Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with these Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs! Combining the rich, caramelized sweetness of maple, the smoky boldness of bacon, and the warm, complex notes of bourbon, this recipe is a tantalizing Sweet & Savory Mashup that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible, chef-crafted treat.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs with Sticky Sweet Heat
These Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs are the ultimate in cozy, comfort-food indulgence. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a luscious, melty center bursting with a symphony of flavors. The sticky-sweet heat from the bourbon-maple glaze perfectly complements the smoky, savory bacon, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and delightfully unexpected. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a decadent snack, these bombs are sure to satisfy and delight.
Ingredients
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey with these Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs. You’ll need just a few simple, high-quality ingredients to create this irresistible treat, including juicy bacon, smooth bourbon, and rich maple syrup. With chef-tested proportions, you can trust that each bite will be a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes.
- 12 oz – Thick-cut bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp – Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon: You can experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered, to suit your personal preferences.
- Bourbon: For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute apple cider or orange juice for the bourbon.
How to Make Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs with Sticky Sweet Heat
Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors of these Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside. Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces, ready for assembly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Carefully wrap each piece of crumbled bacon around a dollop of the bourbon-maple mixture, forming a tidy little bomb. Arrange the bacon-wrapped bombs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Remove the bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle the warm Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs with additional bourbon-maple glaze or sprinkle them with a touch of flaky sea salt.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Festive Twist: Roll the bacon-wrapped bombs in a mixture of brown sugar and warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, for a gingerbread-inspired treat.
- Cheese Addition: Stuff the center of the bacon-wrapped bombs with a small cube of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for an extra layer of melty goodness.
- Herbal Flavor: Sprinkle the Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs with chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory, aromatic twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a crisp salad to balance the rich, decadent flavors.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs make a perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering, from cozy movie nights to holiday celebrations.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped bombs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the comforting flavors of these Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs, but keep in mind that they are a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. Each bomb packs a delicious punch of protein from the bacon, along with a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup and bourbon. While they may not be the healthiest option, these bombs are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to your face.
- Serving Size: 1 Bourbon Maple Bacon Bomb
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped bombs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are hot and crispy.
How can I make the bacon extra crispy?
For extra-crispy bacon, be sure to use thick-cut bacon and bake the bombs for the full 18 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crunchy. You can also try broiling the bombs for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice, caramelized finish.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute another spirit, such as whiskey, rum, or even dark beer, to create a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount to suit your personal taste preferences.
What should I serve with the Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs?
These Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs are delicious on their own as a decadent appetizer or snack. However, you can also serve them alongside a crisp salad or creamy mashed potatoes to balance the rich, indulgent flavors.
How do I store any leftover Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the bombs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Try These Next
- Maple Bacon Cheeseburger With Sweet Potato Fries
- Maple Glazed Bbq Ribs With Sweet Potato Mash
- Maple Bacon French Toast Bake With Vanilla Cream
Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs with Sticky Sweet Heat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs are deliciously sweet and savory bites, perfect for parties or as an appetizer. These bacon-wrapped meatballs are infused with a sticky bourbon maple glaze that delivers a delightful heat and smoky flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lb bacon, cut in half
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4.
5. Form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
6.
7. Wrap each meatball with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
8.
9. Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10.
11. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, maple syrup, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
12.
13. Brush the bourbon maple glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatballs.
14.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatballs are cooked through.
16.
17. Remove from the oven and brush with more glaze before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to taste.
Serve these bombs with toothpicks and extra glaze on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bomb
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg