Imagine a salad dressing so irresistible that it transforms ordinary greens into a culinary masterpiece that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This legendary Grandma's Hot Bacon Dressing is not just a condiment – it's a flavor explosion that combines crispy bacon, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sweetness in one magical recipe. Whether you're looking to elevate a simple salad or impress your dinner guests with a classic American comfort food technique, this dressing is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the bacon into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife on a clean cutting board.
- Place the chopped bacon in a cold skillet or cast-iron pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crisp and renders its fat completely, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Keep the bacon fat in the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
- Carefully add the apple cider vinegar to the hot bacon fat, stirring constantly to prevent splattering.
- Incorporate the sugar into the vinegar and bacon fat mixture, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the Dijon mustard and whisk to combine, creating a smooth and emulsified dressing.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet and stir to combine, allowing the bacon to reheat briefly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately while the dressing is warm over fresh salad greens or wilted spinach.
Tips
- Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Start with a cold pan to help render the bacon fat more evenly.
- Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning the bacon or creating bitter flavors.
- Whisk the dressing constantly when adding vinegar to prevent separation.
- Serve immediately while the dressing is warm for the most robust flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can drain off some of the excess bacon fat before making the dressing.
- This dressing pairs perfectly with spinach salads, wilted lettuce, or even as a warm drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
