Mixing Bacon and Sausage Grease: A Guide to Combining These Savory Fats for Delicious Recipes

Bacon and sausage are breakfast staples loved for their rich, savory flavors As any home cook knows, cooking these meats also produces a good amount of rendered fat, aka grease Rather than pouring that liquid gold down the drain, many cooks save bacon and sausage grease for cooking. But can you actually mix the two types of grease together?

The short answer is yes – you can safely mix bacon grease and sausage grease. When combined these animal fats create a flavorful cooking fat that can add a smoky salty, spicy kick to recipes. However, there are some important considerations when mixing bacon and sausage grease to achieve the perfect blend.

When you mix bacon and sausage grease, this guide will tell you everything you need to know, such as:

• Benefits and uses of the mixture
• Proper storage and handling
• Recommended recipes
• Flavor and consistency factors
• Expert tips for cooking with mixed meat grease

Get your spatula ready, and let’s cook with this exciting mix of bacon and sausage grease!

Benefits of Mixing Bacon and Sausage Grease

There are several advantages to mixing bacon and sausage grease together:

• Adds flavor complexity – Bacon grease provides a smoky, salty taste while sausage grease offers spicy, savory notes. Combined, they make a rich-flavored cooking fat.

• Reduces waste – Rather than throwing out excess grease, mixing it allows you to use more of both types of rendered fat.

• Saves money – Reusing bacon and sausage grease reduces the need to buy as much cooking oil.

• Adds texture – The solid bits and viscosity of the mixed grease can add crispness and richness when used for sautéing or frying.

• Versatile applications – The blended grease can be used for nearly any savory cooking application.

Proper Storage for Mixed Meat Grease

To safely reuse bacon and sausage grease, proper storage is crucial:

• Let grease cool completely before mixing or storing.

• Strain to remove any food particles.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.

• For longer storage, freeze grease in an airtight container for up to a year.

• When reheating for use, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Proper handling and storage prevents the growth of bacteria and spoilage, allowing the grease blend to keep for months.

Delicious Recipes Using Mixed Bacon & Sausage Grease

This savory blend of animal fats can add flavor to all kinds of dishes:

• Brussels sprouts – Toss halved Brussels sprouts in the grease before roasting for a crispy, salty finish.

• Popcorn – For an addictively delicious snack, pop corn kernels in the bacon-sausage grease blend.

• Roasted vegetables – Coat veggies like potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli in the grease before roasting.

• Sauteed greens – Kale, spinach, chard, and other greens sauteed in the fat become crispy and addictive.

• Fried eggs – Eggs fried in the bacon-sausage grease have a lovely crisp edge and tons of flavor.

• Home fries – Dice potatoes and fry with onions in the blended grease for breakfast home fries.

The options are endless for using this flavorful fat to enhance recipes!

Factors to Consider When Mixing Bacon and Sausage Grease

To achieve the ideal consistency and flavor, here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Fat ratio – Bacon grease is typically higher in saturated fat than sausage grease. Consider using a bit more sausage fat to balance it out.

• Meat flavors – Choose grease from bacon and sausage with complementary flavors like hickory smoked bacon and spicy Italian sausage.

• Replace as needed – For the best flavor, replace your stored grease blend every couple of months as the pork fat can go rancid over time.

• Use sparingly – While delicious, bacon and sausage grease is still high in saturated fat so use the mixture sparingly.

• Strain thoroughly – Be sure to strain out all solid bits through a cheesecloth before mixing or storing the grease.

Expert Tips for Cooking with Mixed Meat Grease

To use bacon-sausage grease like a pro, here are some tips:

• “Start with a 50/50 ratio until you find your perfect bacon-to-sausage balance.” – Chef Max

• “Add the grease to dishes towards the end of cooking to get the most flavor punch.” – Chef Leanne

• “Sauteeing vegetables in the fat caramelizes them beautifully.” – Chef Michael

• “Mix in fresh herbs to complement the pork flavors.” – Sara, food blogger

• “Heat the grease slowly over medium heat to keep the solids from burning.” – Cassie, culinary school grad

The consensus from the experts is that bacon and sausage grease can and should be mixed together for outstanding savory flavor. With proper storage and handling, you can safely reuse this tasty blend of pork fats to take your cooking to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing Bacon and Sausage Grease

Can you mix the grease from different types of sausage?

Yes, you can mix grease from different sausages like Italian, chorizo, breakfast, etc. Be sure to strain each type before mixing. Go for sausages with complementary seasonings.

Is it safe to cook chicken in bacon-sausage grease?

It is safe, but chicken has a mild flavor that can get overpowered. Use smaller amounts of the grease or mix it with an oil like olive or avocado.

Can you mix bacon-sausage grease into baked goods?

Small amounts can be used to add savory flavor to items like biscuits, scones, cornbread or pie crusts. But it may not suit baked goods with sweet flavor profiles.

Does the mixed grease need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s important to refrigerate bacon-sausage grease to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Can you use turkey bacon or sausage grease?

Yes, turkey bacon or sausage grease can be combined with regular pork bacon and sausage grease using the same techniques.

Enjoy the Savory Flavors of Bacon and Sausage Together

Bacon grease and sausage grease can be mixed together to make a super savory cooking fat that adds tons of rich flavor to recipes. With proper storage and handling, you can safely reuse this flavorful blend for months. Combine bacon and sausage grease in recipes like roasted vegetables, sauteed greens, fried eggs, and more to take your cooking to the next level of lip-smacking deliciousness. Just be sure to use the mixture sparingly, as with any animal-based fat. Now go forth and get sizzling with those bacon and sausage drippings!