There are a few different ways to store bacon grease. You can keep it in the fridge or a container. Alternatively, you can freeze it in a jar. Using this method, you can save up to two months’ worth of grease.
Use a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter to transfer the liquid fat from the still-warm (but not hot!) bacon into a heatproof container before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. (A wide-mouth jar facilitates pouring and allows a spoon to be inserted to portion the solidified fat.)
What is Bacon Grease?
The fat or lard leftover from cooking or rendering bacon is called bacon grease. But why even keep bacon grease on hand?
You can produce a variety of recipes using bacon grease, which has a rich flavor.
In addition to having many other uses, it is one of the essential oils used in Southern cooking. It can be used for sautéing, frying, and even flavoring other foods.
To improve the flavors of cornbread, salad dressing, and gravy, bacon grease is frequently used in Southern US or British dishes.
While grocery stores provide a variety of specialty oils and fats, it can be challenging to find bacon fat.
How to Store Bacon Grease?
Before storing bacon grease safely, you must first get rid of any small pieces of bacon that are still there. A coffee filter should be placed over the opening of a glass container with a lid, such as a Mason jar or a container for bacon grease.
For the filter to fit tightly inside the jar’s mouth, press it down. Don’t rush this step; slowly pour the warm bacon oil into the jar. (Transferring the skillet drippings into a glass measuring cup will simplify this task.) The coffee filter will capture whatever is still in the grease, leaving it crystal clear.
1. Refrigerate
How to store bacon grease is a question that many people ask. The answer is fairly simple. Bacon grease will last a long time if stored correctly. But there are several steps that you need to take to keep it fresh.
You should store your bacon grease in a glass jar with a lid for the longest shelf life. You can also store it in a Ziploc bag. This will prevent the grease from going rancid.
You may consider a freezer if you’re looking to store a lot of bacon grease. It’s not as convenient for cooking applications, but it can be used for several dishes. Freezing bacon will help preserve its freshness for months.
You can also store your bacon grease in the refrigerator. While it’s cold, the fat stays soft. It can be scooped out of the jar as needed.
Depending on the type of bacon grease, you’ll want to store it at a temperature of 50 to 70 F. When stored properly, the grease will last at least a year.
2. Freeze
Freezing bacon grease is one of the easiest ways to store cooked bacon for a long time. It can be used for many different recipes,s and adds a savory flavor boost to many dishes. However, freezing bacon can cause problems if stored improperly.
Bacon grease should be stored in an airtight container or an ice cube tray. Bacon grease stored in an ice cube tray allows you to use a portioned amount without having to thaw it first.
You can freeze bacon grease in a glass or plastic container, JA,r, or tub. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the microwave. This method is the fastest and least messy way to thaw it, but you need to be careful not to overheat it.
You can also store it in the refrigerator. This method is slower than the freezer method but will last about three more months.
The best place to store bacon grease is in a jar with a tight seal. Make sure to check the label before you thaw it.
Where to Store Bacon Grease?
Even though many of us had family who kept their bacon grease in jars or cans placed on the counter or the back of the stove, food safety experts no longer advise doing so. Instead, keep the oil in the freezer or refrigerator (for up to 3 months) (indefinitely). The fat will remain soft enough to scoop in the refrigerator, allowing you always to have delicious solid drippings.
If you intend to freeze your bacon grease, portion it into freezer-safe containers in small amounts after allowing it to come to room temperature. Put the frozen food in. Before using, let it defrost overnight in the fridge.
Ways to Use Bacon Grease
Jars of bacon grease are commonplace in Southern kitchens for a reason. There are numerous applications for it. Even if you were raised with a jar in your refrigerator, you might not be aware of all the benefits this priceless ingredient can provide to your meals. A tablespoon is quite effective.
It serves as a temporary replacement for shortening and enhances the flavor. Instead of using cooking oil to sauté veggies or hash browns, use a teaspoon of bacon fat. For depth and smokiness, add a tablespoon to pan sauces and gravies. If necessary, ensure it is thoroughly cooled before substituting it for any of the butter or shortening in your best cornbread, biscuit, or pie crust recipe. Try a cocktail prepared with bacon-infused bourbon for a real Southern treat.
