Anyone that’s cooked bacon before knows that there’s a lot of grease leftover in the pan, and you can store that liquid gold and cook with it later. You can make mashed potatoes, biscuits, mac and cheese, and much more. Unfortunately, this savory delight doesn’t last forever, and after you save it, you should put the date on the lid so you know how long it’s been in storage. The real question is, how long does bacon grease last before it goes bad, and what’s the best way to store it?
How Long Does Bacon Grease Last in the Fridge?
For those of you that grew up with bacon grease sitting in a jar on the counter, the USDA doesn’t recommend you store it this way. In the fridge, bacon grease can last anywhere from three to six months, but after the three-month mark, you should check to make sure it hasn’t gone bad. If you want your grease to last longer, you should filter it so there are no small pieces of meat left in it. Doing so reduces the risk of spoilage. Fortunately, it doesn’t really matter what you store it in. It could be a jar, a plastic container, or any other clean, sealable vessel.
How Long Does Bacon Grease Last in the Freezer?
The great news is you can store your bacon grease in the freezer indefinitely. The hard part is, if you store it all in one container, you’re going to have a hard time getting it out. You’ll have to thaw the whole container overnight, which can lead to spoilage, or scrape what you need from the top, which isn’t easy. Instead, consider freezing your bacon grease in smaller portions like an ice cube tray. This way, you can pop it out and put it in the pan whenever you need it, and the heat will naturally thaw out the grease.
How Can I Tell When My Bacon Grease Has Gone Bad?
We know how long bacon grease lasts before it goes bad, but how can you tell when it’s gone bad? If you keep your bacon grease in the fridge or you continuously thaw and freeze your grease, it’s important to check for spoilage. You can tell if your bacon grease has gone bad by checking the smell or color.
We may refer to bacon grease as liquid gold, but if you notice your stored bacon grease turns from white to yellow, it’s time to throw it away! Also, if it has a sour, fishy, or unpleasant odor, it needs to go in the trash. Not only will it make your food taste bad, but it’ll make your stomach feel a lot worse.
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FAQs
Cover and refrigerate: Secure the grease container lid and keep it refrigerated for food safety. The shelf life for refrigerated bacon grease is approximately three months. To be safe, always smell the grease before using it because it can turn rancid during storage.
How do you know if bacon grease has gone bad? ›
You can tell if your bacon grease has gone bad by checking the smell or color. We may refer to bacon grease as liquid gold, but if you notice your stored bacon grease turns from white to yellow, it's time to throw it away! Also, if it has a sour, fishy, or unpleasant odor, it needs to go in the trash.
How long is bacon grease good on the counter? ›
Although many of us grew up with relatives who stored their bacon grease in a jar or can set on the counter or on the back of the stovetop, food safety experts don't recommend storing it that way now. Instead, store bacon grease in the refrigerator (up to 3 months) or freezer (indefinitely).
How long does grease stay good for? ›
Grease in an unopened container should last 3 to 5 years. For an opened container, the go-to answer is 1 to 3 years depending on the various factors listed above.
When should you throw out bacon grease? ›
Carefully pour the hot fat into it and let it harden (or, if using a cup, place the cup in the freezer). Once the fat hardens, wrap the foil around the fat and toss it in the trash. Strain the warm grease into a container left over from frozen juice, a soup can, a coffee can, or a coated beverage/take-out carton.
What to do with old bacon grease? ›
Keeping a jar of leftover bacon grease on hand to use as cooking oil for vegetables, beans, dressings, and eggs is a time-honored chef's trick passed down by generations of grandmothers.
Is bacon grease healthier than butter? ›
Why is Butter better than Bacon Grease? Substantially more proteins per 100g. Measurably more niacin per 100g. Noticeably higher water content per 100g.
Can I use bacon grease that sat out all night? ›
While bacon grease canisters residing on the back of the stove were once commonplace, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer is recommended to prolong quality. Straining is important, because bits of bacon left in the fat can cause it to go rancid quicker.
Is it healthy to cook with bacon grease? ›
So a lot of the unhealthy stuff associated with bacon isn't necessarily in bacon fat. And surprisingly, it does has some healthy qualities. Like canola and olive oil, bacon fat is high in oleic acid, which is thought to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels, Quinn said. Also, bacon fat simply tastes great.
Is bacon up real bacon grease? ›
Bacon Up is genuine bacon grease, triple-filtered for purity. It's minimally processed, NOT hydrogenated, and contains NO Trans Fats, NO Gluten, NO Dairy, NO Carbs, NO Peanuts, and NO MSG.
You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 ºF or below for one week. Bacon can also be frozen at 0 ºF for four months (for best quality). For more information about bacon and storage of other bacon products, go to Bacon and Food Safety.
What to do if you pour bacon grease down the drain? ›
Run the Hot Water
You want to prevent the grease from reaching a solidified state. Make sure to turn on the hot water to keep it liquified. Hot water can help flush the grease down the drain and into the sewer. If you want to fully remove the grease, allow the hot water to run for several minutes.
Does bacon grease expire? ›
The shelf life of bacon grease depends on how it's stored. If you keep bacon grease in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 6 months. If you store it in the pantry, it may only last for a few months. The key is to make sure the bacon grease is kept in an airtight container to prevent it from going rancid.
How to tell if grease has gone bad? ›
Signs That Grease Has Gone Bad
Change in Texture: Grease that has hardened or become too soft compared to its original consistency may not perform as intended. Discoloration or Unusual Odor: Any significant change in the color or smell of the grease can indicate chemical changes that may affect its performance.
How to know when grease is bad? ›
Some telltale signs of old oil are foam on the top surface, an inability to reach frying temperatures without smoking, and a dark, dirty look and musty, fishy aroma. The rate at which your oil will reach this stage depends on a number of factors.
What does spoiled bacon look like? ›
The most notable sign of rancid bacon is a change in appearance. Bacon that has gone bad doesn't retain its redness and will instead take on a brown, gray, or greenish hue, and the color itself will seem faded. Rancid bacon also takes on an unpleasant odor and may become sticky or slimy.
Is cooking with bacon grease bad for you? ›
And surprisingly, it does has some healthy qualities. Like canola and olive oil, bacon fat is high in oleic acid, which is thought to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels, Quinn said. Also, bacon fat simply tastes great.
What is the shelf life of bacon up bacon grease? ›
Bacon Up is shelf stable for two years. To help extend its shelf life, do not pour used bacon grease back into the bucket. The little pieces of food and impurities that get mixed in while cooking can go bad considerably quicker than the grease itself.
Does bacon go bad in the fridge? ›
You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 ºF or below for one week. Bacon can also be frozen at 0 ºF for four months (for best quality). For more information about bacon and storage of other bacon products, go to Bacon and Food Safety.
