PA Dutch hot bacon dressing is a warm salad dressing made with crispy bacon, bacon drippings, vinegar, sugar, and egg. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a rich bacon taste.
This dressing comes from Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and has been a favorite for many years. It's simple, flavorful, and a classic Amish-style salad dressing that's perfect over fresh garden greens.
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How to Make Bacon Dressing
- Cook the Bacon:
- Cut ½ lb. of bacon into small pieces.
- Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy.
- Prepare the Sugar Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Stir the vinegar and beaten egg into the sugar mixture.
- Add 1 ¼ cups of water and blend until smooth.
- Cook the Dressing:
- Whisk the sugar and egg mixture into the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the dressing thickens.
- Serve:
- Serve the bacon dressing hot or warm over your favorite salad, spinach, dandelion greens, or roasted/boiled potatoes.
- Store:
- Allow the dressing to cool completely.
- Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Reheat before serving if desired.
Bacon
So let's talk about bacon. I mean who doesn't love bacon? I guess vegetarians and folks who don't eat pork wouldn't like it. But I'd say the majority of Americans love bacon.
Bacon is an incredibly delicious food with a crispy texture and smoky, salty flavor making it a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
When cooked to perfection, bacon is irresistible and provides a satisfying umami flavor that leaves a lasting impression. Its rich aroma and savory taste create a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
Whether used as a topping, garnish, or main ingredient, bacon adds depth and complexity to any meal. Making it a must-have in any food lover's kitchen.
Is Bacon Healthy?
Bacon is a high-calorie food that is also high in fat and sodium, which can have negative health implications if consumed excessively. However, bacon does provide protein and some essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and zinc.
As with any food, moderation is key. Eating bacon in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be part of a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to limit the intake and choose leaner cuts of bacon when possible to minimize negative health effects.
We don't eat a lot of bacon, but I'm sure not going to feel guilty indulging in this Amish homemade bacon dressing once in a while. Especially when I'm consuming fresh greens along with it.
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Fresh spinach leaves are topped with warm bacon dressing, which slightly wilts the greens and adds a delicious sweet and savory flavor.
The salad is often served with hard-boiled eggs, sliced red onions, mushrooms, or crunchy croutons. The warm dressing softens the spinach just enough to create a mix of tender and crisp textures with a combination of savory and sweet flavors.
For another delicious option, try my spinach salad recipe and simply swap the original dressing for this warm bacon dressing. It makes a wonderful side dish for almost any meal, or you can turn it into a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
Dandelion Salad with Bacon Dressing
With the arrival of spring, you'll notice an abundance of dandelions popping up everywhere, their little yellow heads dotting the landscape. While often considered a pesky weed, dandelions are actually quite nutritious and can be put to good use.
A traditional way to savor dandelions is by preparing a dandelion salad. It's a dish that has been handed down from one generation to another in some families. For instance, my Amish grandmother used to make it every spring.
Dandelion salad can be made from the leaves of the dandelion plant, which are typically harvested when they are young and tender. Wash the leaves and then toss them with hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, sliced red onions, etc.
Then dress it with this delicious, sweet, and savory bacon dressing. The rich, smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter taste of the dandelion greens, creating a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Dandelion salad with bacon dressing is a popular dish in PA Dutch country, and it is often served as a side dish or light lunch.
More Ways to Use Pennsylvania Dutch Bacon Dressing
PA Dutch hot bacon dressing is commonly used as a topping for salads. When the warm dressing is poured over fresh lettuce, the heat slightly wilts the leaves creating a dish known as wilted lettuce salad.
Whether you prefer it hot or cold, bacon dressing is a delicious and easy way to elevate more of your favorite dishes. It can be used to add a savory touch to a variety of other dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus for added flavor.
- Use as a dip for sweet potato fries or roasted potato wedges.
- Spoon over a grilled chicken breast or pork chop for a delicious glaze.
- Pour over a loaded baked potato for a savory twist.
- Add to a sandwich or wrap for an extra layer of flavor.
- Drizzle over steamed green beans or broccoli for a simple and tasty side dish.
There are so many ways to use this dressing. But creamy bacon dressing over a simple lettuce and spinach salad with hard-boiled eggs is still my favorite.
And quite honestly, whenever I have PA Dutch bacon dressing in the fridge, I eat salad for the dressing. 🙂 It's just so good!
So if you're trying to get your family to eat more salad greens, maybe you need to try serving homemade bacon dressing. It's hard to turn down a salad that's topped with this stuff.
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Serve it Hot, Warm, or Cold
Earlier, I mentioned that this dressing is good when it's tossed with a salad while it's hot. But if you're not a fan of wilted lettuce, there's no need to worry. You can serve bacon dressing warm or cold, as it still tastes great either way.
Personally, I prefer it warm. And whenever I prepare a batch, I store it in a jar in the refrigerator. To use it, I take out the amount I want and transfer it to a small ramekin. Then, I microwave it for a few seconds to warm it up before serving.
So you could try it in different ways to determine your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
PA Dutch hot bacon dressing is a sweet and tangy Pennsylvania Dutch salad dressing made with bacon drippings, vinegar, sugar, flour, and egg. It's traditionally served warm over lettuce, spinach, or dandelion greens, where the heat slightly wilts the greens.
