Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brisket bites are everything you want in a crowd-pleasing dish — tender, saucy, and packed with bold flavor. The bourbon glaze adds a hint of caramel and oakiness that pairs beautifully with the smoky brisket. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and keeps guests coming back for seconds (and thirds). Plus, it’s versatile — serve them over mashed potatoes, in sliders, or on toothpicks as a decadent appetizer.
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Bourbon-Glazed Brisket Bites: Rich, Smoky, and Irresistibly Bold
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Bourbon-Glazed Brisket Bites are tender, smoky chunks of beef brisket coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze. Perfect as a party appetizer or a hearty snack, they combine rich barbecue flavor with a subtle whiskey kick.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef brisket, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Season brisket cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear brisket cubes on all sides until browned, then transfer to a baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour glaze over the seared brisket cubes and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until brisket is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Serve warm as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks or over mashed potatoes for a meal.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate brisket cubes in the bourbon glaze overnight before baking.
- You can also cook this in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
- Use a smoky barbecue sauce for a richer taste.
- Great for game days or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef Brisket: The star of the show — rich, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the brisket, locking in flavor before it’s slow-cooked.
Onion and Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation for the glaze and infuse the brisket with aromatic depth.
Beef Broth: Keeps the brisket moist during cooking and builds a deep, savory flavor.
Bourbon: Adds warmth, depth, and a caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
Brown Sugar: Balances the smoky notes and helps create a sticky, glossy finish.
Ketchup: Provides tang and body to the glaze — think of it as the base of a refined barbecue sauce.
Soy Sauce: Enhances umami and saltiness without overpowering the sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the flavor with a hint of tang and smokiness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness to balance the richness of the sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Gives the brisket a subtle, smoky warmth that complements the bourbon.
Chili Powder (optional): Adds gentle heat for a bit of kick.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season and balance every layer of flavor.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of color when serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Cut the brisket into bite-sized cubes, about 1½ inches each. Pat dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket cubes on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Deglaze the pot with bourbon, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Stir in beef broth, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder (if using). Return the brisket to the pot, toss to coat, and cover tightly.
Transfer to the oven and cook for 2½ to 3 hours, stirring once or twice, until the brisket is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
Once done, remove the lid and let the sauce reduce slightly in the oven for 10–15 minutes, or simmer uncovered on the stovetop for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Serve warm, drizzled with extra glaze, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time is 20 minutes, cook time is 3 hours, and total time is about 3 hours 20 minutes — perfect for weekends or special gatherings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. These brisket bites also freeze beautifully — store for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Bourbon Brisket
Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the glaze for a richer, sweeter depth of flavor.
Spicy Chipotle Version
Add minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy edge.
BBQ Bourbon Twist
Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a shortcut with extra smokiness.
Honey Bourbon Glaze
Replace brown sugar with honey for a glossy, floral-sweet glaze.
Coffee-Infused Brisket
Add a splash of brewed coffee to the glaze for an earthy, robust flavor.
Slow Cooker Method
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, then reduce the sauce uncovered for 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this with leftover brisket?
Yes, just prepare the bourbon glaze separately, then toss in chopped leftover brisket to coat and heat through.
2. Can I skip the bourbon?
You can substitute apple juice or extra broth — it will still be flavorful and rich.
3. What’s the best cut of brisket for this?
A flat cut works best — it’s tender, lean, and holds its shape well when cubed.
4. Can I make it in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
5. How can I thicken the glaze more?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
6. Can I grill the brisket bites?
Yes, grill briefly after cooking to caramelize the glaze even more.
7. Can I use this glaze for other meats?
Absolutely — it’s amazing on pork belly, chicken wings, or even meatballs.
8. How do I keep the brisket tender?
Cook low and slow — brisket needs time for the collagen to break down.
9. Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes — replace bourbon with apple cider or a mix of broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
10. What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve with toothpicks as appetizers, pile them on sliders, or pair with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a full meal.
Conclusion
Bourbon-Glazed Brisket Bites are the definition of rich, smoky indulgence — tender beef caramelized in a silky bourbon glaze that’s sweet, savory, and full of depth. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these bites deliver incredible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite. With their glossy glaze and unforgettable aroma, they’re proof that comfort food can be both rustic and refined — the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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