12 Bourbon-Based Recipes You Need to Try

The next best thing to sipping on bourbon is cooking with bourbon. During these chillier winter months, the sweetly savory kick that bourbon brings to dishes is both warming and satisfying, no matter which course you’re up to. From delicious dinners and succulent sides to mouthwatering desserts, we’ve rounded up 12 of our favorite recipes that use this all-American spirit. Don’t forget to leave some on the side to sip while you cook, of course.

Braised Brisket with Bourbon Peach Glaze

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Bon Appetit

Peach jam and bourbon? Say no more. This savory sauce is perfect with tender brisket meat. A bottle of stout makes this glaze even boozier. Yum.

Bourbon Sweet Potatoes

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Delish

The sweetness in both bourbon and potatoes complement each other without overwhelming the palate. A succulent, sweet side dish.

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Bourbon Scallops

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via All Recipes

This sweet, peppery bourbon glaze adds a delicious kick to these magnificent mollusks. This versatile dish is perfect for savory winter meals or fresh summertime snacking.

Corn and Cauliflower Sautéed in Bourbon Butter

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Food Network

Because bourbon butter. Need we say more?

Brian’s Bourbon Chili

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Delish

There’s nothing we love more on a cold, snowy day than a big warm bowl of chili. The only way to make it better? Adding bourbon to the recipe, of course.

Smoked Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Extraordinary BBQ

What goes better than beer and wings? Bourbon, beer, and wings, obviously! Sip on some suds while snacking on these boozy wings for a perfect game-day appetizer.

Crispy Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via How Sweet Eats

While it may sounds strange, bourbon and salmon is our favorite unexpected pairing. The sweet and sour flavors of honey and mustard make this glaze a perfect topping for our favorite fish.

Grilled Cheese with Bourbon Melted Onions

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Delish

O.K., while this may not be the most healthful item on the menu, it’s definitely the most delicious. Bourbon melted onions and gooey cheese? Say no more.

Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via All Recipes

This just made eating our daily dose of vegetables a whole lot easier. In fact, we’ll get both of our servings in now.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Food Network

Attending a dinner party and not sure what to bring? Whip up one of these Southern-style pies and instantly become your host’s favorite friend.

Bourbon Balls

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Fine Cooking

While people generally bring homemade cookies to holiday gatherings and year-round office parties, you’re sure to be a standout with these chocolaty bourbon balls.

Bourbon Sea Salt Caramels

Cooking With Bourbon - 12 Recipes You Need to Try Right Now
Photo via Bon Appetit

With salty caramel and sweet chocolate plus boozy bourbon, this dessert has everything we could ever want in our lives.