Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in one bite-sized treat, let me introduce you to the incredible Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites. These little gems combine tender, juicy salmon cubes wrapped in crispy bacon, all kissed with a luscious maple bourbon seasoning and tangy BBQ sauce. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just craving an extraordinary snack, these Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites deliver rich flavor and an irresistible texture that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each adding a distinct layer of flavor and texture. From the tender salmon cubes to the crispy bacon wrapping, every element plays a key role in making this dish truly memorable.

• Salmon (whole side, cubed): Fresh, flaky, and full of healthy fats, the star protein for this dish.
• Maple Bourbon Seasoning (½ cup): Adds a sweet smoky spice that perfectly complements the salmon and bacon.
• Bacon Slices (12, halved): Brings a crispy, salty crunch that wraps each bite in indulgence.
• Sliced Jalapenos: Offers a subtle kick and vibrant color to top off the bites.
• Ketchup (½ cup): Forms the base of the tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce.
• Yellow Mustard (¼ cup): Adds a sharp tang essential for balance in the sauce.
• Maple Syrup (2.5 tbsp): Contributes natural sweetness and depth to the BBQ sauce.
• Brown Sugar (1.5 tbsp): Enhances caramel notes and richness in the sauce.
• White Vinegar (1.5 tbsp): Provides acidity to cut through the sweetness and richness.
• Favorite Bourbon (2 oz): Infuses warmth and complexity, echoing the maple seasoning’s flavor profile.

How to Make Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Start by carefully removing the skin from the salmon side, then cut it into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes. Wrapping each cube with half a slice of bacon and securing it with a toothpick creates a bite-sized package that’s about to become legendary. Coat every salmon bite generously with the maple bourbon seasoning or your favorite BBQ rub. This step is crucial since it imbues the salmon with that signature sweet-spicy smoky flavor that defines the dish.

Step 2: Preheat Grill and Skillet

Preheat your grill to 350°F to prepare it for direct cooking. Meanwhile, toss a cast iron skillet onto the grill about two minutes before cooking your salmon bites – this skillet will be essential for simmering your homemade bourbon BBQ sauce. Getting your cookware hot and ready ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly once you start.

Step 3: Make the Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Carefully pour the bourbon into the hot cast iron skillet and let it simmer gently for one minute to let the alcohol cook off and the flavors concentrate. Then add ketchup, yellow mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, and white vinegar to the skillet. Keep the mixture at medium-low heat and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens to a luscious, sticky glaze, about ten minutes. This sauce is what brings all the flavors together and will elevate your salmon bites to the next level.

Step 4: Prepare the Smoker

Set your smoker to 250°F for indirect cooking, and if you want to add a smoky depth, toss in some wood chips or wood chunks of your choice. This low-and-slow setup will cook the salmon evenly and impart just the right amount of smokiness that’s perfectly complemented by the maple bourbon seasoning.

Step 5: Smoke and Baste the Salmon Bites

Place the bacon-wrapped salmon bites in the smoker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which generally takes 30 to 40 minutes. While they cook, baste the salmon with the rich maple bourbon BBQ sauce every ten minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully and keep the bites moist and flavorful. Once done, let them rest for five minutes before the final touches.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your perfectly cooked Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites with fresh jalapeno slices for a pop of brightness and heat. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed — tender salmon, crunchy bacon, and that sticky-sweet glaze will surely become an instant favorite at any table.

How to Serve Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites

Garnishes

Fresh jalapeno slices add not only a burst of color but also a mild spicy tang that cuts through the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the sauce. Consider adding some finely chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finishing touch that enhances the overall flavor balance beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bites shine as an appetizer or finger food but pair wonderfully with simple sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes echo the maple sweetness in the bites and create a comforting, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gathering, present these bites on a rustic wooden board or a bright platter lined with lettuce leaves to showcase their colors and textures. You can also skewer several bites together on small sticks for easy serving or create a dipping station with the leftover maple bourbon BBQ sauce alongside mustard or ranch dressing for variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them covered ensures they stay moist and flavorful, but be sure to consume them fairly quickly as fresh salmon is best enjoyed soon after cooking.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bites later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the bacon’s crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bacon rubbery and the salmon dry. You can also re-baste with a little extra maple bourbon BBQ sauce to keep them juicy during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole side?

Absolutely! Salmon fillets cut into cubes work just as well for this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and easy wrapping with bacon.

What type of bourbon works best in this recipe?

A mellow, smooth bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes enhances the sauce beautifully. Avoid overly smoky or intense bourbons that might overpower the delicate salmon.

Can I make these Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites spicy?

Yes! Adding extra jalapeno slices or using a spicier BBQ rub will bring more heat to the dish. You can also mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the maple bourbon seasoning for a subtle spicy kick.

Is it necessary to smoke the salmon, or can I use a regular grill?

Smoking adds fantastic flavor, but if you don’t have a smoker, you can finish the salmon bites on a grill or even bake them in the oven. Just be sure to baste with the BBQ sauce regularly for moist, flavorful bites.

How do I know when the salmon bites are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon cubes; they should reach 145°F for safe consumption. The bacon should also be crisp and golden brown on the outside.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Maple Bacon Bourbon Salmon Bites — they combine incredible flavors that feel both indulgent and sophisticated while being wonderfully approachable to make. Give this recipe a try and prepare to wow everyone with your next appetizer or snack. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to for parties, game days, or cozy nights in!

Print