Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue from Maxivore.com, and I’m about to transform your ordinary brat dogs into an EPIC flavor explosion! We’re talking Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs – the kind of dish that’ll have your taste buds doing backflips. This is no basic barbecue – it’s a culinary adventure that’s about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise. So grab your napkins, because things are about to get messy, delicious, and absolutely INSANE!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good brat dog? But this ain’t your average sausage situation. We’re taking things to the next level with a finger-lickin’ Apple Cider Glaze that’ll have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and probably fourths. The sweet, tangy glaze perfectly complements the savory, smoky bacon wrapped around each juicy brat. And let’s not forget the EXPLOSION of textures – the crispy bacon, the tender brat, the sticky-sweet glaze. It’s a flavor and texture party in your mouth, and you’re invited! This dish is not only Instagram-worthy, but it’s also guaranteed to make all your friends green with food jealousy. Trust me, once you try these Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs, you’ll never go back to plain ol’ boring brats again.
Ingredients
To make these mind-blowing Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs, you’ll need a few key ingredients: juicy bratwurst sausages, thick-cut bacon, apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a few spices to really make those flavors pop. The sweet and tangy glaze is the star of the show, but the bacon wrapping is the perfect supporting actor. Together, they create a culinary masterpiece that’s guaranteed to have your taste buds doing the happy dance.
- 8 bratwurst sausages – juicy and flavorful
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon – for that smoky, crispy goodness
- 1 cup apple cider – the base for the epic glaze
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – to balance the tartness
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – for a touch of heat and tanginess
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bratwurst: Any type of sausage or hot dog will work in a pinch (just adjust cooking time as needed)
- Bacon: Feel free to skip the bacon if you’re looking for a lighter option or if you have dietary restrictions
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these mind-blowing brat dogs!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting everything ready to go. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, grab your bratwurst sausages and use a sharp knife to carefully slice them in half lengthwise, without cutting all the way through. This will give you a nice, open-faced brat that’s ready to be wrapped in bacon.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to work on that mind-blowing glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened up, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
Now, it’s time to wrap those brats in bacon! Carefully wrap each brat half in a slice of thick-cut bacon, overlapping the edges slightly to ensure the bacon stays put. Arrange the bacon-wrapped brats on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other.
Step 3: Final Steps
Once your brats are all wrapped and ready to go, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake the brats for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the brats are cooked through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
When the brats are fresh out of the oven, it’s time to drizzle on that epic Apple Cider Glaze. Brush or spoon the glaze over the bacon-wrapped brats, making sure to get every inch coated in that sweet, tangy goodness. You might want to have a few extra napkins on hand, because things are about to get messy – in the best way possible!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Dipping Sauce: Can’t get enough of that Apple Cider Glaze? Feel free to double the recipe and use it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Crispy Bacon: For an extra-crispy bacon wrap, try parboiling the bacon for a few minutes before wrapping it around the brats. This will help the bacon get that perfect crunch without overcooking the sausages.
- Spicy Twist: If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños to the glaze for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Sausage Swap: You can try swapping out the bratwurst for your favorite type of sausage or hot dog – just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Sauerkraut, mustard, coleslaw.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop the brats back in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to reheat and re-crisp the bacon.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the brats and bacon up to a day in advance, then just bake and glaze them right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs are definitely a treat, but they’re also packed with some nutritional benefits. The bratwurst sausages provide a good source of protein, while the bacon adds a boost of savory flavor and a bit of fat. The apple cider glaze gives you a dose of antioxidants, and the overall dish is a great source of B vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.
- Serving Size: 1 brat dog
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brats and bacon up to a day in advance, then just bake and glaze them right before serving. Just store the uncooked, bacon-wrapped brats in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I grill these instead of baking them?
You sure can! Grilling the bacon-wrapped brats will give you a delicious smoky flavor. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them, as the bacon can burn easily on the grill. Baste them with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for maximum flavor.
Do I have to use bratwurst sausages?
Nope! You can use any type of sausage or hot dog you like. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I make these without the bacon?
Of course! The bacon is definitely a flavor and texture enhancer, but the Apple Cider Glaze is the real star of the show. Feel free to skip the bacon and just bake the brats with the glaze.
How can I make these extra spicy?
To add a little heat, try stirring some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the Apple Cider Glaze. You can also serve the brats with a side of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Try These Next
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon And Apple Brie Bites
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Bacon Cheesecake Bites
- Whiskey Glazed Maple Bacon Meatballs
Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy these delicious Apple Cider Glazed Bacon Brat Dogs, perfect for game day or any outdoor gathering! The sweet and savory glaze enhances the flavor of the bratwurst and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
4 bratwurst sausages
8 slices of bacon
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
4 hot dog buns
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. In the same skillet, add bratwurst and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced and thickened, about 10 minutes.
4. Once bratwurst are cooked, brush them with the apple cider glaze and cook for an additional minute on each side.
5. Assemble the brat dogs by placing bratwurst in buns, topping with bacon, and drizzling with more glaze. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños on top.
Feel free to substitute turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brat dog
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg