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Savory Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Links

maple bourbon bacon-wrapped sausage links - featured image
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A quick and easy game day recipe featuring smoked sausage links wrapped in bacon and glazed with a sweet and smoky maple bourbon sauce. Perfect for gatherings and crowd-pleasing finger food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 smoked sausage links (kielbasa or Andouille preferred)
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top if using.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Set aside.
  3. Wrap each smoked sausage link tightly with one slice of bacon, tucking the ends under the sausage.
  4. Arrange the wrapped sausages seam side down on the wire rack-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes until the bacon starts to crisp but is not fully done.
  6. Remove from oven and brush each link generously with the maple bourbon glaze. Flip the sausages and brush the other side.
  7. Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes, brushing once more halfway through baking until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
  8. Check for doneness: bacon should be crispy and sausage heated through (internal temperature around 160°F or 71°C). Broil 1-2 minutes if needed to crisp bacon, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

Use a wire rack to ensure even bacon crisping. Brush glaze multiple times for a sticky, shiny finish. Broil briefly if bacon needs extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Let rest before serving to set glaze. For gluten-free, verify sausage and mustard ingredients. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or using plant-based sausage and bacon for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon, bacon-wrapped, smoked sausage, game day recipe, appetizer, finger food, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-maple-bourbon-bacon-wrapped-sausage-links-easy-recipe-for-game-day/