TGI Friday’s Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

There’s something truly unique about TGI Friday’s Hot Bacon Dressing that has made it unforgettable to me.

You can recreate this appetizing, smoky dressing at home with just a couple of ingredients.

Start with crispy bacon and save the rendered fat; that’s where the magic begins!

Combining it with a touch of mustard and sugar gives you a rich, flavorful base.

My biggest tip is to use apple cider vinegar—it balances the flavors perfectly.

How to Make TGI Friday’s Hot Bacon Dressing

Ingredients

• 4 slices Bacon
• 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 3 tbsp Honey
• 1/4 cup Champagne Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Shallots (diced)
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 tsp Cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel to let it drain, saving 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 2:

Add the diced shallots to the skillet with bacon drippings.

Cook them over medium heat until they are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3:

Combine mustard, honey, and champagne vinegar in a small bowl.

Pour this mixture into the skillet with the shallots, stirring well.

Step 4:

Mix the cornstarch and water in another bowl until smooth.

Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly to thicken the dressing.

Step 5:

Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the skillet.

Stir everything together and season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Crispiness Matters

Make sure the bacon is cooked until extra crispy since it will add a great texture to the dressing.

Drip Drain

Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings, as this is crucial for flavor and emulsifying the dressing.

Consistent Stirring

Stir continuously when adding the cornstarch mixture to prevent any lumps from forming.

Adjust for Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to increase the honey by an additional tablespoon.

What to Serve with TGI Friday’s Hot Bacon Dressing

Classic Spinach Salad

You can never go wrong when you serve hot bacon dressing over a classic spinach salad.

Crispy bacon, fresh leafy greens, and hard-boiled eggs are a match made in heaven!

Throw in some red onions, and you’ve got a beautiful, traditional match.

Roasted Vegetables

Consider serving this dressing with a side of roasted vegetables.

It adds a lovely depth to roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potatoes.

It’s a unique pairing that brings out the rich flavors of the bacon in the dressing!

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a superb choice to accompany hot bacon dressing on any salad.

They’re comforting, filling, and the dressing serves as both a sauce and topping.

You can experiment by adding cheese or sour cream to enhance the flavors even further.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus paired with hot bacon dressing is another flavorful option.

The smoky notes from the grill complement the warmth of the dressing beautifully.

It’s a fun twist that never fails to spark interest at the table!

Crusty Bread

Pairing crusty bread with this dressing might surprise you, but it works!

It’s perfect for soaking up every bit of dressing from your plate.

You’ll be tempted to start and end every meal this way!

Variations and Substitutions

Sweeteners

You can easily swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

These alternatives can add a rich and nuanced flavor to your dressing!

For those looking to reduce sugar, consider using Stevia or other sugar substitutes.

Vinegar Choices

Playing with vinegar types can lead to exciting results.

Try using cider vinegar or champagne vinegar for a unique twist on the classic dressing.

These options add different levels of tanginess and depth to your creation.

Add-Ins

Introduce chopped onions or shallots for added texture and flavor.

Caramelizing them beforehand can also bring out a semi-sweet note to complement the bacon.

You can experiment with adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an added umami boost, too!

How to Store Leftover Hot Bacon Dressing

After you’ve enjoyed your hot bacon dressing, there might be some delicious leftovers you’d like to keep.

Good news!

Storing it is a piece of cake.

Airtight Containers

Using an airtight container is essential for maintaining the dressing’s freshness.

Pour the leftover dressing into a suitable container with a tight-fitting lid.

This helps prevent any moisture or odors from affecting the flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Once you’ve secured the dressing in a container, put it in the refrigerator.

Stored properly, it should stay good for up to four days.

Just remember that refrigeration is key to prolonging its life.

Safety Precautions

Always check the dressing for any changes in smell or appearance before using it again.

Food safety is important, so when in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Avoid using anything that seems off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Bacon

You might think crispy bacon is a must, but not for this dressing.

A little chewiness keeps its character and blends well with the vinegar.

Incorrect Cornstarch Usage

Don’t forget to mix cornstarch with cold water or vinegar before adding to the hot liquid.

Adding it directly can create lumps, disrupting the smooth texture you want.

Skipping the Reheating Step

If you have leftover dressing, make sure to gently reheat it before using.

Serving directly from the fridge can make the dressing too thick and impact the overall salad experience.