There’s a certain joy in transforming the most humble of ingredients into something irresistible. For me, that magic happens with these Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers. Imagine the sweet, caramelized aroma of brown sugar merging with the smokiness of crispy bacon, all elevated by a hint of bourbon. With each bite, you experience a delightful contrast of flavors that dances on your palate. This dish isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s an entertaining showstopper perfect for brunches or casual gatherings.
While prepping, I can’t help but get excited as I thread the crispy bacon onto the skewers, each piece promising an indulgent experience. They’re uncomplicated to make yet impressively decadent, serving as a fun finger food that truly pleases the crowd. So, whether you’re weary of takeout or just craving something homemade, it’s time to embrace the sweet and savory goodness of this beloved appetizer. Let’s dive into creating these delightful bacon skewers that are sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers a must-try?
Delectable Combination: These skewers offer a mouthwatering mix of sweet and savory that transforms traditional bacon into something spectacular.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings, your guests will be reaching for seconds and thirds!
Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time, even on busy days.
Versatile Delights: Enjoy them as a fun brunch feature, an impressive party snack, or even a tasty topping for salads and baked potatoes.
Aromatic Bliss: The sweet caramelized aroma of these skewers baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Dive into this delicious recipe and elevate your home-cooked meals!
Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers Ingredients
For the Bacon
• Bacon Strips – The star of the dish; feel free to swap with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
For the Glaze
• Light Brown Sugar – This sweetener adds delightful caramelization; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Bourbon – Infuses rich flavor; opt for a smooth bourbon to elevate your Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers.
• Maple Syrup – Brings moisture and sweetness; substitute with agave syrup for a different taste.
• Ketchup – Adds tanginess and depth; use BBQ sauce for a smokier twist.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper – Introduces subtle heat; it’s optional if you prefer to keep it mild.
How to Make Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers
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Soak Skewers: Start by soaking wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while baking. This simple step ensures they hold up beautifully.
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Prepare Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine light brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and ketchup. Simmer over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a glossy glaze that’s both sweet and tangy.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it warms up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top for optimal cooking.
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Thread Bacon: Carefully thread strips of bacon onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are spaced out and not overlapping. This helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
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Glaze and Bake: Brush one side of the bacon skewers generously with the glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
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Flip and Glaze Again: After 10 minutes, flip the skewers over, glaze the other side, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. This step ensures both sides are coated with that delicious, sticky glaze.
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Check Crispiness: Continue flipping and baking until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, checking every 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want that perfect blend of chewiness and crunch!
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Cool Before Serving: Once done, allow the skewers to cool for about 3 minutes before serving. This will help the glaze set properly and makes it easier to handle.
Optional: Serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights or gatherings! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can thread the bacon onto the skewers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. To maintain quality, be sure to keep the bacon spaced out to prevent it from becoming too moist. When ready to serve, simply brush them with the prepared glaze and bake as directed, ensuring you get that delightful crispy finish that makes these skewers so irresistible!
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers?
These delightful skewers are sure to steal the show, but pairing them thoughtfully will elevate your meal to a whole new level.
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Creamy Potato Salad: This rich, tangy classic tempers the sweetness of the skewers, creating a delightful contrast. Creamy textures and fresh ingredients bring a refreshing element to your brunch table.
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Fresh Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the candied bacon. The freshness from cabbage and carrots provides a pop of color and flavor that complements beautifully.
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Deviled Eggs: Their creamy, savory filling serves as a perfect counterpart to the sweet and smoky flavors of the bacon. Plus, they are a nostalgic touch that brings everyone back to backyard gatherings.
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Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred veggies like peppers and zucchini enhance your meal with a healthy, savory punch. Their grill marks not only look beautiful but also provide a delicious, slightly sweet contrast.
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Honey Mustard Dip: Serve a side of this zesty dip to add another layer of flavor. Its sweet tanginess offers a delightful twist and goes hand-in-hand with the candied bacon’s rich flavors.
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Sparkling Cider: A glass of bubbly cider is a refreshing drink choice that complements the sweetness of your skewers wonderfully. Its effervescence enhances the overall dining experience, making meals feel special.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet finish, these beloved treats pair wonderfully with the skewers’ flavors. The classic combination of chocolate and caramelized bacon is an irresistible dessert synergy.
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Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños: These bring a tangy crunch to the table, cutting through the richness while providing a welcome kick. Their acidity surprises your taste buds, creating a memorable culinary journey.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers Variations
Explore the delicious ways to make these skewers your own! Each twist adds a unique flair that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Whiskey Swap: Replace bourbon with whiskey for a slightly different flavor profile that still brings the warmth and richness.
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Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika to the glaze for a surprising kick; it balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Honey Sweetness: Use honey instead of brown sugar for a floral sweetness that enhances the caramelization and gives a lovely finish.
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Maple Variety: Substitute maple syrup with a flavored syrup, like almond or pecan, for an exciting twist that your guests will adore.
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Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic experience that pairs wonderfully with the bacon.
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Pineapple Twist: Incorporate crushed pineapple into the glaze for a tropical touch, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the bacon skewers in the last few minutes of baking for an added crunch.
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BBQ Surprise: Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a tangy, smoky flavor that turns these skewers into a true grilling delight.
How to Store and Freeze Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers
Fridge: Store the cooked bacon skewers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps the flavors intact while maintaining the dish’s sweet and savory essence.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled skewers. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This revives their crispy texture while making the glaze delectably sticky again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, making it easy to whip up these Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers whenever the craving strikes!
Expert Tips for Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers
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Choose Quality Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon to enhance the richness; thinner strips can become overly crispy and lose their moisture.
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Mind the Glaze: Ensure the glaze evenly coats the bacon without pooling; excess glaze can lead to a sticky mess instead of a delicious caramelization.
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Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on your skewers as they bake; ovens can vary, and you don’t want the bacon to burn before it crisps up.
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Spacing Matters: When threading bacon onto skewers, prevent overlap to allow for even cooking. Overlapping can lead to uneven crispiness.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze without compromising the overall taste of the Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers Recipe FAQs
What type of bacon should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using thick-cut bacon for a rich, enjoyable bite. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, turkey bacon also works well, although it may not yield the same crispy texture.
How should I store leftovers?
For optimum freshness, store leftover Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep the flavors intact while allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat for a few days after preparation!
Can I freeze the candied bacon skewers?
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the skewers to cool completely, then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
What if my bacon isn’t crispy enough after baking?
Very understandable! If your bacon isn’t achieving that desired crispiness, keep a close eye on it as it bakes. You may need to increase your baking time slightly. Just remember to check every 5 minutes to avoid burning. Incorporating a little more space between each strip on the wire rack can improve air circulation and promote even cooking.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
For those with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that this recipe contains bacon, which isn’t suitable for vegetarians or certain dietary lifestyles. Additionally, if you’re concerned about sugar content, you can replace the light brown sugar with coconut sugar as a lower-glycemic option. Always check your labels to ensure a safe and satisfying experience!
What can I do with leftovers?
The more the merrier! Leftover candied bacon skewers can be chopped up and sprinkled over salads, or even diced and added to baked potatoes for a delicious burst of flavor. Alternatively, serve them alongside a dipping sauce for an elevated snacking experience.
Irresistible Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Bacon Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a medium saucepan, combine light brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and ketchup. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Thread strips of bacon onto the soaked skewers, spacing them out.
- Brush one side of the bacon skewers with the glaze. Bake for 10 minutes until caramelized.
- Flip skewers over, glaze the other side, and return to oven for another 10 minutes.
- Check for desired crispiness by flipping and baking every 5 minutes.
- Cool skewers for about 3 minutes before serving.