The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Hot Bacon Grease in Glass Jars

As a bacon aficionado, I know that reusing bacon grease can add tons of flavor to other dishes. But I’ve always been hesitant about the proper way to store the hot grease after cooking bacon. Can you really put piping hot bacon grease straight into a glass jar? Or will it crack from the intense heat? After testing different methods, I’ve discovered the best practices for safely storing hot bacon grease in glass jars.

In this guide we’ll cover

• The risks of putting extremely hot grease in glass
• Proper cooling times before transferring to jars
• Steps for straining and portioning the grease
• Choosing the best jars for hot grease
• Storage and shelf life of bacon grease
• Creative ways to use your saved bacon fat

By following these tips, you’ll be able to safely save the liquid gold drippings from bacon to add punchy, porky flavor to everything from brussels sprouts to salad dressings!

Why Glass Jars Can Crack From Hot Bacon Grease

Before we get into the how-to, it’s important to understand why you should never pour sizzling hot bacon grease directly into a glass jar.

Glass has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to other materials. This means it doesn’t expand and contract a lot when temperatures change. If you pour grease heated to around 375°F directly into a room temperature glass jar, the abrupt temperature change can cause rapid expansion leading to cracks or even shattering.

Glass can also be damaged by thermal shock if there is a big difference in temperature inside the glass. This difference can be caused by hot grease, making the inside of the jar much hotter than the outside. The resulting thermal stresses cause the glass to crack or break.

So while our grandmas may have gotten away with pouring hot grease into glass, it’s not worth the risk of burns or damage. Take the extra time to let that bacon grease cool first!

Let It Cool: Proper Temperature Before Transferring to Glass

To avoid thermal shock and potential accidents, you must let the bacon grease cool significantly before pouring it into glass jars. Here are some tips:

• Let the hot grease cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes first.
• The grease should cool to 200°F or less before transferring to glass.
• Use a candy/oil thermometer to test the temperature of the grease before pouring.
• Add to a heat-safe measuring cup first if the grease is still very hot.
• Monitor the temperature and wait for it to drop to 175°F-200°F range before moving to glass.

With the right amount of cooling, you’ll have clear, bacon-flavored grease that is ready to be stored and used in cooking. Do not try to speed things up by putting hot grease right into glass jars.

Straining Out Bits and Portioning the Grease

Once your bacon grease has cooled to a safe temperature, it’s time to prepare it for long term storage.

First, strain out any meat bits or impurities using a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filters. Cheesecloth works best to catch smaller particles.

Next, don’t store all of the grease in one big container; instead, divide it up and put it in smaller jars or silicone molds. This way, you can thaw only what you need instead of a big block. Some great options:

• Ice cube trays or silicone muffin cups – Freeze cubed portions
• Wide mouth 1/2 pint mason jars – Fridge size servings
• Shot glasses or ramekins – Single use amounts

Make sure to label your jars with the type of grease and date stored. The portioning step helps avoid contamination and waste.

Selecting the Best Jars for Storing Hot Bacon Grease

Once your bacon grease has cooled sufficiently, it needs to go into a sturdy, heat-safe jar. Look for these features when selecting jars:

• Tempered/Annealed glass – Made to withstand temperature changes
• Wide mouth – Allows grease to easily solidify; easy to scoop out
• Tight sealing lid – Keeps air out to prevent rancidity

Some good options are:

• Canning jars like Ball or Kerr
• French preserving jars like Le Parfait
• Grease-specific containers with straining lids

Never use thin, cheap glass like pasta sauce or pickle jars. The glass may not withstand even slight reheating when you go to use the grease later for cooking.

Proper Storage and Shelf Life of Bacon Grease

You went through all that hard work cooling and straining your liquid gold bacon grease – now you need to store it properly to retain freshness. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate for everyday use within 1-3 months.
• For long term, freeze grease for up to 1 year.
• Keep air out – leave minimum headspace when freezing.
• Use oldest grease first when cooking to rotate supply.
• Avoid moisture – wipe rims before sealing lids.
• Never double dip utensils to prevent bacteria.

With proper cooling, straining, portioning, and storage methods you can keep your bacon grease fresh for months on end!

Creative Uses for Bacon Grease Beyond Seasoning

Once you’ve built up your supply, here are some amazingly delicious ways to utilize that savory bacon grease:

• Sauté veggies like brussels sprouts, kale, or potatoes
• Make bacon mayonnaise – add to egg/vinegar emulsion
• Enhance salad dressings with smoky, salty flavor
• Fry eggs, hash browns, or pancakes in a bacon fat skillet
• Brush on meats before roasting or grilling
• Blend into compound butters for seafood, steaks, or baking
• ** Roast cauliflower** or radishes for a porky punch
• Use as the fat in pie dough for a savory kick

With so many possibilities, you’ll never run out of ways to creatively use your bacon grease. It adds a magical umami depth unlike any other fat or oil.

Be Safe When Handling Hot Bacon Grease Around Glass

While bacon grease is liquid gold for cooking, you have to take proper safety precautions when initially saving and storing the hot drippings. Never attempt to rush cooling hot grease or immediately transfer piping hot fat into glass jars.

Instead, let the grease cool down sufficiently before straining and portioning into heat-safe, annealed glass jars. Take your time and do it right – then enjoy your delicious bacon fat for months on end! With my tips, you’ll become a pro at safely handling hot bacon grease. Now get cooking up that porky goodness!