Can You Cook Sausage in Bacon Grease? Everything You Need to Know

Cooking sausage in bacon grease is a common technique that adds tons of flavor. The salty smoky bacon fat infuses into the sausage taking it to the next level.

But is it safe? How do you do it right? Here’s what you need to know about cooking sausage in bacon grease

Why Cook Sausage in Bacon Grease?

Some things make sausage and bacon grease go together like peanut butter and jelly:

Adds flavor – Bacon grease has a rich, smoky, salty, umami flavor. Using it to cook sausage imparts all that bacony goodness into the sausage. It makes the sausage exponentially more delicious.

Prevents sticking – Sausage has a tendency to stick to pans as it cooks The fat in bacon grease helps keep the sausage from sticking as it cooks.

Browns nicely – Bacon fat has a high smoke point of 375-400°F. This allows the sausage to get beautifully browned without the grease burning.

Uses fat that would be wasted – Pouring bacon grease down the drain is wasteful. Using it to cook sausage gives that fat a delicious second life.

Saves money – You don’t need to buy other oils if you have bacon grease on hand. It’s a thrifty cooking technique.

So by cooking sausage in the leftover fat from cooking bacon, you add tons of flavor and make the most of your ingredients. It’s a win-win!

Is It Safe to Cook Sausage in Bacon Grease?

Cooking sausage in bacon grease is completely safe, as long as it’s done properly:

Use it fresh – Bacon grease should be used within 1 month for safety. After that, it can go rancid and be unhealthy. Always make sure your bacon grease is fresh.

Cook it thoroughly – Always cook sausage to the proper internal temperature (160°F for ground sausage) to kill any bacteria. The bacon grease does not make the sausage unsafe if cooked fully.

Don’t cross-contaminate – Be careful not to allow raw sausage juices to mingle with the bacon grease, as this can transfer bacteria.

Filter it first – Pouring hot grease through a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer removes any burnt bacon bits or impurities.

As long as you take those precautions, cooking sausage in bacon grease is perfectly safe and approved by food safety experts!

Tips for Cooking Sausage in Bacon Grease

Follow these tips for delicious, properly cooked sausage:

Start with a nonstick pan – A nonstick pan prevents sticking and makes it easy to brown the sausage nicely.

Use moderate heat – Cook over medium heat to prevent the grease from burning while still cooking the sausage fully.

Brown properly – Brown the sausage on both sides until nicely caramelized. This builds great flavor.

Pour off excess grease – Once browned, pour off any excess grease so the sausage isn’t sitting in a pool of fat.

Finish cooking through – Turn down the heat and continue cooking until the sausage reaches an internal temp of 160°F.

Blot on paper towels – Place the cooked sausage on paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Following this easy technique results in perfectly cooked sausage with all the bonus bacon flavor!

Best Types of Sausage to Cook in Bacon Grease

You can use nearly any type of raw sausage:

Pork breakfast sausage – The sage and other spices in breakfast sausage pair excellently with bacon grease.

Italian sausage – Spicy or sweet Italian sausage picks up great smokiness from bacon grease.

Bratwurst – The bacon fat gives this German sausage extra richness.

Chorizo – The paprika and garlic in chorizo get an extra punch of flavor.

Kielbasa – Smoky kielbasa tastes even better with the addition of bacon’s smokiness.

Fresh sausage – Uncooked links or patties absorb tons of bacon flavor when cooked this way.

Don’t use pre-cooked sausages like smoked kielbasa or pre-cooked breakfast patties, as those are already fully cooked. Focus on raw, fresh sausages to take most advantage of the bacon grease.

Serving Ideas for Sausage Cooked in Bacon Grease

Sausage cooked in bacon fat takes on a delicious smoky, salty flavor. Here are some great ways to serve it:

• Chop it up and add it to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast tacos
• Layer it on biscuits or sandwiches
• Include it in pasta dishes, risottos, soups, or casseroles
• Make sausage gravy by adding flour to the rendered bacon drippings
• Toss it into salads or use as a pizza topping
• Stuff it into bell peppers, potatoes, or cabbage rolls
• Wrap in dough to make tasty sausage rolls or kolaches
• Skewer for sausage kabobs brushed with bacon grease

However you use it, sausage cooked in bacon grease adds a tasty twist with very little effort. It’s a simple way to create amazingly flavorful sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Sausage in Bacon Grease

Is it okay to cook different types of sausage in the same bacon grease?

Yes, you can certainly use the same bacon grease to cook different varieties of raw sausage. The bacon flavor will come through either way. Just avoid cross-contaminating raw sausage juices.

How long does bacon grease last if stored properly?

In an airtight container in the refrigerator, bacon grease will keep for 1-3 months. In the freezer, it lasts 4-6 months. Be sure to label it with the date. After that, it can go rancid.

Does the bacon grease add a lot of fat and calories to the sausage?

There will be a bit more fat than cooking in oil, but likely not a significant difference. Let excess grease drip off before serving to remove some of the extra fat and calories.

Is reheating sausages in the microwave safe after cooking them in bacon grease?

Yes, you can safely reheat leftover sausage in the microwave after cooking it in bacon grease. The microwave doesn’t cause any additional food safety risks.

Can you cook other items like burgers or steaks in bacon grease too?

Absolutely! Bacon grease can also be used to cook leaner meats like beef, chicken, or turkey to impart a smoky bacon flavor. Just follow safe handling tips.

Get Sizzling with Bacon Grease Sausage

Cooking sausage in bacon grease is an easy cooking hack that adds tons of flavor. The hot bacon fat infuses right into the sausage, taking it to the next level.

Just be sure to use fresh, filtered bacon grease. Cook the sausage over moderate heat until fully browned and cooked through. Let excess grease drip off before serving.

With this simple technique, you can give breakfast, lunch, and dinner an upgrade. So next time you cook up bacon, save that liquid gold grease for cooking your sausage. Your taste buds will thank you!