Yes. Leftover homemade bacon dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply warm a portion in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
More Amish Salad Recipes
I hope you enjoy homemade Amish hot bacon dressing! If you try this PA Dutch recipe, I would love it if you left me a comment and star rating below. Thank you! And make sure to also check out my post about Pennsylvania Dutch food!
📖 Recipe Card
PA Dutch Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ lb. bacon
- ½ c. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ c. vinegar
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 ¼ c. water
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry until browned.½ lb. bacon
- Meanwhile, mix the sugar, flour, and salt.½ c. sugar, 1 Tbsp. flour, 1 tsp. salt
- Stir in the vinegar and egg. Then add the water and blend until smooth.¼ c. vinegar, 1 large egg (beaten), 1 ¼ c. water
- Whisk the sugar and egg mixture into the fried bacon drippings and bring to a boil.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens,
- Serve hot or cold over your favorite lettuce salad, spinach, dandelion greens, roasted or boiled potatoes, etc.
- Allow the dressing to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 months. If desired, reheat before serving.
Pam Hanson
I use to love this when I lived in Penna I was just thinking about it thanks for this post
Anna
you're welcome
Carol Todd
This dressing is also great as sauce for German Potato Salad! My family loves it.
Anna
Never had it like that, but I'm sure it would be good!
Elizabeth
Here in Central western Illinois we use bacon dressing over biscuits just like sausage gravy. Some Midwest Italian Americans use it as a base for Italian Potatoe salad. They pour the bacon gravy over potatoes before the mayonaise (almost always use Miracle Whip for the tangyness) so the potatoes absorb the bacon flavor. Thought you might like to try these two ways.
Anna
Sounds good over potatoes. Biscuits...not so sure?? But never judge before you try, right? 🙂
TC
A bit sweet for us. Next time would cut sugar and vinegar in half. I put bacon pieces and dressing in blender. Yummy.❤
Anna
Yes, it could definitely be cut. Amish foods tend to be a bit on the sweet side.
Jackie
this sounds delicious and like something my grandma would’ve made when I was a kid in the 60s. I’m definitely going to make it.
Anna
Enjoy!
Doreen Henry
I am a "sort of" Pennsylvania Dutch cook. My recipe is from my husband's great aunt Retta. I use 5-6 slices of bacon (CRISP), 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup vinegar (white or apple cider), 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoonful flour. HEAT THEN ADD 1 large egg. Stir till it thickens. Use a medium hot stove. I also add 2 chopped hard boiled eggs as a finish. My family likes it on the sour side. You have to stay with this dressing and stir constantly after adding the egg. I make this mostly with dandelion, ( because Pennsylvania Dutch cooks are notoriously thrifty), but I have used other lettuces and spinach. I would like to have a recipe WITHOUT EGGS as I am allergic. In the meantime my family scarfs this down like wolves.
Anna
I would probably try it without the egg if I was allergic. Maybe add a tiny bit of flour to replace the egg in helping to thicken it.
Mary Fly
My mother,who just passed this year at 103, used to make this with milk and no water. We ate it over boiled potatoes and endive. I make it for my family and they all love it.
Anna
Yay! It is so yummy!
Laurie
First day of the farmer's market here in Wisconsin. I got a number of things but mostly spinach! I haven't had this salad in ages. Just made the dressing and it is wonderful. Hard boiled eggs are cooling. I am going to add some thin sliced radishes, from the farmer's market, and mushrooms. I also got a large pretzel stick from the German bakery to go with it. Can't wait to eat!
Anna
Yay!! I'm glad you enjoy it! I've been having it with early garden greens and boiled eggs. So good!
Cindy
Eureka!! I can’t find the recipe I used to use!!! Now, here it is . Thank you! Spinach salad and this dressing are a delicious side with pan seared steak, mushrooms and onions!! Guess what we’re having for supper?? ♥️
Anna
Yay! Sounds like a yummy supper!
Robin
My Mom was born & raised in Lancaster county Pennsylvania & left this earth in 2006.
This was a dish she served on all holidays. Thanks for posting. It’s one of the few she made that I never had the recipe for.
Guess what’s going to be on the menu this Thanksgiving!
Anna
Yay! Hope you have a nice holiday!
Yvonne
Thank you, Anna. It's been awhile since I've had this.
Anna
You're welcome! 🙂
Kathy Roberts
This dressing is great, so convenient to have on hand in the fridge. This is a go to for us from now on. We’re enjoying your recipes and your testimony. Thanks for sharing!
Anna
You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. So glad you are enjoying it.
Anna
Only difference is we made it with cornstarch! Oh so good. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Anna
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
connie vera
Just made this dressing. It is the exact flavor, right amount of bacon and consistency I was looking for. This will be my go to recipe for spinach salad from now on. Ya done good and so did I. Thank you....Connie
Anna
So glad it turned out to be what you were looking for. Thank you for leaving a comment!
Anna
Love it with spinach salad!
Donna
This turned out perfectly for me . Just like my grandma's. Will be keeping this on file .
Anna
Yay! Thank you for leaving a comment.