Can You Use Bacon Grease Instead of Butter? A Guide to Substitution

If you’re a bacon lover, you probably find yourself with leftover bacon grease after cooking up those tasty strips. Instead of pouring it down the drain, have you ever considered using bacon grease in place of butter or other fats in your cooking and baking? The answer is yes, you absolutely can substitute butter with bacon grease in many recipes.

Bacon grease has a rich smoky porky flavor that can add a savory depth to all kinds of dishes. When used properly, it makes a delicious alternative to regular butter or oils. However, bacon grease isn’t appropriate for all types of cooking methods or recipes.

Read on for a complete guide on how to use bacon grease instead of butter, including the pros and cons, substitution ratios, recipe ideas, and proper storage information. Let’s dive in!

Pros and Cons of Using Bacon Grease Over Butter

Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using leftover bacon fat rather than butter

Pros:

• Adds robust, smoky bacon flavor

• Cost-effective way to use leftovers instead of discarding

• Higher smoke point than butter makes it good for sautéing

• Adds moistness and flavor when baking

• Provides some health benefits when used in moderation

Cons:

• Strong bacon taste may overwhelm more delicate recipes

• Higher saturated fat content than butter

• Lower smoke point than oils, not suitable for high-heat frying

• May go rancid faster than butter if not stored properly

Overall, bacon grease can be an excellent substitute for butter in savory recipes that will benefit from a punch of smoky pork flavor. But it’s not ideal for delicate baked goods or frying due to the intensified taste and lower smoke point. Consider both when deciding whether to use bacon fat in place of butter.

Substitution Ratio for Bacon Grease and Butter

When substituting butter with bacon grease, use a 1:1 ratio as a starting point. For each tablespoon of butter called for, use one tablespoon of rendered bacon fat. Then adjust to taste if needed.

Keep in mind that bacon grease has a very concentrated flavor. A little goes a long way. You may find you need less bacon fat than the measured butter to achieve the desired bacon essence without overpowering other ingredients.

Start with 3/4 of the butter measurement first when testing a substitution in a new recipe. The flavor intensity can vary depending on the recipe, so season and taste test as you cook.

Best Recipe Uses for Bacon Grease Instead of Butter

Here are some of the top recipes where using bacon grease instead of butter adds amazing flavor:

• Roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower or broccoli

• Sauteed greens like kale, spinach, or chard

• Baked beans, soups, stews, and chilis

• Savory breakfast dishes like baked eggs or hash

• Grilled cheese sandwiches or melts

• Popcorn topping

• Macaroni and cheese

• Cornbread, biscuits, scones, pie dough

The smoky notes from the bacon fat complement the flavors of veggies, beans, eggs, cheese, and breads nicely. Avoid lighter desserts and pastries where the strong bacon essence may overpower.

Proper Storage for Leftover Bacon Grease

Since bacon fat can go rancid faster than butter, proper storage is important for substitution success:

• Store grease in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 months maximum.

• For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 1 year.

• If hardened, gently reheat to reliquefy before using.

• Discard if grease smells rancid or funky upon thawing or remelting.

• Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles which hasten spoilage.

With proper storage methods, leftover bacon grease can be enjoyed for months, saving you money while adding flavor to cooking and baking projects.

FAQs About Using Bacon Fat Instead of Butter

Here are answers to some common questions about substituting butter with bacon grease:

Is bacon grease healthier than butter?

No. While bacon grease contains some mono- and polyunsaturated fats, it is still high in saturated fat and calories. Butter or oils would be healthier overall.

Can you use bacon grease in pie crust?

Yes. Bacon grease adds wonderful flavor to savory pie crusts for recipes like chicken pot pie or quiche. Avoid using it for sweet dessert pies.

What’s the smoke point of bacon fat?

Bacon grease has a smoke point around 375°F, lower than butter’s 400°F smoke point. It’s suitable for light sautéing but not deep frying.

Does bacon grease make baked goods moist?

It can help retain moisture, similar to butter. But excessive amounts can lead to dense, oily results so use sparingly.

What about cholesterol in bacon grease?

Bacon grease contains high levels of cholesterol, around 89mg per tablespoon. Butter has just 35mg per tablespoon in comparison.

Can you substitute 1:1 in every recipe?

It’s best to start with 3/4 of the butter measurement, then increase amount as needed. The strong bacon flavor may overpower at a full 1:1 substitution.

Get Creative with Bacon Grease

Don’t limit yourself to just savory dishes when cooking with leftover bacon fat. Here are some creative ways to use it:

• Add a spoonful to lentil or bean soups for a smoky flavor

• Brush on fish before baking or grilling

• Sauté or roast Brussels sprouts, cauliflower or potatoes

• Top baked sweet potatoes with a drizzle of bacon grease

• Use it to pop popcorn on the stove

• Garnish Bloody Mary cocktails with a bacon grease rim

With proper use and storage, bacon grease can be a delicious way to impart smoky bacon essence into all types of recipes instead of butter. Try it in moderation to add hearty flavor without overdoing it on the salty, porky notes.