Savory Warm Bacon Dressing
This Savory Warm Bacon Dressing transforms your salads with its rich, smoky flavor profile. Perfectly crisp bacon mingles with sweet onions, creating a delightful base that elevates not just spinach salads but also fresh veggies like green beans and steamed asparagus. Even those who usually shy away from vegetables will be tempted by the irresistible allure of this dressing. Serve it warm, and watch it become a staple at your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
6 (slices, diced)
Yellow Onion
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
Vegetable Oil
as needed (to equal 1/2 cup when combined with bacon fat)
Cornstarch
2 (teaspoons, mixed with)
Water
2 (teaspoons, for cornstarch mixture)
White Vinegar
1/2 (cup)
Water
1/2 (cup)
Sugar
1/4 (cup)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, fry the diced bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet but leave the rendered fat in the pan. Set the bacon aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
3
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Remove the onion and add it to the plate with the bacon.
4
Measure the bacon fat in a measuring cup and add enough vegetable oil to make a total of 1/2 cup of fat mixture. Set aside.
5
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water until smooth.
6
In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
7
Once boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture, and continue to cook while stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes, or until the dressing thickens slightly.
8
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the crispy bacon and softened onion.
9
Serve the dressing warm over your favorite salads or vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Warm Bacon Dressing?
It is a rich, smoky dressing made with crispy bacon and sweet onions that is served warm to elevate salads and vegetables.
How long does it take to fry the bacon for this recipe?
The diced bacon should be fried over medium heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes crispy.
What type of onion is recommended for this dressing?
The recipe calls for finely chopped yellow onion to provide a sweet and soft texture.
What should I do with the bacon fat after frying?
You should leave the rendered fat in the pan and use it as the base for cooking the onions and forming the dressing volume.
What if I do not have enough bacon fat to make 1/2 cup?
Measure the rendered bacon fat and add enough vegetable oil to it until you reach a total of 1/2 cup of fat mixture.
Why is cornstarch used in this bacon dressing?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the dressing a slightly heavier and more cohesive consistency.
How do I prepare the cornstarch for the recipe?
Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water in a small bowl until the mixture is completely smooth.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white vinegar to provide a sharp, tangy contrast to the smoky bacon.
Can I serve this dressing cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is designed to be served warm to keep the bacon fat in a liquid state and maximize flavor.
Which vegetables pair best with this dressing?
It is excellent on spinach salads, fresh green beans, and steamed asparagus.
How long does it take for the dressing to thicken?
Once the boiling mixture is combined with the cornstarch slurry, it takes about 1 to 2 minutes of constant stirring to thicken.
How much sugar is in the Savory Warm Bacon Dressing?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
When do I add the bacon back into the mixture?
Add the crispy bacon and softened onions back into the saucepan after the dressing has thickened and been removed from the heat.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this dressing does not contain any milk, butter, or other dairy products.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
You can use turkey bacon, but since it renders less fat, you will need to add more vegetable oil to reach the required 1/2 cup of fat mixture.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including staples like bacon, onion, oil, cornstarch, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
The first step is to fry 6 slices of diced bacon in a large skillet until crispy.
Can I substitute red onion for yellow onion?
Yes, red onion or shallots can be used as a substitute, though yellow onions provide a specific sweetness when softened.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
The recipe uses cornstarch, which is naturally gluten-free; however, always check the labels on your bacon and vinegar to ensure they are gluten-free certified.
How much water is required for the entire recipe?
You need 1/2 cup of water for the main mixture plus an additional 2 teaspoons for the cornstarch slurry.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used to supplement the bacon fat if you prefer its flavor profile.
How do I store leftover dressing?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that the fat will solidify when cold.
What is the best way to reheat the dressing?
Reheat the dressing gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it becomes liquid and warm again.
Does this dressing work well for people who dislike vegetables?
Yes, the savory and smoky flavor of the bacon dressing makes it very tempting even for those who usually shy away from greens.
Should I season the dressing with salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste during the boiling stage.
What happens if I don't stir the dressing while it thickens?
If you don't stir constantly, the cornstarch may clump or the dressing may stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, minced garlic can be added to the skillet with the onions for extra flavor.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of bacon.
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it just before serving to restore its warm, pourable consistency.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a popular substitute that will add a slightly fruitier note to the dressing.