You might as well keep using the grease jug forever.
How to Use Leftover Bacon Grease?
It’s time to start cooking now that you are a master at preserving bacon grease! The following are some inventive uses for bacon grease:
- Fry your eggs or hash browns in the bacon oil right away. If you wish to do this, you are not required to strain the bacon bits out.
- Sometimes you can use bacon grease instead of other fats like butter or oil. Everything from grilled cheese to chicken, rice, quesadillas, and omelets may be fried in bacon oil. A savory, smokey taste enhancement is also added.
- Try substituting half the butter in the recipe with bacon fat to use it as a savory basis for baking items like cornbread, scones, and pie crusts.
There are no restrictions on how you may use bacon grease, especially if you’re open to trying new things. Remember that a little bacon flavor is never a bad idea.
What is the Difference Between Bacon Fat and Lard?
Lard and bacon fat are not the same, even though they come from the same animal. Lard, or rendered pig fat, has a neutral flavor compared to bacon fat’s smoky flavor.
Bacon fat can flavor baked products, gravies, and sautés; lard mostly gives fried or baked meals texture. While you can buy lard and bacon fat at the supermarket, you can also produce your grease at home for a more genuine taste.
How to Store Bacon Grease at Room Temperature?
Bacon grease can be kept at ambient temperature, although it will deteriorate considerably more quickly than if kept in the fridge. When keeping bacon grease at room temperature, it works best to keep it in an opaque, dark-colored, well-sealed container. Always sift the bacon bits out first to keep the fat as fresh as possible.
To prevent attracting bugs, another suggestion is to clean the exterior of the container with hot water to eliminate any grease before storing it (they love bacon just as much as we do). Maintain the temperature of your pantry at 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if you detect a strong, strange, or disagreeable smell, the bacon fat has probably gone rancid and needs to be disposed of in a glass jar.
Follow these crucial suggestions before you discard that fresh bacon fat.
How to Store Bacon Grease in the Fridge?
The refrigerator is the ideal place to keep bacon grease. Your bacon grease’s shelf life will double if you refrigerate it.
Here’s how to store your bacon fat in the refrigerator for the greatest outcomes:
- To start, filter the bacon grease to catch any last bits of bacon and store it in an airtight container.
- Secure the lid by closing it. It will keep its quality for a longer period if the container is airtight, and the fat will continue to be soft enough to scoop. You can always take a spoonful out of the jar as needed.
- Use up the contents of the old jar before adding any new, filtered fat; never add used, old stock fat on top of new fat.
However, bacon grease can also be frozen and kept for an endless amount of time in an airtight container.
How to Dispose of Bacon Grease?
The proper disposal of bacon grease must be carried out.
Never pour bacon fat down the drain since it might block your pipes and harm your plumbing.
The following techniques can safely get rid of extra bacon fat.
- The first and best approach is to let the bacon grease cool fully, then toss it in the garbage after placing it in an appropriate container like a sealed jar or plastic bag. This will lessen the likelihood of a grease-filled garbage bin.
- The second process involves straining the fat to remove any impurities before adding it to a compost pile, where it will gradually decompose. Before adding the fat to your compost pile, you can use an absorbent material like paper towels or newspaper to soak up the fat.
*Remember that hot bacon grease should never be thrown down the drain, regardless of how you dispose of it!
These are just a few simple methods for correctly preserving bacon fat. And you might also use other techniques.
You decide whether to save or discard this “liquid gold,” but I strongly advise you to understand how to do it so you can experience the difference it makes while baking or cooking.
You’ll be happy that you did!
Conclusion
The bacon flavor can be greatly enhanced by using homemade rendered bacon fat.
Therefore, keep bacon grease and never discard it.
You now know numerous ways to store data, and there are many things you can do with it.
Any day is a good day to cook with bacon grease or have some fun with your kids and make some bacon-scented soap or dog treats.
