Table of Contents

Hot Bacon Dressing (Hudson’s)

My grandmother, Clara, worked at the Hudson’s department store in downtown Detroit for over thirty years. As a child, visiting her there was magical. The seemingly endless floors of shimmering merchandise, the bustling crowds, and the tantalizing aroma of the in-house restaurants created an unforgettable experience. But the highlight of every visit was always lunch – specifically, Hudson’s famous chicken sandwich slathered with their incredible hot bacon dressing. The creamy, tangy, smoky flavor was unlike anything I’d ever tasted, and to this day, it evokes the warmest memories of family and a bygone era of classic American department stores.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Yields: 1 1/2 cups
Serves: 4
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

5 slices bacon, diced
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
Vegetable oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 teaspoons water
½ cup white vinegar
½ cup water
¼ cup sugar
Salt and pepper

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Slotted spoon
Measuring cup
Small saucepan
Whisk

Instructions

Fry the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. This typically takes 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Preserve the rendered bacon fat in the pan, as it will be essential for the dressing’s flavor.
Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Cook the onion for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
With a slotted spoon, remove the cooked onion from the skillet and add it to the plate with the crisp bacon. Set aside.
Pour the bacon fat from the skillet into a measuring cup. Add vegetable oil to the measuring cup until the mixture reaches a total of ½ cup. This ensures the right balance of flavor and richness.
Add the bacon fat and vegetable oil mixture to the cornstarch and water mixture. Stir until well combined and reserve. This cornstarch slurry will act as the thickening agent for the dressing.
In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once the vinegar mixture is boiling, add the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixture). Cook, whisking constantly, until the dressing thickens. This should take approximately 1-2 minutes. Be sure to whisk vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the crisp bacon and cooked onion to the thickened dressing. Stir gently to combine.
Serve the hot bacon dressing immediately while it’s warm and at its best.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t skimp on the bacon-cooking process. Crispy bacon adds not just flavor but also a delightful texture to the dressing. If your bacon isn’t quite as crisp as you’d like after frying, you can briefly crisp it up in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for a few minutes.
Control the Sweetness: Taste the dressing after it has thickened and before adding the bacon and onion. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of sugar by a tablespoon or two. Similarly, if you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar to taste.
Prevent Lumps: The key to a smooth, lump-free dressing is to whisk the cornstarch slurry vigorously as it cooks. If lumps do form, you can try whisking even more aggressively or, in extreme cases, straining the dressing through a fine-mesh sieve.
Bacon Fat Matters: The quality of your bacon fat significantly impacts the final flavor. Using good quality bacon that renders a flavorful fat will elevate the dressing.
Make Ahead Tip: While best served warm, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. Make the dressing up to step 8, cool slightly, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently, before adding the bacon and onion just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This hot bacon dressing is traditionally served warm over Hudson’s chicken sandwiches, but its versatility extends far beyond. It makes a fantastic topping for salads, especially those with spinach or other hearty greens. You can also use it to dress roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. Drizzle it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short intervals. The dressing may thicken upon refrigeration, so add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth while reheating to restore its original consistency. The bacon may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. It is not recommended to freeze this dressing as the texture may be compromised.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	197.9 kcal	N/A
Fat	12.8 g	19%
Saturated Fat	4.2 g	21%
Cholesterol	19.3 mg	6%
Sodium	238.9 mg	9%
Carbohydrate	16.2 g	5%
Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	13.5 g	N/A
Protein	3.5 g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

Smoked Bacon: For an even smokier flavor, use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
Maple Syrup: Substitute a tablespoon or two of maple syrup for some of the sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar in place of white vinegar for a milder, fruitier tang.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Herbs: Stir in some fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley just before serving for added freshness and flavor.
Vegetarian Option: While not strictly a substitution, vegetarians could experiment with using smoked paprika and liquid smoke in a butter or olive oil base to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon, although it won’t replicate the texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dressing up to step 8 and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding the bacon and onion.

Q: What can I substitute for the bacon?
A: While bacon is essential to this recipe’s flavor profile, you can try using pancetta or even vegetarian bacon crumbles for a different twist. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.

Q: Can I use a different type of onion?
A: While yellow onion is traditional, you can experiment with other types of onions like white onion or shallots for a slightly different flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the dressing from being too sweet?
A: Start with the smaller amount of sugar and taste the dressing before adding more. You can always add more sugar, but you can’t take it away!

Q: What if my dressing is too thick?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This hot bacon dressing is more than just a condiment; it’s a taste of history and a reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re recreating the classic Hudson’s chicken sandwich or adding a flavorful twist to your favorite salad, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious! Share your creations and any tweaks you make with friends and family – and let me know how it turns out!

Hot Bacon Dressing (Hudson’s) Recipe