Hot Bacon Dressing - Recipe Card
This warm, sweet, and tangy dressing transforms any bowl of greens into a comforting and flavorful delight. Whether drizzled over spinach or paired with roasted vegetables, it’s a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon: Crispy bacon is the star here; thick-cut works best for extra flavor.
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings: These add a rich smoky base to the dressing.
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Balances the smokiness with tangy brightness.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a sweet counterbalance to the vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides depth and a subtle hint of spice.
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- 1 clove garlic minced: Optional but recommended for flavor complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps emulsify the dressing for a silky finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust to your liking.
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, letting it cool on paper towels, and reserve 3 tablespoons of the drippings.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon drippings. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Create the base: Stir in the sugar, letting it dissolve into the drippings. This step ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Add vinegar and mustard: Lower the heat and whisk in the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. Keep whisking to ensure all ingredients combine smoothly.
- Emulsify with olive oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a silky dressing.
- Assemble the salad: Drizzle the warm dressing over fresh spinach or mixed greens. Top with crumbled bacon for an irresistible finish.
Video
Notes
Practical Cooking Tips
- Control the Tanginess: If the dressing feels too sharp, reduce the amount of vinegar slightly and add a touch more sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
- Avoid Burning the Drippings: Keep the heat low when preparing the base to prevent the bacon drippings from scorching, as this can make the dressing taste bitter.
- Optimize Texture: For a silky, smooth consistency, whisk the dressing vigorously when adding the olive oil. This helps emulsify the ingredients.
- Add Layers of Flavor: Experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley, or sprinkle in a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality bacon will elevate the dish, making it taste even better.
Substitutions and Adjustments
- Dietary Needs: Substitute turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- Sweeteners: Swap sugar for maple syrup, brown sugar, or a low-carb sweetener like stevia for a twist.
- Vinegar Options: Apple cider vinegar is classic, but balsamic or red wine vinegar adds a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Freezing
- Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
- It's not a good idea to freeze because the appearance might change.
Nutrition Information: Calories: 120kcal | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 240mg | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 3g | Protein: 3g
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a 5-star review ⭐ below if you loved it! Tag @Heat_recipes on Instagram.