Don’t throw out that grease left over after cooking your bacon – save it and use it as the base for this quick-to-make, versatile, flavor-packed dressing, just like you’ll find on the menu at Bennigan’s.
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Table of Contents
Why Bennigan’s Hot Bacon Dressing is so good
Bennigan’s genius lies in the perfect balance of contrasting flavors. The rich, smoky bacon grease provides an umami-packed base, while honey adds natural sweetness, and red wine vinegar contributes essential tartness. The Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping bind the ingredients while adding complexity. Serving it warm intensifies all these flavors and creates a luxurious coating that cold dressings simply can’t match.
Ingredients you will need
A handful of everyday ingredients combine to produce tantalizing flavors in this delicious recipe:
- Bacon grease – Provides the rich, smoky foundation and essential fat that carries all the flavors throughout the dressing
- Red onion (finely diced) – Adds sharp, sweet flavor when caramelized and creates textural interest in the finished dressing
- Water – Helps thin the dressing to the proper consistency and allows the cornstarch to create smooth thickening
- Honey – Balances the savory bacon fat with natural sweetness and adds golden color to the dressing
- Red wine vinegar – Contributes essential acidity that cuts through richness and brightens all flavors
- Dijon mustard – Acts as an emulsifier while adding tangy complexity and helping create smooth texture
- Corn starch – Thickens the dressing to the proper consistency without adding flavor or cloudiness
- Tabasco sauce – Provides optional heat that enhances the bacon flavor without overwhelming the balance
Feel free to omit the Tabasco if you prefer to avoid spice or replace it with your preferred hot sauce.
How to make Bennigan’s hot bacon dressing recipe
Here’s the secret to whipping up a bacon vinaigrette just like they serve at Benningan’s:
- Heat the bacon grease in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and saute until they begin to blacken and caramelize.
- Meanwhile, whisk the water, honey, and vinegar until combined, then stir in corn starch.
- When the onions have caramelized, add the Dijon mustard and honey/vinegar mixture to the pan. If desired, add a dash or two of Tabasco hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Cook, stirring until the ingredients thicken and begin to boil.
- Remove from the heat and serve when cooled to the appropriate temperature.
- Pour the cooled dressing into a jar for easy serving and storing.
What goes well with warm bacon dressing
Naturally, this delicious hot bacon dressing is most at home on fresh green salads, especially a spinach salad. It adds a savory pop to any combination of salad greens, veggies, and other mix-ins and toppings, along with accentuating any added proteins like chicken or beef.
However, this dressing can also be used as a marinade for grilled or roasted meat. It’s also great to toss on potatoes, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts before roasting them. It’s a delicious dipping sauce for rolls or crusty bread and can even be a boost for sandwiches in need of some extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight glass jars for up to 1 week in the refrigerator
- Reheating Method: Reheat gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently. Add water if too thick after reheating
- Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat before serving
More Bennigan’s copycat recipes
Favorite salad dressing recipes
- Cafe Rio Dressing
- Chick-fil-A Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
- Creamy Pesto Dressing
- Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing
- Green Onion Salad Dressing
- Japanese Salad Dressing
- Outback Honey Mustard Dressing
- Panera Fuji Apple Salad Dressing
- Santa Fe Salad Dressing
- Spicy Caesar Dressing
Check out more of my easy recipes for salad dressings and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!
Bennigan’s Hot Bacon Dressing – Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bacon grease
- 1/4 pound finely diced red onion
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Tabasco
Instructions
- Place the water, honey, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a mixing bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix the ingredients well. Add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
- Place the bacon grease in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the honey vinegar mixture and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container until needed. Use a double boiler to reheat.
looking for the green colored italian dressing from 20 years ago…