Hot bacon dressing is a sweet and tangy salad dressing that originated in the Midwestern United States. It is made from bacon, vinegar, sugar, and egg yolks and has a creamy, thick consistency and sweet-sour flavor. Hot bacon dressing likely evolved from a French vinaigrette called “l’eau d’ormeaux” that was made with shallot vinegar. Over time, Midwesterners adapted the dressing by adding their own ingredients like bacon, eggs, and tomatoes. The dressing became popular in the early to mid-1900s and is still commonly found today in the Midwest, especially in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Ingredients in Hot Bacon Dressing
While recipes can vary slightly, most hot bacon dressing contains 7 main ingredients:
- Bacon – Most recipes call for 6-8 slices of cooked, chopped bacon.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar adds sweetness. About 1/2 cup is typical.
- Vinegar – Cider or white vinegar provides acidity. Apple cider vinegar is commonly used.
- Tomato juice, pasta sauce, or ketchup – These add additional moisture, flavor, acidity, and sweetness. Ketchup or tomato juice is generally used.
- Egg yolks – 2-3 egg yolks help emulsify and thicken the dressing.
- Salt and pepper – To season the dressing.
- Water or milk – Thins out the dressing to the desired consistency.
Steps to Make Hot Bacon Dressing
Here is an overview of the basic steps used to make hot bacon dressing:
- Cook the bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool and chop.
- Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly whisk in the vinegar and tomato juice/ketchup.
- Gradually whisk in the water or milk.
- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a sauce consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped bacon pieces.
- Allow to cool. The dressing will thicken further upon cooling.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. The dressing keeps for 4-5 days.
The dressing is easy to make and takes about 10-15 minutes hands-on prep time. The keys are using enough vinegar and sugar to achieve the sweet-sour flavor, cooking the dressing mixture to thicken it, and adding sufficient bacon for rich, smoky flavor.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information for 1 tablespoon (15ml) of hot bacon dressing is:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 36 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 127mg |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, hot bacon dressing is high in sodium due to the bacon and relatively high in sugar from the added granulated sugar. The egg yolks provide some protein. Overall, hot bacon dressing should be enjoyed in moderation due to the high sodium and sugar content per serving.
How to Use Hot Bacon Dressing
Hot bacon dressing is classically used as a salad topper. It goes well on darker, heartier salad greens like:
- Romaine lettuce
- Kale
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Wedge salads
For a classic wedge salad, top a wedge of iceberg lettuce with hot bacon dressing, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese. The creamy, tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the crunchy cool iceberg lettuce.
In addition to salads, hot bacon dressing can also be used:
- As a sandwich spread or burger topping.
- Drizzled over baked potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- As a dip for fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.
- In potato salad or coleslaw recipes.
The rich, smoky flavor of the dressing stands up well to heartier foods like potatoes, breads, and meats. Try using it instead of mayonnaise in chicken, tuna, or egg salad recipes too.
Buying Store-Bought Hot Bacon Dressing
While homemade hot bacon dressing is simple to prepare, you can also purchase pre-made dressing for convenience. Popular national brands like Ken’s and Marzetti’s sell bottled hot bacon dressing in grocery stores. There are also regional brands like Sugardale and Dorothy Lynch that are popular in Midwestern states.
When purchasing pre-made dressing, read the label carefully and look for:
- Real ingredients like bacon, sugar, eggs rather than “natural flavors.”
- No high fructose corn syrup or excessive preservatives.
- Lower sodium options, if possible.
- Reputable, regional brands for authentic flavor.
Also note that bottled dressings usually need to be refrigerated after opening, so store accordingly. With its signature sweet and tangy flavor profile, hot bacon dressing is a classic Midwestern ingredient that can add interest and a touch of nostalgia to salads, sandwiches, and more.
Conclusion
Hot bacon dressing is a sweet and tangy salad dressing that has its roots in the Midwest region of the United States. It typically contains ingredients like bacon, sugar, vinegar, tomato juice, eggs, salt, and pepper that are combined and gently cooked to form a thick, creamy dressing. Known for its signature smoky, rich, and sweet-sour taste, hot bacon dressing pairs especially well with hearty salad greens and can also be used to top sandwiches, potatoes, and more. While homemade dressing is simple to whip up, there are also several store-bought brands to choose from too. Hot bacon dressing is a unique condiment that adds comforting, nostalgic flavor to many dishes.