Hot Endive Dressing
Warm endive topped with a rich, sweet-savory bacon dressing offers a delightful contrast of flavors, perfect as an appetizer or light side for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg in a bowl.
- Add sugar, flour, vinegar, and water to the egg and beat until well combined.
- Brown the bacon in a skillet, then pour off the grease.
- Add the egg mixture to the bacon in the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the hot dressing over the cooked endive, lettuce, or other greens and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some sautéed shallots or garlic to the bacon before mixing in the egg dressing. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon. Instead of endive, you can substitute with escarole or even spinach for a different texture. Experimenting with vinegars, such as apple cider or balsamic, can also add a unique twist to this hot dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This hot endive dressing pairs beautifully with cooked endive, but it also complements other greens like arugula or mixed salad greens. Serve it as a warm topping over roasted vegetables or alongside hearty dishes like Cassoulet, French Casserole for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds can add an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the egg from scrambling. Stir frequently to maintain a smooth consistency, and if needed, add a splash of water to loosen the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Endive Dressing contains roughly 380 calories, with 9g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% 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 this dressing ahead of time?
While the dressing is best served hot, you can prepare the egg mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply heat it gently in a skillet with the cooked bacon until warmed through. This ensures a fresh and delicious dressing without compromising flavor.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a smoky flavor to the dressing. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty alternative that complements the dressing's rich taste without using meat.
Is this dressing suitable for a special diet?
The recipe contains eggs and bacon, making it unsuitable for vegan diets. However, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use tofu or a plant-based bacon alternative to make it vegan-friendly while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
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).