Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor of homemade hot bacon dressing. This classic American dressing adds a warm, savory touch to everything from spinach salads to roasted vegetables. Made with crispy bacon, vinegar, mustard, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the ultimate comfort condiment that transforms simple dishes into something memorable.

Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat Khizar

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Salad DressingCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

• 2 tablespoons bacon grease (reserved from cooking)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion or shallot

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1–2 tablespoons water

Directions

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
• Add the chopped red onion or shallot to the hot bacon grease and sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Reduce heat to low. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (or sugar). Whisk until combined and heated through.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
• Stir the cooked bacon back into the dressing. Serve warm over spinach salad, wilted greens, or your favorite vegetables.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

Hot bacon dressing pairs beautifully with:

• Classic spinach salad with red onions, hard-boiled eggs, and mushrooms
• Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts
• Grilled asparagus or green beans
• Warm potato salad
• Over grilled chicken or pork chops as a flavorful glaze

Savings Suggestions

Want to make this dressing more budget-friendly or stretch it further?

• Use store-brand bacon or buy in bulk and freeze in portions
• Save bacon grease from previous meals to skip a step and save costs
• Substitute shallots with yellow onions for a more affordable option
• Double the batch and refrigerate the extra for up to 5 days

FAQs

Can I make hot bacon dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I make it without sugar or sweeteners?
Absolutely. The honey or sugar is optional and can be omitted or adjusted to your taste.

Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch, though apple cider vinegar gives the most traditional flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?
While traditional hot bacon dressing is made with bacon, you can create a vegetarian version by using plant-based bacon and a bit of smoked paprika to mimic the flavor.

What should I do if it’s too thick?
Simply add a splash of water or more vinegar to thin it to your desired consistency.