Prepare to have your taste buds blown away with this epic Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites recipe! As the bold culinary rebel behind Maxivore.com, I’m about to show you how to turn ordinary ingredients into a sensational food adventure that will have your friends and family begging for more. Get ready to dive headfirst into flavor paradise, folks – this dish is about to become a new household classic!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites
These jalapeño bites are an incredible flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy. The maple bourbon glaze adds an irresistible depth of flavor, while the crispy bacon wrapping takes this snack to the next level of deliciousness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day treat. Trust me, these maple bourbon bacon-wrapped jalapeño bites will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these mind-blowing jalapeño bites: fresh jalapeños, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and a pinch of salt. The combination of these flavors is absolutely legendary and will leave your guests begging for the recipe.
- 12 jalapeños – halved lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: Mini bell peppers (for less heat)
- Bourbon: Apple cider or orange juice (for a non-alcoholic version)
How to Make Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites
Let’s get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these sensational jalapeño bites!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the jalapeños in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon to create the incredible glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Wrap each jalapeño half with a strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick. Arrange the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and brush them generously with the maple bourbon glaze.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the jalapeño bites in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the jalapeño bites are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top and serve these sensational bites hot and fresh!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the maple bourbon glaze for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or cream cheese, inside the jalapeño halves.
- Crescent Roll Twist: Wrap the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a crescent roll dough for an over-the-top, smash-worthy treat.
- Bacon Wrapped Perfection: For the ultimate bacon lover, try using maple or brown sugar-coated bacon for an even more indulgent experience.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These maple bourbon bacon-wrapped jalapeño bites are the perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or any occasion where you want to seriously impress your guests.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be warned – they may not last long!
Reheat: You can reheat the jalapeño bites in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crispy.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the jalapeño bites in advance by assembling them and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the glaze right before cooking.
Nutrition Information
These maple bourbon bacon-wrapped jalapeño bites are a perfect balance of indulgence and moderation, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without guilt.
- Serving Size: 2 jalapeño bites
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy are the jalapeño bites?
The level of spice can vary depending on the size and heat of the jalapeños used. Removing the seeds and membranes helps to control the heat, but these bites still pack a delicious punch of flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While the jalapeño bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare them in advance. Assemble the bites and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the glaze right before cooking.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
Absolutely! While thick-cut bacon works best, you can use any type of bacon you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the bacon.
How do I adjust the spice level?
If you want to tone down the heat, use milder jalapeños or swap them out for mini bell peppers. For an extra spicy kick, leave the seeds and membranes intact or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Can I freeze these jalapeño bites?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, assembled jalapeño bites for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before baking and glazing.
Try These Next
- Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
- Smoked Maple Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Maple Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites To Celebrate Friendsgiving
Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bacon Empire
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Bites are a deliciously spicy and sweet appetizer, perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
12 jalapeño peppers
6 slices of bacon
1 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, maple syrup, bourbon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
6. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the bacon in bourbon before wrapping.
Adjust the amount of cheese and bacon to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: appetizer, jalapeño, bacon, bourbon, maple