Bourbon Dogs (Wieners)

Prep: 240 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Bourbon Dogs are savory mini wieners simmered in a smoky bourbon-based sauce with a hint of sweetness and onion, perfect for casual gatherings and appetizer platters.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. miniature wieners
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
  • 3/4 cup KY Bourbon
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. minced Vidalia onion

Instructions

  1. Combine the miniature wieners, ketchup or BBQ sauce, KY Bourbon, brown sugar, and minced Vidalia onion in a bowl and marinate for 4 hours.
  2. Transfer the marinated mixture to a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Serve the Bourbon Dogs hot, transferring to a chafing dish if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a smoky BBQ sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce for heat. If you can't find miniature wieners, regular hot dogs cut into bite-sized pieces will work in a pinch. Allowing the mixture to marinate overnight intensifies the flavors even more. For a twist, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bourbon Dogs in a warm chafing dish at parties or game day gatherings. They pair wonderfully with Garlic Roasted Potatoes or a refreshing Cucumber Rice Salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve them in slider buns with your favorite toppings, such as pickles or onions.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the Bourbon Dogs in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to prevent them from becoming tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bourbon Dogs (Wieners) contains roughly 171 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.

171 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 4.6g 6% DV
Carbs 31.9g 12% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 30.9g 62% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 230.2mg 10% DV
Potassium 80.5mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 8.4mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2mcg
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 27.5mg 2% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with whiskey or even rum for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly. Experiment to find the combination that you enjoy most.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the marinade. Alternatively, serve with spicy condiments like jalapeño relish or chipotle mayo.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

To make the Bourbon Dogs lighter, opt for turkey or chicken wieners instead of traditional pork. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar and use a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like honey for fewer calories.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →