Dressing For Endive Or Lettuce
A creamy, savory dressing with bacon flavor, ideal for endive or lettuce salads, offering a rich texture and a hint of sweetness and tang from vinegar and sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut several slices of bacon into small pieces and fry until crisp.
- Add the remaining ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, dry mustard, vinegar, egg, and evaporated milk—to the bacon drippings.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker dressing, consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the sugar slightly. For a smoky flavor, use smoked bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms for depth. Remember to whisk the egg thoroughly before adding to avoid curdling when heated.
Serving Suggestions
This dressing is perfect for drizzling over endive or lettuce salads, adding a creamy, savory element. It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or roasted meats, making it a versatile addition to your meal. Serve alongside dishes like Southern Baked Possum With Sweet Potatoes for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good stir or reheat gently on the stove over low heat to regain its smooth consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dressing For Endive Or Lettuce contains roughly 149 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% 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 use a different type of milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. However, using evaporated milk gives a creamier texture that enhances the dressing's richness.
How can I make this dressing lighter?
To lighten the dressing, you can reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon instead. Additionally, using a lower-fat milk or a yogurt-based alternative can help reduce calories while maintaining flavor.
Can this dressing be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to stir well before serving, as it may thicken slightly upon cooling.
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).