Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing

Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing is a delicious and unique dressing that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the sweetness of maple syrup. It is perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a dip for vegetables.

History

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Wisconsin, known for its maple syrup production and love of bacon. The combination of these two ingredients creates a rich and flavorful dressing that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

8 slices of bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
olive oil
0.67 cup of chopped bermuda onion
1 clove of garlic, crushed
0.5 cup of red wine vinegar
0.5 cup of Wisconsin maple syrup
0.25 tsp of salt
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 tbsp of minced or 1 tbsp of dried chives

How to prepare

Stir-fry bacon in a large saucepan until it becomes extremely crisp.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels.
Pour all of the bacon drippings into a glass measuring cup and, if necessary, add olive oil to bring the level to 0.5 cup.
Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Add onions and garlic and sauté them until the onions become translucent.
Remove the pan from heat and pour in vinegar.
Add maple syrup.
Over low heat, blend the mixture with a wire whisk and heat it until it becomes warm.
Whisk in salt, mayonnaise, and chives until the mixture becomes smooth and blended.
Remove the mixture from heat.
This dressing is especially good when served over spinach or other green salads.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is extremely crisp to ensure that it adds a crunchy texture to the dressing.

- Whisk the ingredients together over low heat to ensure that the dressing is smooth and well blended.

- This dressing is best served warm over salads to enhance the flavors of the bacon and maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dressing over a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens for a delicious and satisfying salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the bacon until crisp to add a crunchy texture to the dressing.

- Whisk the ingredients together over low heat to ensure a smooth and well-blended dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular bacon in place of maple bacon if desired.

- Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dressing in a small pitcher or drizzle it over the salad in a decorative pattern.

Pairing Recommendations

This dressing pairs well with grilled chicken or salmon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

260 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

22g per serving

Proteins

3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dressing is a good source of Vitamin A and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dressing is a rich and flavorful addition to any salad, providing a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

This Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing is a delicious and unique dressing that is sure to impress. With the perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon, it is a flavorful addition to any salad.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the worn pages, my eyes landed on the recipe that would soon become a staple in my kitchen.

The recipe called for simple ingredients – maple syrup, bacon, mustard, vinegar, and a few spices. It seemed like an odd combination at first, but as I read through the instructions, I could almost taste the sweet and savory flavors mingling together in perfect harmony.

I had never heard of Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing before, but I was eager to give it a try. I had always loved experimenting with new recipes and creating delicious meals for my family, so this was right up my alley.

I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon filling the air. As I whisked together the maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, and spices, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. This was going to be something special, I could just tell.

After the dressing had come together, I tossed it with a crisp salad made with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy bacon bits. As I took my first bite, I was immediately transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The sweet maple syrup paired perfectly with the smoky bacon, creating a flavor profile that was truly unforgettable.

I shared the salad with my family that evening, and they couldn't get enough of it. They raved about the unique flavor combination and begged me to make it again soon. From that moment on, Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing became a regular addition to our dinner table.

As the years passed, I continued to make the dressing for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a tradition in our household, a recipe that was passed down through the generations just like the cookbook it had come from.

Over time, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. Sometimes I would add a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra tangy kick, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. No matter how I changed it up, the essence of the original recipe always shone through.

I always took pride in sharing the recipe with friends and neighbors, eager to introduce them to the magic of Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing. It never failed to impress, and I loved seeing the looks of delight on their faces as they took that first delicious bite.

As I grew older, I realized that the recipe for Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my past, to my family, and to the joy of cooking. It held memories of sunny days in the kitchen, of laughter around the dinner table, and of the love and care that went into every meal I prepared.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I can only hope that it will bring them the same sense of wonder and joy that it has brought me. Cooking is more than just a chore or a task – it is a way to nourish the body and the soul, to create lasting memories, and to share a piece of yourself with those you love.

And so, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the magic of Wisconsin-style Maple Bacon Salad Dressing, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of the kitchen and the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones I hold dear. Cooking is a gift, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to pass on that gift to the next generation.