do you store bacon grease in the fridge

#Should You Store Bacon Grease in the Fridge?

Bacon grease is liquid gold for cooks. This rendered pork fat adds rich, smoky flavor to everything from fried eggs to roasted veggies. But is it safe to keep bacon grease at room temperature like grandma did? Or should you store it in the fridge or freezer to prevent foodborne illness?

I did some digging to find out the best practices for cooking collecting, storing and using bacon grease. Here’s the expert advice on how to make the most of this tasty cooking fat.

Why Bacon Grease is So Versatile

Bacon grease deserves its cult following. It provides depth of flavor similar to butter or oil, but with its own savory smokiness.

Chef Meredith Abbott of Sur La Table says, “Bacon fat is a saturated fat, like butter, coconut oil, and other animal-based fats, so it can be used instead of any of those.”

However, she notes bacon grease has more of a “clinging mouthfeel” when cooled because it becomes solid. Chef Stephen Chavez of the Institute of Culinary Education recommends mixing just a bit of bacon fat into other oils like canola to get that flavor without the texture.

You can use bacon grease anywhere you’d use butter, oil, or other fats. It’s ideal for sautéing or roasting vegetables, frying eggs, making vinaigrettes and warm salads, refried beans, and more.

According to Chavez, his favorite way to use it is as a warm salad dressing on top of a classic bistro frisee salad with bacon lardons and a poached egg. “When you mix the egg, bacon fat, and red wine vinegar together, you get a really delicious dressing.” ”.

How to Collect Bacon Grease

Start by cooking bacon in a way that will produce clear grease for storage.

Chavez likes baking bacon in the oven at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. This prevents burning the bacon or grease.

Let the hot grease cool slightly so it’s safe to handle. If it cools below 100°F it will solidify; reheat gently to liquefy it again.

Next, strain out any bacon bits through a mesh strainer or coffee filter. Cheesecloth also works well.

“This will eliminate the dark bits from giving off a bitter burnt flavor, and will leave a very clean white fat once it solidifies,” explains Chavez.

Finally, transfer the clear strained grease into a heat-safe glass or metal container with an airtight lid. Glass jars or metal cans work perfectly.

Should You Store Bacon Grease in the Fridge?

Here’s the short answer: Yes, you should store bacon grease in the refrigerator or freezer.

“It’s best to not keep the bacon grease at room temperature because any microparticles of the bacon can cause the grease to go rancid,” says Abbott.

While leaving bacon fat out on the counter is traditional, it’s not considered safe by today’s standards. Refrigeration better prevents bacterial growth.

“Because fats are susceptible to spoilage, I would always keep it covered with a lid in order to make it last longer and stay fresher,” advises Chavez.

The fridge extends the shelf life to 3-6 months, while the freezer keeps bacon grease fresh for 6-12 months.

Tips for Storing Bacon Grease

Follow these tips from the experts to keep your bacon grease fresher for longer:

• Use a clean, sterile container each time. Don’t top off the same jar with new grease.
• Strain out all bacon bits before storing.
• Keep the grease covered in an airtight container, like a mason jar.
• Store in the refrigerator or freezer; don’t leave at room temp.
• Date the container and use within 3-6 months (fridge) or 6-12 months (freezer).
• If needed, scrape off any discolored grease on top before using. The solid grease below stays fresh longer.

Abbott recommends freezing bacon grease in silicone molds for easy use. Pop out the cubes into a freezer bag.

How Is Bacon Grease Different Than Lard?

Lard and bacon grease are both rendered pork fats, but they aren’t the same. Here’s how they differ:

Lard is rendered and clarified pork fat from fatty tissues. It has a neutral flavor.

Bacon grease is the rendered fat leftover from cooking bacon. It has a smoky, salty, bacon-y flavor.

“Lard is generally flavorless, and many pastry chefs love using it for the lightest and flakiest pie crusts, while bacon grease will have a smoky flavor, which is better for savory cooking,” explains Abbott.

While you can substitute one for the other in some recipes, they won’t provide the exact same results. Use bacon grease when you want to add that signature bacon flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you refrigerate or freeze bacon grease?
Both the fridge and freezer are safe options. For maximum shelf life, store in the freezer. But the refrigerator also keeps it fresh for 3-6 months.

How long does bacon grease last in the fridge?
You can store bacon grease in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 6 months before it starts to spoil. Discard grease that smells rancid or shows signs of mold.

Should bacon grease be strained?
Yes, straining removes any charred bacon bits or impurities. This helps the fat last longer and tastes better. Use a mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to strain.

Can you reuse bacon grease?
Absolutely! Reusing bacon fat is an economical, eco-friendly habit. Store strained grease in the fridge or freezer and use within 3-12 months.

Is bacon grease healthy?
Bacon grease is high in saturated fat, so use it in moderation. But it contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from pork. Enjoy real bacon grease as a flavor booster in place of butter or oils.

The Takeaway on Storing Bacon Grease

While we don’t recommend leaving bacon grease out on the counter like grandma did, you can still save that liquid gold for cooking. Just be sure to strain, refrigerate, and use it within 3-6 months for food safety. Reach for that jar of bacony deliciousness anytime a recipe calls for a flavor boost. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.