Cheddar’s Bourbon Glaze Recipe

When my husband and I last visited Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, we ordered their salmon dish, which came with a delightful Bourbon Glaze. The moment we tasted it, we were blown away by the incredible flavor. It was just the right balance of sweet, savory, and smoky, and it elevated the salmon to a whole new level. I was so captivated by the taste that I decided to recreate the dish at home. Now, every time we enjoy salmon at home, we use this recipe, and it never fails to impress. For a different twist, consider pairing salmon with soyaki sauce for a unique and flavorful experience.

If you’re like me and want to bring that restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen, let’s learn how to make this amazing Cheddar’s Bourbon Glaze Recipe.

Why This Cheddar’s Bourbon Glaze Recipe is a Keeper

This recipe is a must-have for several reasons:

1. Authentic Flavor: The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and maple syrup creates a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with various dishes.
2. Versatility: While it’s perfect for salmon, this glaze works wonders on chicken, pork, and even roasted vegetables.
3. Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare without requiring a long shopping list.
4. Ease of Preparation: You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this glaze. It’s straightforward and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

 

Ingredients List

• ½ cup of Infidel Pork Rub
• ¼ cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of your favorite bourbon
• ¾ cup of Grade A maple syrup

Kitchen Tools Needed

1. Measuring cups
2. A medium-sized saucepan
3. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula
4. A stove

Instructions

Step 1 | Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out ½ cup of Infidel Pork Rub, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of bourbon, and ¾ cup of Grade A maple syrup.

Step 2 | Combine Ingredients

Pour the Infidel Pork Rub into your medium-sized saucepan. Add the brown sugar, bourbon, and maple syrup to the pan.

Step 3 | Mix and Heat

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 5 | Simmer and Reduce

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously with your wooden spoon or silicone spatula to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6 | Reduce by One-Third

Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Continue stirring occasionally as the glaze simmers gently. Let it reduce by one-third; this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has thickened to a syrupy consistency.

Step 7 | Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Your bourbon glaze is now ready to drizzle over your favorite holiday dishes!

Tips and Tricks

• Stir Constantly: Stirring is key to preventing the glaze from burning and ensuring a smooth texture.
• Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low to maintain a gentle simmer; this helps in reducing the glaze evenly without burning.
• Taste and Adjust: Feel free to taste the glaze as it cooks and adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Spicier Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Different Spirits: If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can substitute it with whiskey or rum for a different flavor profile.
• Honey Substitute: Swap out the maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness and flavor.
• Lower Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or reduce the amount of brown sugar to make a lighter version of the glaze.

What to Serve with This Bourbon Glaze Recipe

This bourbon glaze pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Grilled Salmon: The sweet and smoky glaze complements the rich, buttery flavor of grilled salmon beautifully.

Roast Chicken: Brush the glaze over roast chicken for a sweet and savory twist.

Pork Chops: Add a burst of flavor to pork chops by drizzling them with this glaze.

Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes in the glaze for an added layer of flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover bourbon glaze, here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration: Store the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating.

Freezing: You can also freeze the glaze for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating: Reheat the glaze gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency.

Sweet Bourbon Glaze Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rub instead of Infidel Pork Rub?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pork rub you prefer or have on hand. The flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this glaze without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute for a similar flavor.

3. How do I know when the glaze is thick enough?

The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and have a syrup-like consistency. It will thicken more as it cools.

4. Can I use this glaze as a marinade?

Yes, you can use the glaze as a marinade. Just remember to reserve some for basting or serving.

5. Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to reheat it gently before serving.

6. How can I make the glaze thicker?

If you prefer a thicker glaze, continue to simmer it until it reduces further. Just be careful not to burn it.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and follow the same cooking instructions.

Conclusion

Creating your own Cheddar’s Bourbon Glaze Recipe at home is not only satisfying but also incredibly rewarding. This glaze brings a restaurant-quality touch to your dishes, making every meal feel special. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love the rich, sweet, and smoky flavors just as much as we do. Happy cooking!

We hope you enjoyed this recipe! Share your thoughts when you try it at home in the comments section below. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Reddit for the latest updates and more delicious recipes.