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You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetizers & Finger Foods

Salmon Bites Recipe with Bacon and Maple Bourbon Glaze

📋 Modified: Jul 13, 2024 Published: Jul 20, 2023 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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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!

bacon wrapped salmon bites hero image close up

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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.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Salmon Bites Recipe Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make this Salmon Bites Recipe
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • How do I remove the skin from salmon?
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Related
  • More Seafood Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

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

Salmon bites maple bourbon glaze process photo 1 thickening

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.

Salmon bites process photo 2 cutting into 1 inch pieces

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.

Bacon wrapped salmon bites process photo 3 brushing with glaze

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.

Salmon bites process photo 4 cooking

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?

  1. Start by placing the salmon fillet skin-side down on a cutting board.
  2. Using a sharp knife, make a small incision between the flesh and the skin at one end of the fillet.
  3. Hold the loose end of the skin firmly with one hand and angle the knife slightly downward, keeping it parallel to the cutting board.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

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.

Can I make this recipe in the oven or in the air fryer instead of grilling?

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.

Bacon wrapped salmon bites feature image with dipping sauce.

Related

  • Fried Grouper Cheeks
  • Simple Bay Scallops with Pasta and Lemon Garlic Sauce
  • Ahi Tuna Steak Salad
  • Crab Cakes
  • Easy Old Fashioned Salmon Patties

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Did You Like This Salmon Bites Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think these bacon wrapped salmon bites are amazing!

📖 Recipe

Bacon wrapped salmon bites feature image with dipping sauce.

Salmon Bites Recipe with Bacon and Maple Bourbon Glaze

Jami Powell
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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 8
Calories 322 kcal

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.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Video

Notes

Top Tip 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. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. This method will ensure perfectly crispy bacon while maintaining the tenderness and deliciousness of the salmon.
Storage Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freeze This dish is not freezer friendly.
Reheat Place in a preheated oven or briefly on the grill to regain their deliciousness.
Substitutions
    • 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.
Nutrition The provided nutrition information is only an estimate.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 21gFat: 15gSugar: 22g
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

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