Save Your Bacon Grease: 9 Surprising Uses You’ll Love!
If you’re a bacon lover, you already know the irresistible aroma and flavor that fills your kitchen when it’s sizzling in the pan. But after you’ve devoured that crispy, savory goodness, there’s something else left behind that’s equally valuable—bacon grease.
Often discarded as a waste product, bacon grease is actually a kitchen treasure with a myriad of uses you might not have considered. In this post, we’ll dive into 9 surprising and creative ways you can repurpose bacon grease, saving money and adding a little extra flavor to your meals and household.
Why Save Your Bacon Grease?
Bacon grease is more than just a byproduct; it’s a flavorful, versatile fat that can be used in place of butter, oil, or lard in many recipes. When stored properly, it can last for months, providing you with an extra layer of richness in both cooking and non-food uses. Plus, saving bacon grease reduces waste, making it a sustainable and economical choice.
So, grab a jar, strain that grease, and let’s explore the many ways you can make use of it!
1. A Flavorful Cooking Fat
One of the simplest uses for bacon grease is as a replacement for oils and butter in your everyday cooking. Whether you’re sautéing vegetables, searing meats, or making scrambled eggs, bacon grease adds a smoky, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
How to Use:
Heat a tablespoon of bacon grease in your skillet before adding your ingredients.
It works great for sautéing leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Try frying potatoes or mushrooms in bacon grease for an extra layer of flavor.
Bonus Tip: Bacon grease has a high smoke point, which makes it excellent for pan-frying foods at higher temperatures without burning.
2. Make the Best Homemade Popcorn
If you’re a fan of movie nights with a big bowl of popcorn, bacon grease can take your snack to the next level. Instead of using regular oil, pop your kernels in bacon grease for a delicious, savory twist.
How to Use:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease to a pot over medium heat.
- Add your popcorn kernels once the grease has melted, and cover the pot with a lid.
- Shake the pot occasionally until the popping slows down, then remove it from the heat.
- Season with salt or your favorite popcorn toppings.
Why It Works: The bacon grease not only gives the popcorn a savory taste but also ensures the kernels pop up fluffy and crisp.
3. Perfect Pie Crusts
For the bakers out there, swapping out butter or shortening with bacon grease can lead to some incredibly flavorful pie crusts. It works especially well in savory pies like quiches or pot pies, where the subtle hint of bacon enhances the filling.
How to Use:
- Replace half or all of the fat in your pie crust recipe with chilled bacon grease.
- Make sure the grease is solid and cold before cutting it into the flour, just as you would with butter or shortening.
Pro Tip: This trick works best for savory pies, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try it in a sweet pie like apple or pecan for a salty-sweet combination!
4. DIY Bacon Grease Candles
Believe it or not, you can repurpose bacon grease into a homemade candle that fills your space with a cozy, savory scent. This DIY project is not only eco-friendly, but it also makes for a quirky gift or fun home décor.
How to Make:
- Strain your bacon grease through a coffee filter to remove any food particles.
- Melt the grease down and pour it into a heat-resistant jar.
- Place a candle wick in the center, and let the grease solidify around it.
- Once it’s fully set, trim the wick and light your candle!
Bonus Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you want to balance the scent with something sweeter or more neutral.
5. Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are beloved for their durability and ability to retain heat, but they require regular seasoning to maintain their non-stick surface. Bacon grease is a fantastic option for seasoning your skillet, leaving behind a smooth surface ready for cooking.
How to Use:
- After cleaning your skillet, apply a thin layer of bacon grease over the entire surface.
- Heat the skillet in a 400°F oven for an hour, then turn off the oven and let the skillet cool completely before storing.
Why It Works: Bacon grease adds a layer of fat that bonds to the cast iron, keeping it in great condition and enhancing its non-stick properties.
6. Add Flavor to Beans and Soups
Looking to deepen the flavor of your soups, stews, or beans? A spoonful of bacon grease is an easy way to add richness and depth to your broths and sauces. It’s especially useful in dishes like baked beans, chili, or vegetable soups where a touch of bacon flavor can go a long way.
How to Use:
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease into the pot as your dish simmers.
- For an extra smoky flavor, add it when sautéing onions or garlic at the start of your recipe.
Pro Tip: Bacon grease complements hearty winter soups, like potato leek or lentil, beautifully.
7. Homemade Dog Treats
Even your furry friend can enjoy the benefits of bacon grease (in moderation, of course). You can incorporate small amounts of bacon grease into homemade dog treats for a tasty and protein-packed snack your dog will love.
How to Make:
- Mix bacon grease with peanut butter, oats, and a bit of flour to form a dough.
- Shape into small biscuits and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Let them cool completely before giving them to your pup.
Warning: Be sure to consult your vet about incorporating new ingredients into your pet’s diet, and use bacon grease sparingly to avoid overloading your dog with fats.
8. Grease Your Baking Pans
Instead of reaching for cooking spray or butter, use bacon grease to coat your baking pans. It works just as well to prevent sticking, but with the added bonus of infusing your baked goods with a subtle hint of bacon flavor.
How to Use:
- Apply a thin layer of bacon grease to your cake or muffin tins before pouring in the batter.
- This works especially well for savory baked goods like cornbread, biscuits, or savory scones.
Bonus Tip: You can even use bacon grease to grease griddle pans for pancakes or waffles. The flavor will be mild, but noticeable!
9. Make Cracklings or Fatback
When you have leftover solid bits of bacon or fat that don’t dissolve into grease, you can repurpose them into cracklings or fatback. These are crispy bits that can be used as toppings for salads, soups, or baked potatoes.
How to Make:
- Strain and save the solid bits from your bacon grease.
- Fry them up in a pan until they’re crispy and golden brown.
- Store in an airtight container and use as a crunchy, salty topping.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle cracklings over scrambled eggs or avocado toast for a bacon-flavored crunch
Now that you’ve seen just how versatile bacon grease can be, you’ll never want to throw it away again. From flavor-packed cooking tips to unexpected DIY projects, this kitchen byproduct has endless possibilities.
Whether you’re enhancing your meals, adding richness to your baking, or crafting a quirky candle, bacon grease is a culinary asset you’ll love keeping around.
Next time you fry up some bacon, grab a jar and save that liquid gold—you’ll be surprised at how often you reach for it!
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