How to Store Bacon Grease (2024)

FAQs

How to Store Bacon Grease? ›

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).

Though previous generations of home chefs kept bacon grease on the counter, experts recommend storing yours in the refrigerator or the freezer. "It's best to not keep the bacon grease at room temperature because any microparticles of the bacon can cause the grease to go rancid," says Abbott.

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.

Keeping grease in the refrigerator will also help it last longer; you can keep bacon grease in the refrigerator for three to six months and in the freezer indefinitely. Just make sure to strain out any bits of leftover bacon with a coffee filter or mesh strainer before storing the grease.

Where To Store Bacon Grease. 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) ...

Why is Butter better than Bacon Grease? Substantially more proteins per 100g. Measurably more niacin per 100g. Noticeably higher water content per 100g.

The fat develops a foul smell and flavor and will pass that flavor off to anything it is cooked with. The easiest way to tell if your rendered bacon fat has gone bad is by smell. Give it a sniff and if it smells sour or just off, it's best to toss it. Sometimes you can tell if it's gone rancid based on the color.

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.

While they come from the same animal, bacon fat and lard differ in taste and function. Bacon fat has a smoky taste, while lard—rendered fat from the pig—has a neutral flavor. You can use bacon fat to add flavor to baked goods, gravies, and sautés, but lard primarily adds texture to fried or baked foods.

If you ask us, the most delicious sunny-side up eggs aren't fried in butter or oil — but rather an unexpected ingredient: bacon grease. It turns out that cooking eggs in bacon fat (or "liquid gold" as we like to call it) allows the edges to become crispy and ensures the yolk stays soft and tender.

Is bacon grease unhealthy to cook with? ›

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.

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.

“If you do filter out the solid bits, the fat can last up to a year in the refrigerator. You can also freeze bacon fat if you want to store it even longer.” I typically stick with a mesh strainer, which will still let some small bits through.

The general rule of food safety is to not let raw meat or cooked food sit out for more than 2 hours, and that rule applies to uncooked or cooked bacon. It's wise to be careful with uncooked pork products since they can harbor and grow bacterial pathogens like salmonella and trichinosis.

It's also worth mentioning that you shouldn't pour hot grease into a container. Glass will likely crack from the temperature shock, and plastic will warp, so you want to wait until it's warm instead of hot.

Do you need oil for cooking bacon? No, bacon is full of natural fats that liquefy as it's cooked. You can let this bacon grease cool and store it for later use. Bacon grease is great for seasoning cast iron skillets.