Bacon Hot Slaw
Bacon Hot Slaw offers a smoky, tangy twist on classic coleslaw with crispy bacon and a zesty vinegar dressing. Perfect as a flavorful side for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners, it combines crunch and savory richness in every bite, appealing to those who enjoy bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and cook slowly until crisp.
- Pour off half the bacon drippings.
- Add vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper to the remaining drippings and heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the hot mixture and cook until the cabbage is hot and well coated with the sauce, about 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain off excess liquid before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage can be a quick substitute. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter version, though it won't provide the same richness. Adjust the sugar to your taste; if you prefer a tangier slaw, reduce it slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Bacon Hot Slaw as a warm side dish to complement grilled meats or alongside sandwiches like Sloppy Joes. It pairs beautifully with Red Potato Casserole for a hearty meal. For a complete spread, consider adding Sweet And Hot Baked Beans for a delicious barbecue feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the hot slaw gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Hot Slaw contains roughly 87 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bacon Hot Slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot slaw a few hours in advance. Just cook it as directed, then allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or vinegar if needed to loosen the sauce.
What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?
Green cabbage is the most common choice for Bacon Hot Slaw, providing a nice crunch and flavor. However, you can also mix in red cabbage for added color and a slightly different taste. Just ensure that the cabbage is finely shredded for even cooking and coating.
Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
Absolutely! You can enhance the dish by adding thinly sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is tender yet still crisp.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).