Ingredients
Scale
For the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs:
- 6 beef hot dogs (or bratwurst)
- 6 slices medium-cut bacon
- 6 brioche or pretzel buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- Toothpicks (to secure bacon)
For the Bourbon-Glazed Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Homemade Bourbon BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bourbon-Glazed Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook until softened (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in brown sugar and cook until onions begin to caramelize (another 10 minutes).
- Pour in bourbon and let it reduce for a minute, then add balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until onions are fully caramelized (about 5 more minutes).
Step 2: Make the Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and remove from heat.
Step 3: Wrap & Grill the Hot Dogs
- Wrap each hot dog tightly with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (or use a grill pan).
- Grill over indirect heat, turning frequently, until bacon is crispy and hot dogs are heated through (about 10 minutes).
Step 4: Toast the Buns & Assemble
- Butter the inside of each bun and lightly toast on the grill.
- Place the grilled bacon-wrapped hot dog in the toasted bun.
- Top with bourbon-glazed onions and drizzle with bourbon BBQ sauce.
- Add extra toppings like shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or crispy fried onions if desired.
Notes
- No bourbon? Substitute apple cider or maple syrup.
- Crispier bacon tip: Lightly pre-bake bacon before wrapping hot dogs.
- Make it spicier: Add extra cayenne or pickled jalapeños.
- Plant-based option: Use vegan hot dogs and plant-based bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bacon-wrapped hot dog
- Calories: ~480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Winter BBQ Bacon Dogs, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, bourbon-glazed onions, cold-weather grilling