Name: Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup bourbon; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Table of Contents: Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce: The Secret to Unforgettable Grilling & Comfort Food

Remember those summer evenings, the smell of barbecue filling the air, and the joy of gathering with family and friends? As we get older, those simple pleasures become even more precious. This Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce isn’t just a condiment; it’s a flavor memory waiting to be made. It’s the kind of sauce that elevates everything it touches, from ribs and chicken to pulled pork and even a simple burger. Get ready to rediscover the art of slow cooking and create a BBQ experience that will have everyone asking for your secret!

This recipe is all about balance. We’re talking a beautiful marriage of smoky, sweet, and savory – a true testament to the power of homemade bourbon BBQ. The star of the show, of course, is the bacon. Rendering it down infuses the entire sauce with a deep, irresistible smokiness that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Then, the bourbon adds a warm, complex note, while the brown sugar and molasses provide just the right amount of sweetness. A touch of spice from chipotle chili powder and a zing from hot mustard powder round it all out, creating a sweet and savory BBQ sauce that’s utterly addictive.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a relaxed family dinner, or just want to spice up a weeknight meal, this sauce is your answer. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are so worth the effort. Forget those sugary, one-dimensional sauces – this is the real deal. This smoky bacon BBQ sauce will become a staple in your kitchen, guaranteed.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find recipes for this sauce under names like “Bourbon Bacon BBQ Glaze,” “Smoked Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce,” or simply “Bacon BBQ Sauce.” Variations often include different types of peppers for varying levels of heat, or the addition of coffee for a deeper, more complex flavor. Some recipes lean more heavily into the homemade bourbon BBQ aspect, using a more generous pour of bourbon for a pronounced alcoholic note (which cooks off during simmering, leaving behind the flavor).

Ingredients: Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor explosion:

* ¼ pound pepper bacon
* 1 ½ cup ketchup
* ½ cup apple cider vinegar
* ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
* ¼ cup minced sweet onion
* ¼ cup A-1 sauce
* ¼ cup bourbon, or to taste
* 2 Tbsp. dark molasses
* 2 Tbsp minced garlic (we used our smoked garlic)
* 2 Tbsp. Chili powder, we used chipotle chili powder
* 1 Tbsp coarse ground black pepper
* 1 ½ tsp. smoked paprika
* ½ tsp hot mustard powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Render the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the pepper bacon over medium heat. Stir frequently, allowing the bacon to render its fat. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Chef’s Tip: Don’t discard that beautiful bacon fat! Strain it and save it for roasting vegetables or frying eggs – it adds incredible flavor.

2. Sauté the Onion: Add the minced sweet onion to the rendered bacon fat in the saucepan. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can skip rendering your own bacon and use 2 tablespoons of bacon grease instead.

3. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, and molasses. Stir well to combine.

5. Incorporate the Spices: Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, coarse ground black pepper, and hot mustard powder. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

6. Simmer for Flavor: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Chef’s Tip: For a deeper, richer flavor, simmer the sauce for up to an hour.

7. Add the Bacon Back In: Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the sauce. Stir to combine.

8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more bourbon for a stronger flavor, a pinch more chili powder for heat, or a touch more brown sugar for sweetness.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 150 per serving (estimate, varies based on bacon and bourbon used)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce isn’t just thrown together; it’s built on layers of flavor. Rendering the bacon first is crucial – it infuses the entire sauce with a smoky depth that you can’t get any other way. The combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar provides a classic BBQ base, while the bourbon and molasses add complexity and richness.

Using chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder introduces a subtle smokiness and a gentle heat that complements the bacon and bourbon beautifully. And don’t underestimate the power of the hot mustard powder – it adds a surprising zing that cuts through the sweetness and keeps you coming back for more. This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners and beyond.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. To freeze, pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.

When reheating, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This smoky bacon BBQ sauce actually tastes better after a day or two, as the flavors have more time to develop!

People Also Ask: Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce

What kind of bourbon is best for BBQ sauce?

When choosing a bourbon for your BBQ sauce, you don’t need to break the bank. A mid-range bourbon with notes of caramel and vanilla works beautifully. Avoid anything too high-end, as the other flavors in the sauce will likely mask the nuances of a very expensive bourbon. Something like a Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, or Wild Turkey is a great choice. The key is to use a bourbon you enjoy the taste of, as that flavor will subtly come through in the finished sauce. Remember, you can always add more bourbon to taste, adjusting the intensity of the flavor.

How do you make bacon bourbon BBQ sauce?

Making this Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce is surprisingly straightforward! The process begins with rendering bacon to create a flavorful base. Then, you sauté onions in the bacon fat, add garlic, and combine it with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, molasses, and a blend of spices. The sauce simmers for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, before the crumbled bacon is stirred in. It’s a simple recipe with a huge payoff in terms of taste.

Can you make this sauce without bacon?

Yes, you can! While the bacon is a key component of the flavor profile, you can absolutely make a homemade bourbon BBQ sauce without it. Simply omit the bacon and use 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to sauté the onion. You might also consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon. However, be warned – it won’t be quite the same without the real thing!

Is bacon bourbon BBQ sauce sweet or smoky?

This Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce is a delightful balance of both! It’s definitely not overly sweet like some commercial sauces. The brown sugar and molasses provide a pleasant sweetness, but it’s beautifully countered by the smoky flavor from the bacon and chipotle chili powder. The bourbon adds a warm complexity, and the mustard powder provides a subtle tang. It’s a sweet and savory BBQ sauce that’s incredibly versatile and satisfying.

Conclusion: Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce

So there you have it – a Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the bourbon and spice levels to create a sauce that’s perfectly tailored to your taste. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Share your BBQ creations with us on social media – we love seeing what you come up with.