Maple Bourbon Glaze Recipe
Looking for an easy, flavorful glaze that can elevate anything from turkey to chicken or pork? This Maple Bourbon Glaze is the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, buttery, and tangy, and it comes together in just minutes.
Versatile Glaze Recipe
I can’t get enough of this Maple Bourbon Glaze. It’s the secret weapon that brings a little extra magic to so many dishes. Thanksgiving turkey? Absolutely—it transforms it into something special with that sweet, smoky finish.
But I don’t just save it for the holidays. This glaze is also incredible on pork tenderloin or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.
For the turkey, it locks in flavor and creates that gorgeous caramelized coating. And if you’re looking for more ways to use it, try it on chicken, or mix it into roasted sweet potatoes for an instant flavor upgrade.
The combo of rich maple syrup, warm bourbon, melted butter, and savory spices is the magic that makes every dish feel extra special. It’s that finishing touch that turns a simple meal into something unforgettable!
Be sure to check out our recipe for Maple Bourbon Roasted Turkey Breast that features this delicious glaze.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Looking for more easy homemade sauces and dressings? Be sure to try our fresh blueberry barbecue sauce, 2-ingredient cranberry mustard sauce, zesty balsamic citrus vinaigrette, and our classic basil pesto recipes.
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Key Ingredients
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Its rich, natural sweetness provides the perfect balance to the bourbon and adds a beautiful caramel-like depth. Avoid pancake syrups, which contain artificial flavors and won’t give the same richness.
Bourbon: Brings a smoky, caramel flavor with hints of vanilla and spice, adding warmth to the glaze. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute with apple cider for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and helps thicken the glaze, adding a rich molasses flavor. It also caramelizes beautifully when applied to meat.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy glaze. It also enhances the caramelization when basting roasted meats like turkey or chicken.
Ground Ginger: Provides a subtle warmth and spice, cutting through the sweetness with a gentle kick. You can also substitute fresh ginger for a sharper, more intense flavor.
Each of these ingredients contributes to a well-balanced, versatile glaze that enhances the natural flavors of meats like turkey, chicken, or pork!
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
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Recipe Tips
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, always use pure maple syrup. Avoid imitation syrups as they lack the depth and richness needed for this glaze.
- Simmer for Thickness: Let the glaze simmer for a few extra minutes if you want a thicker, more syrupy consistency. This will also intensify the flavors.
- Use it for Basting: Start basting your meat in the last 30 minutes of roasting to avoid burning the sugars in the glaze.
- Make It Ahead: You can easily make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before using.
- Double for Extra: If you love extra sauce, double the recipe! It works great as a drizzling sauce or dipping sauce after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Glazed Turkey or Chicken: Brush the glaze on roasted turkey or chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a caramelized, flavorful finish. Perfect for holiday meals like this Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast!
- Baste on Ham: This glaze works wonders on a holiday ham—brush it on during the last 30 minutes of baking for a shiny, delicious glaze.
- Drizzle on Pork Tenderloin: Add the glaze to pork tenderloin for a sweet and smoky contrast. Serve with roasted vegetables for a cozy dinner.
- Over Roasted Vegetables: Toss Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots in the glaze for a sweet, smoky twist on classic roasted veggies.
- Grilled Salmon or Shrimp: Use as a finishing glaze on grilled seafood for a rich, flavorful coating that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the grill.
- Dip for Appetizers: Serve the glaze as a dipping sauce for bacon-wrapped dates, roasted meat skewers, or chicken wings at a party or gathering.
FAQs
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Maple Bourbon Glaze
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅓ cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s fully melted and begins to foam.
- Whisk in the maple syrup and brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
- Carefully add the bourbon to the pan, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up initially, but keep whisking to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, garlic and onion powder, and salt. Whisk to incorporate.
- Reduce heat to low and let the glaze simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
- Enjoy immediately or pour into a glass jar for storage. When kept tightly sealed in the fridge, it can last for at least 2 weeks.
Use as a Baste
- During the last 30 minutes of roasting your chicken, turkey, or pork, begin basting the meat with the glaze. Continue basting every 10 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the glaze has caramelized into a beautiful, sticky coating.
Serve as a Sauce
- After cooking, drizzle any remaining glaze over the sliced meat for an extra burst of flavor, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce or gravy.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
