Free, flavorful, and practical, bacon grease is a cook’s secret weapon. It’s easy to save and keeps well, so you can add rich bacon flavor to many dishes—eggs, vegetables, grilled cheese, and more. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to save bacon grease safely and effectively.

Why save bacon grease?

Bacon can be pricey, and the fat rendered while cooking is a useful, flavorful cooking oil. Saving bacon grease lets you make the most of your purchase while adding extra flavor to many recipes. It’s an economical and resourceful habit for any kitchen.

What container should you use?

Jelly jars or small glass containers work well because they have tight-fitting lids, are easy to wash, and are reusable. Using smaller jars encourages you to use the grease before it goes bad. If you prefer, specialized grease jars with built-in strainers are also available.

Where to store bacon grease

After pouring the cooled grease into a jar, seal it with the lid and store it in the refrigerator. Chilled bacon grease remains soft and is easy to scoop with a teaspoon when needed.

Does bacon grease go bad?

Yes—bacon grease can become rancid, especially if bits of bacon remain in the fat. Strain the grease while transferring it to your container to remove solids and reduce the risk of spoilage.

How long does bacon grease last?

If you remove solids, keep the jar covered, and refrigerate, bacon grease will keep for about six months. You can also freeze bacon grease for longer storage—up to about a year.

How to use bacon grease

Use bacon grease in place of butter or oil to boost flavor in many dishes. It works particularly well with canned vegetables—corn, green beans, or hominy—and for frying or sautéing eggs, potatoes, or sandwiches like grilled cheese.

Recipes that benefit from bacon grease

Try replacing butter with a spoonful of bacon grease in canned corn or green beans, or add a little to sautéed vegetables for a smoky, savory boost. It’s versatile and can transform simple dishes into something special.

How to collect a lot of grease at once

Cooking bacon on a rack in the oven produces a larger amount of rendered fat at once. Be cautious when handling hot grease—never pour boiling grease into a glass jar and take care to avoid spills or burns.

Step-by-step: saving bacon grease

1. Cook the bacon to your preferred crispiness in a skillet or on a rack in the oven. 2. Let the grease cool until it’s warm but not fully hardened. 3. Pour the liquid fat into a clean jar, taking care to leave most of the bacon bits behind—use a fine mesh strainer if you prefer. 4. Wipe any spills from the jar’s outside and seal the lid. 5. Store the jar in the refrigerator.

Tips and notes

• Use a fine-mesh strainer when pouring to keep bacon bits out of the jar.
• If the grease solidifies, warm it gently on the stovetop until soft, or scoop the softened portion into your container.
• Keep refrigerated and use within six months. Frozen bacon grease can last about a year.

The recipe: How to Save Bacon Grease