar smoky flavor profile that mimics traditional meat textures.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace standard hot dog buns with gluten-free alternatives or wrap the bacon dog in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Use certified gluten-free barbecue sauce to maintain dietary restrictions.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Soak wooden toothpicks in water before securing bacon to prevent burning during high-heat cooking. Consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder to the bourbon glaze for extra depth and warmth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bourbon-glazed onions up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container. This technique allows flavors to develop and saves precious preparation time when ready to serve the ultimate winter comfort meal.
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Cozy Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions Recipe

Cozy Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs With Bourbon-Glazed Onions Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent winter bbq bacon dogs elevate classic street fare with smoky, rich bourbon-glazed onions. Hearty and satisfying, these dogs bring warmth to cold nights, promising comfort with each savory bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 hot dogs
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 6 hot dog buns
  • 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) butter
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) bourbon
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) barbecue sauce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crispy fried onions
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Slowly sauté sliced onions until golden and soft, creating a rich base for the bourbon glaze.
  2. Create Bourbon Glaze: Pour bourbon and brown sugar into the onions. Simmer and reduce, adding balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture develops a glossy, syrupy texture.
  3. Prepare Hot Dogs: Wrap each hot dog with a bacon slice, securing ends with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
  4. Cook Bacon-Wrapped Dogs: Preheat oven to 400F or prepare grill. Arrange dogs on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill grates, ensuring even cooking and crispy bacon exterior.
  5. Monitor Cooking Process: Rotate dogs periodically, allowing bacon to brown uniformly and meat to heat thoroughly. Cook 15-20 minutes until bacon reaches a crisp, mahogany color.
  6. Toast Buns: Lightly toast buns in oven, grill, or skillet to add subtle crunch and warmth.
  7. Assemble and Dress: Nestle bacon-wrapped hot dogs into toasted buns. Drizzle with barbecue sauce for an extra smoky-sweet layer.
  8. Final Garnish: Top dogs generously with bourbon-glazed onions. Optional additions like shredded cheddar, crispy fried onions, or pickled jalapeños can enhance flavor and texture.
  9. Serve: Present immediately with classic sides such as coleslaw or crispy fries for a complete winter barbecue feast.

Notes

  • Manage Bacon Wrapping: Stretch bacon slightly while wrapping to ensure complete hot dog coverage, preventing loose ends and ensuring crispy, uniform cooking.
  • Control Bacon Browning: Monitor bacon closely to prevent burning; lower heat or move to cooler grill zones if bacon browns too quickly before hot dog is fully heated.
  • Optimize Onion Caramelization: Stir onions frequently and maintain medium-low heat to develop deep, rich flavor without scorching, creating a complex bourbon glaze.
  • Accommodate Dietary Preferences: Swap pork hot dogs with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use turkey bacon, or offer gluten-free buns to make the recipe more inclusive for different dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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