This Salmon Bites Recipe with Bacon and Maple Bourbon Glaze is the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savory! Tender salmon is wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a rich maple bourbon sauce that caramelizes beautifully. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight appetizer!
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Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Bites are amazing! Each succulent piece of salmon is lovingly tucked away in smoky bacon, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes. The glaze, made with maple syrup, brown sugar, and bourbon, adds a touch of sweetness.
If you enjoy this seafood recipe, you may also love our Ahi Tuna Steak Salad or our Mango Citrus Salad with Salmon.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make these salmon bites perfect for any occasion.
- Bold & Smoky Flavor: The crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the tender salmon, creating an irresistible bite.
- Sweet & Savory Glaze: The maple bourbon sauce caramelizes beautifully, adding a rich, balanced sweetness.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized salmon appetizers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Salmon Bites Recipe Ingredients
- Salmon fillet - A tender and flavorful fish serves as the star ingredient for our bacon-wrapped salmon bites.
- Bacon slices - Crispy, smoky, and savory, the bacon adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture to each bite.
- Maple syrup - The natural sweetness of maple syrup enhances the overall taste and creates a delicious glaze for the salmon.
- Brown sugar - With its rich molasses flavor, brown sugar adds depth and complexity to the maple bourbon glaze.
- Bourbon - The addition of bourbon lends a subtle warmth to the glaze.
- Salt and black pepper - These common seasonings help to enhance the taste of the salmon and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks - Soaked in water, these tools secure the bacon-wrapped salmon bites and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Alcohol - If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or apple cider for a similar depth of flavor.
- Maple Syrup - Replace the maple syrup in the glaze with an equal amount of honey for a different yet equally delicious flavor.
- Citrus-Marinated Salmon Bites - Add a burst of freshness by marinating the salmon bites in a mixture of citrus juices, such as orange and lime, along with some zest.
How to Make this Salmon Bites Recipe
STEP ONE: Prepare the Maple Bourbon Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and bourbon over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Bites
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). Cut the salmon fillet into equal one-inch portions.
Wrap each salmon portion with a slice of bacon, starting from one end and overlapping slightly. Secure the bacon in place with a wooden skewer or toothpick. Repeat this step for all salmon bites.
STEP THREE: Grill the Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Bites
Brush the bacon-wrapped salmon with the maple bourbon glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Place the bacon-wrapped salmon on the preheated grill. To prevent excess bacon grease from dripping onto the grill, place a disposable aluminum foil pan or a heatproof baking dish directly underneath the bacon-wrapped salmon. Close the lid and cook for approximately 6 minutes.
After 6 minutes, carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and grill until the bacon is crispy and the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature (see food safety below). Baste with the remaining glaze occasionally during the cooking process.
STEP FOUR: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the bacon-wrapped salmon bites from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Serve the maple bourbon bacon-wrapped salmon bites hot, accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice. They are perfect as an appetizer or a delicious addition to any main course.
Note: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can achieve that by broiling the bacon-wrapped salmon bites in the oven. Simply bake them at 375°F (190°C), and during the last few minutes of cooking, turn on your oven's broiler to high and position the oven rack about 12 inches away from the heat source.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best results.
✔️ DO Soak the wooden skewers or toothpicks in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.
✔️ DO Baste the salmon bites with the maple bourbon glaze during grilling for maximum flavor.
✔️ DO Adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the salmon and desired level of doneness.
How do I remove the skin from salmon?
- Start by placing the salmon fillet skin-side down on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, make a small incision between the flesh and the skin at one end of the fillet.
- Hold the loose end of the skin firmly with one hand and angle the knife slightly downward, keeping it parallel to the cutting board.
- While holding the skin, gently slide the knife along the length of the fillet, separating the flesh from the skin with a smooth slicing motion.
- Continue to slide the knife carefully, maintaining contact with the skin, until you've removed the skin completely.
Storage
Store any leftover Maple Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven or briefly on the grill to regain their deliciousness.
Recipe FAQs
Fresh salmon is recommended for the best taste and texture. However, if using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe.
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven or air fryer to a similar temperature as indicated for grilling. Place the bacon-wrapped salmon bites on a baking sheet or tray and bake until the bacon is crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
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📖 Recipe
Salmon Bites Recipe with Bacon and Maple Bourbon Glaze
Equipment
- Grill
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet skin removed
- ½ lb bacon slices
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
- In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and bourbon over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cut the salmon fillet into equal one inch portions.
- Wrap each salmon portion with a bacon slice, starting from one end and overlapping slightly. Secure the bacon in place with a wooden skewer or toothpick. Repeat this step for all salmon bites.
- Brush the bacon-wrapped salmon with the maple bourbon glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Place the bacon-wrapped salmon on the preheated grill. To minimize flare-ups and prevent excess bacon grease from dripping onto the grill, place a disposable aluminum foil pan or a heatproof baking dish directly underneath the bacon-wrapped salmon on the grill. Close the lid and cook for approximately 6 minutes.
- After 6 minutes, carefully flip the salmon using a spatula and grill until the bacon is crispy and the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature (see food safety below). Baste with the remaining glaze occasionally during the cooking process.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon-wrapped salmon from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Serve the bacon-wrapped salmon hot, with a dipping sauce on the side.
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Notes
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- Alcohol - If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or apple cider for a similar depth of flavor.
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- Maple Syrup - Replace the maple syrup in the glaze with an equal amount of honey for a different yet equally delicious flavor.
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