Bourbon-Based Mains You’ll Love

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Bourbon isn’t just for baking—it’s sneaking its way into dinner, and we’re here for it. Whether it’s Sticky Bourbon Chicken, Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, or Creamy Bourbon Chicken with Pancetta and Mushrooms, this boozy backbone adds smoky sweetness in all the right places. From BBQ Bourbon Burger and Bourbon Glazed Salmon to Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini and Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Corn Pudding, these recipes bring bold flavor with a Southern swagger.

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon with thick, golden-brown sauce containing small dark particles hovers over a stainless steel pot partially filled with the same liquid.
A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Use this sweet, sticky, and spicy bourbon glaze to add bold flavor to meats and veggies. Bourbon intensifies the glaze, making every bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Toasted bread slices topped with creamy cheese and caramelized onions, garnished with fresh thyme, are arranged on a sheet of brown parchment paper. A drink in a glass is partially visible in the corner.

Impress guests with bourbon bacon jam crostinis. Bourbon adds depth to the sweet and smoky bacon jam, creating a standout appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Sticky Bourbon Chicken

A plate of rice topped with glazed chicken pieces and garnished with chopped green onions.
Photo Credit: Spend with Pennies.

For a quick and flavorful dinner, try sticky bourbon chicken. The bourbon sauce coats the chicken in a deliciously sweet and savory glaze.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Bourbon Chicken

BBQ Bourbon Burger

close-up of juicy barbecue bourbon burger with tomato, lettuce, and onion on a bun
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This BBQ Bourbon Burger takes the flavors of bourbon and combines it with your standard BBQ burger. The bourbon BBQ sauce is easy to make and really elevates the burger! Try this burger out at your next game-day event or BBQ.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Burger

Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potato Phyllo Casserole

overhead close up photo of Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potato Phyllo Casserole with piece cut
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potato Phyllo Casserole is a new twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish. Layers of buttery phyllo dough are filled with a bourbon, cinnamon, and maple-infused sweet potato mixture and topped with savory sage pecans. This updated version of a sweet potato casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potato Phyllo Casserole

Bourbon Glazed Salmon

A glazed salmon filet garnished with a sprig of cilantro, accompanied by quinoa and a lemon wedge.
Photo Credit: Mae’s Menu.

Enhance your salmon with a bourbon glaze that combines sweet and spicy flavors. The bourbon helps caramelize the glaze, giving the fish a rich, savory crust.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Salmon

BLT Corn Fritter Stacks

BLT Corn Fritter Stacks | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These BLT Corn Fritter Stacks are the perfect summer appetizer or light meal! Crispy corn fritters are topped with thick-cut bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a spicy chipotle mayo. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: BLT Corn Fritter Stacks

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Pieces of cooked meat glazed in a brown sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Photo Credit: Spend with Pennies.

Simplify dinner with crock pot bourbon chicken, where the bourbon sauce makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Perfect for an easy, yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Corn Pudding with Candied Jalapeños

Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Corn Pudding with Candied Jalapeños | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Corn Pudding with Candied Jalapeños is the perfect side dish to spice up your next barbecue. The sweetness of the corn pudding is balanced perfectly with the kick of the candied jalapeños, making for a dish everyone will love! Find this recipe and more at halfbakedharvest.com.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Corn Pudding with Candied Jalapeños

Smoky Orange Bourbon Turkey Breast Brine

A roasted turkey breast, slices of orange, and sprigs of thyme in a white dish.
Photo Credit: Mae’s Menu.

Infuse your turkey with smoky, citrusy goodness using this orange bourbon brine. Bourbon adds depth and richness, making your turkey breast juicier and more flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Orange Bourbon Turkey Breast Brine

Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Butter

Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Butter | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Butter are an easy side dish that will be a hit with everyone! The sweet potatoes are roasted until crispy and then tossed in a delicious bourbon maple butter. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Butter

Maple Bourbon Salmon

A square piece of glazed salmon on a white plate, garnished with two lemon slices and accompanied by a fork.
Photo Credit: Champagne Tastes.

Try maple bourbon salmon for a sweet and savory dish. The bourbon glaze caramelizes beautifully, making this a delicious choice for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bourbon Salmon

Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies

brown sugar bourbon smokies in a serving dish
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies are the perfect appetizer for any gathering! Slow-cooked in a Crockpot with a sweet and savory 5-ingredient sauce, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavorful and easy snack that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Bourbon Little Smokies

Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

bourbon chicken and white rice in a white bowl
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Craving Chinese takeout but want to stay in? This Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! With a delicious bourbon chicken sauce, this easy skillet meal is ready in no time and will satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Creamy Bourbon Chicken with Pancetta and Mushrooms

A skillet containing three golden-brown chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with chopped fresh parsley.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Creamy Bourbon Chicken with Pancetta and Mushrooms recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy chicken skin complements the creamy sauce and savory pancetta and mushrooms. Best of all, it’s all made in one skillet for easy cleanup!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bourbon Chicken with Pancetta and Mushrooms

Avocado and Gouda BLT Corn Fritter Stacks with Chipotle Bourbon Dressing

Avocado and Gouda BLT Corn Fritter Stacks with Chipotle Bourbon Dressing | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These aren’t your typical BLTs! Fluffy corn fritters are stacked high with crispy bacon, smoked gouda, arugula, and avocado, then drizzled with a flavorful chipotle bourbon dressing. These Avocado and Gouda BLT Corn Fritter Stacks are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a classic sandwich with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Avocado and Gouda BLT Corn Fritter Stacks with Chipotle Bourbon Dressing

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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