Creole Wieners
Creole Wieners offer a flavorful combination of crispy bacon, tender onions, and savory wieners in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon and onions in a 10-inch skillet until bacon is crisp and onions are tender.
- Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Stir in tomatoes with liquid, salt, and pepper.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat.
- Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.
- Add wieners, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or use smoked sausage instead of wieners for a different taste. If you have leftover vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, feel free to toss them in for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creole Wieners hot over fluffy rice or alongside cornbread for a hearty meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Hoppin' Johns for a Southern-inspired feast. For a fresh contrast, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Wieners contains roughly 128 calories, with 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2026mg per serving (88% 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 use a different type of sausage instead of wieners?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as smoked sausage or kielbasa, which will add a unique flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the size and type of sausage you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative and use vegetarian sausage. You can also enhance the flavor by adding extra spices or herbs in place of the meat components.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can mash some of the tomatoes with a fork or add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Another option is to let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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).