Growing up, my dad was the king of the grill. He could whip up the most mouthwatering burgers, sizzling steaks, and perfectly charred hot dogs that had us kids begging for seconds (and thirds!). But his absolute specialty? Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through our family for generations, and let me tell you, it never disappoints.
I can still remember the smell of the onions caramelizing and the bacon crisping up on the grill. The sweet and savory aroma would waft through the backyard, drawing everyone to the patio like moths to a flame. Dad would carefully arrange the Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze on a big platter, and we’d all dive in, burning our tongues because we just couldn’t wait. The combination of the juicy hot dog, the smoky bacon, and that irresistible brown sugar glaze was absolute perfection.
Now that I’m older, I’ve tried to recreate Dad’s famous Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze on my own, and I have to say, I think I’ve finally nailed it. This recipe is going to become your new go-to, I just know it.
Why This Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze
The key to these Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze is all in the technique. It’s not just about tossing some hot dogs and bacon on the grill – there’s a little more finesse involved. But trust me, it’s so worth it. The sweet, caramelized onion glaze takes these Grilled Bacon Dogs to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– High-quality beef hot dogs: The foundation of this dish, so you’ll want to use the best quality hot dogs you can find.
– Thick-cut bacon: The bacon needs to be hearty enough to stand up to the grill and provide that perfect smoky contrast.
– Brown sugar: This is the star of the onion glaze, giving it a rich, molasses-y sweetness.
– Onions: Yellow or white onions work great, thinly sliced to caramelize quickly.
– Butter: A touch of butter helps the onions brown and the glaze stick to the Grilled Bacon Dogs.
– Seasonings: Just a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze
This Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze recipe is actually quite simple, but it does require a little bit of hands-on time at the grill. You’ll need around 45 minutes from start to finish, and the key tools are a grill (gas or charcoal), tongs, and a basting brush.
1- Start by slicing the onions into thin half-moons. The thinner they are, the quicker they’ll caramelize on the grill.
2- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.
3- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized and the sugar has dissolved into a glaze.
4- While the onions are cooking, wrap each hot dog tightly in a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
5- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs directly on the grates and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
6- Use a basting brush to generously coat the Grilled Bacon Dogs with the caramelized brown sugar onion glaze. Serve immediately, garnished with any extra glaze.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze is all about balancing the flavors and textures. Make sure not to overcrowd the grill, as you want the bacon to crisp up nicely. And keep a close eye on the onion glaze to prevent it from burning. If it starts to get too dark, simply remove it from the heat.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze
These Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze are the ultimate backyard BBQ or tailgating food. Serve them up with crispy fries, a fresh slaw, and an ice-cold beer for the perfect summer feast. They’d also be a hit at any family gathering or game day celebration.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back on the grill or in the oven until warmed through. You can even make the onion glaze ahead of time and store it separately. Then all you have to do is grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs and brush on the glaze when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze
Creative Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze Variations
Want to switch things up? Try grilling Italian sausages instead of hot dogs, or use turkey bacon for a leaner twist. You could also caramelize the onions with a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of spicy cayenne. And for a fun presentation, serve the Grilled Bacon Dogs on mini pretzel buns or Hawaiian rolls.
Making Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe a bit healthier, you can use nitrate-free turkey or chicken hot dogs. And for the gluten-free crowd, serve the Grilled Bacon Dogs on lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns. Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the onion glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
A: While you can use regular bacon, I really recommend sticking with thick-cut. The heartier bacon will hold up better to the high heat of the grill and provide a better texture contrast to the hot dogs.
Q: How long do I need to grill the Grilled Bacon Dogs?
A: Grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Q: Can I make the onion glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The onion glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before brushing it onto the grilled hot dogs.
Q: How many Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 8 Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your crowd.
Q: What if the onion glaze starts to burn?
A: If the glaze is getting too dark, simply remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before brushing it onto the hot dogs. The residual heat from the grilled dogs should be enough to warm up the glaze without causing it to burn.
Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8
Description
Juicy hot dogs wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar onion glaze. This classic backyard cookout dish is perfect for summer gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
– 8 all-beef hot dogs
– 8 slices bacon
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. – Wrap each hot dog tightly with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks.
3. – In a small saucepan, combine the sliced onions, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the sauce is thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
4. – Grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
5. – Brush the hot dogs generously with the brown sugar onion glaze and continue grilling for 2-3 minutes more, until the glaze is caramelized.
6. – Serve the Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze immediately, with any remaining glaze drizzled over the top.
Notes
For extra flavor, try using a mix of sweet and spicy mustards in the glaze. You can also grill some sliced onions alongside the hot dogs to serve on top.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy Grilled Bacon Dog with that irresistible caramelized onion glaze. It’s the ultimate summertime comfort food that’s sure to please a crowd. I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your house, just like it is in mine. So fire up that grill, get to work on those Grilled Bacon Dogs with Brown Sugar Onion Glaze, and enjoy every delicious bite. And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out!
