5 from 219 votes
Hot Bacon Dressing
Hot Bacon Dressing combines crispy chopped bacon with a warm mixture of rendered bacon fat, olive oil, red onion, sugar, and vinegar, producing a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing. The cooked onion softens in the hot fat, melding with the sugar and vinegar to create a balanced vinaigrette that complements greens and salad ingredients. This dressing is rich, flavorful, and can be served by tossing the dressing with greens and topping with bacon or mixing bacon into the dressing itself.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
3 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings:
10
servings (1/4 cup each)
Calories:
257 kcal
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Bacon finely chopped
- olive oil as needed (see note 1)
- 1/2 medium red onion minced (1 cup, see note 2)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or less to taste (see note 3)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (see note 4)
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Pour rendered bacon fat into a measuring cup. Pour off all but 1/4 cup, or add olive oil to reach 1/4 cup. Return fat to skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add onion, sugar, and vinegar. Cook until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper).
- To serve, either toss the vinaigrette with greens and sprinkle with bacon, or stir the bacon into the dressing and toss with the salad. Both ways are tasty!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Add olive oil to the rendered bacon fat to reach 1/4 cup if there is not enough bacon fat rendered.
- Minced shallots can replace red onions for a milder flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to reduce sweetness; start with less and add more if desired.
- White vinegar can be substituted with cider, red wine, or white wine vinegar according to preference.
- Store leftover dressing covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving
0.25 cup
Calories
257kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
44mg
(15%)
Sodium
779mg
(32%)
Potassium
237mg
(5%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
17IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
8mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings (1/4 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 257
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.25 cup | |
| Calories | 257kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 44mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 779mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 237mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 17IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 8mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.