As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table for a meal that warms both body and soul. This Warm Bacon Salad is the perfect dish for those chilly fall evenings when you crave something hearty, nutritious, and bursting with seasonal flavors.

Featuring roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, this salad brings together the best of fall’s harvest. The savory crunch of pasture-raised bacon, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the subtle sweetness of cranberries and maple syrup tie everything together beautifully. Not only is this dish a show-stopper in terms of flavor, but it’s also a celebration of wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients you can feel good about serving your family and friends.

Why This Warm Bacon Salad is Perfect for Fall

Autumn is a time to savor rich, comforting foods that reflect the earthy tones and flavors of the season. The combination of roasted root vegetables, the caramelized crisp of Brussels sprouts, and salty bacon is irresistible. What sets this salad apart is the balance of sweet and savory—thanks to a maple syrup vinaigrette that perfectly complements the creaminess of crumbled goat cheese.

Using pasture-raised meats and locally, small farm grown produce not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that the dish is packed with nutrition, free from harmful soil additives or artificial ingredients. This warm bacon salad is perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner, but it also works as a flavorful side dish for holiday gatherings & is best served warm.

The Ingredients: A Spotlight on Fall’s Bounty

• Bacon: The star of the dish! Using our nitrate-free, pasture-raised bacon ensures rich flavor without any added preservatives.
• Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes: Roasted to perfection, these veggies add a natural sweetness and hearty texture.
• Brussels Sprouts: A fall classic, Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding a slightly nutty, crisp contrast.
• Dried Cranberries: These little bursts of tart sweetness round out the dish and offer a nice textural contrast.
• Crumbled Goat Cheese: Soft, tangy goat cheese adds a creamy finish to each bite. Our favorite is chevre made from Lost Peacock Creamery.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that brings a subtle warmth and ties all the ingredients together in the vinaigrette. My dear friend Abby and her family make the most incredible syrup from their farm, The Gateway Farm, in Vermont!
• Apple Cider Vinegar & Dijon Mustard: These ingredients add just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness from the roasted vegetables and maple syrup.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Here’s a quick and easy guide to bringing this deliciously warm salad to life in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz nitrate-free & pasture/ forest raised Widnor Farms bacon
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 12 oz Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (my favorite is from Lost Peacock Creamery)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (pure and real from my friend Abby and her family over at Gateway Farm)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup bacon grease
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Crisp the Bacon
   Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, set aside and allow to cool before crumbling it. Save the bacon fat for the dressing!
2. Roast the Vegetables
   Toss the butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts in olive oil (or bacon fat for added flavor), and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and tender.
3. Prepare the Dressing
   Whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, warm bacon grease, and fresh thyme to create a simple, flavorful vinaigrette.
4. Assemble the Salad
   Combine the roasted vegetables, crumbled bacon, and cranberries in a large serving bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Top with crumbled goat cheese for a creamy, tangy finish.

Why Choose Pasture-Raised Bacon and Organic Ingredients?

At the heart of this salad is pasture-raised bacon, which not only elevates the flavor but also supports sustainable farming practices here on our ranch. Animals raised on pasture are allowed to forage and live a natural life, resulting in meat that’s incredible flavorful and nutrient dense! When combined with seasonal vegetables (hopefully sourced locally), you’re getting a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This warm bacon salad is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a main course for a light, nutrient-packed meal, or serve it as a hearty side dish at your next family dinner or holiday gathering. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a great addition to any fall spread.

Wrap-Up: A Perfect Autumn Dish

Whether you’re looking to add a new dish to your fall menu or simply want to enjoy the flavors of the season in a wholesome way, this Warm Bacon Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, and Goat Cheese is a must-try. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s a meal that will leave you satisfied and full of autumn joy.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own—whether it’s adding your favorite herbs, swapping out the goat cheese, or adding extra toppings like toasted nuts for crunch. Happy cooking!

Looking for more seasonal recipes and pasture-raised meats?
Visit our ranch store online where we offer a wide selection of pasture-raised pork, beef, and chicken, along with chef-prepared meals that make weeknight dinners a breeze.