Bacon grease is a tasty byproduct of cooking everyone’s favorite smoked and cured pork belly This rendered fat adds tons of flavor when used for cooking, but how much can you actually get from just one slice? In this article, we’ll break down the key facts on measuring, storing, and cooking with bacon drippings so you can make the most of this versatile ingredient
Calculating Bacon Grease Per Slice
The amount of grease rendered from a slice of bacon depends on a few factors:
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Bacon cut – Different cuts like center-cut thick-cut etc. have varying fat content. Thicker bacon generally yields more fat.
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Cooking method – High, fast heat renders less grease than slow, low cooking
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Bacon quality – Higher quality bacon tends to have more fat marbling.
On average, cooking a pound of bacon yields around 1/4 cup of grease. So for each slice in a pound, you can expect approximately 3/4 teaspoon of drippings.
However, grease amount varies quite a bit from slice to slice. Tracking bacon grease by calories or weight gives a more consistent measurement.
The Science Behind Bacon Fat
When bacon cooks, the fat cells rupture and release oils. Heat separates the fatty acids from the other components, leaving pure liquid fat behind.
The specific compounds in bacon grease include:
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Saturated and unsaturated fats – Mostly long-chain fatty acids.
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Cholesterol – Around 25-35 mg per slice of cooked bacon.
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Phospholipids – Essential for cell membranes.
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Protein fragments – Broken down by heating.
Cooking also causes reactions that boost bacony flavor:
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Maillard reaction – Between amino acids and sugars, creating new compounds.
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Thermal degradation – Produces smells like pyrazines and furans.
So all that sizzling and popping creates quite a flavorful cooking fat!
Measuring Bacon Grease Accurately
Since grease amounts vary, the best way to accurately measure is by:
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Calculating calories – 1 tsp bacon grease has about 38 calories.
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Weighing fat – Roughly 100 calories per tablespoon (14 g).
For recipes, you can also estimate based on pan drippings:
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Tilt pan – Helps gauge depth and amount of grease.
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Eyeball it – OK for rough amounts.
If you need more for a recipe, supplement with an oil like:
- Canola
- Corn
- Peanut
Avoid strong flavors like olive and coconut oil.
How Cut and Quality Affect Grease
Higher fat bacon produces more grease. Here’s how cut and quality impact fat rendering:
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Center cut – Less fat than regular or thick-cut.
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Thick cut – More fat marbling means more grease.
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Grade 1 – Higher quality, more consistent fat content.
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Grade 2 – Lower standards, less fat rendering.
Cooking method matters too:
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High heat – Cooks off fat quickly.
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Low heat – Allows slow fat rendering.
So for maximum grease, choose a thick-cut, quality bacon and cook low and slow.
Cooking Tips for Bacon Grease
Here are some top tips for cooking with these flavorful drippings:
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Sub for oil/butter – Adds a smoky depth.
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Roast veggies – Toss in bacon fat before roasting.
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Grease pans – Excellent for sheet pan meals.
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Fry eggs – Gives great flavor.
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Popcorn topping – For a sweet and salty snack.
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Caramelize onions – Sweetens them up.
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Refried beans – Adds a smoky bacon taste.
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Gravy – More delicious than plain butter.
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Potatoes – Fry up crispy, bacony potatoes.
Just remember, bacon grease is high in saturated fat. Use moderately.
Storing and Preserving Bacon Drippings
Proper storage keeps bacon grease fresh for months:
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Refrigerate – Keeps 3+ months in a sealed container.
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Freeze – Portion into ice cube trays or bags. Thaws well.
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Room temp – OK short term if used within a month.
Make sure to:
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Strain – Remove any bacon bits.
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Label – Date containers for freshness.
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Portion – For easy use from freezer.
Reheat chilled fat gently before using to liquefy. Then it’s ready for cooking!
Get the Most From Your Bacon Grease
While grease amounts vary, you can expect around 3/4 teaspoon drippings from each slice of bacon. Cook method, cut, and quality impact fat rendering. Store grease properly in the fridge or freezer to retain fresh flavor. Then use as a flavor boost in all kinds of delicious recipes!
With this guide, you can make the most of bacon drippings for scrumptious cooking. Now go grab a package of thick-cut, quality bacon and get sizzling! Your taste buds will thank you.
Bacon Grease
FAQ
How much grease is in one slice of bacon?
How much grease do you get from bacon?
How much bacon grease from 1 pound of bacon?
Do bacon calories include the grease?
How much grease is in a slice of bacon?
On average, a single slice of bacon with an average weight of 12g can produce 1.4 – 1.8 grams of grease or more. However, this varies depending on fat content in your slice of bacon. How long does it take to microwave one slice of bacon?
How do you get more grease from Bacon?
Thicker bacon generally yields more fat but can be chewier, while thinner slices often render less fat but result in crispier end-product. If you can, opt for bacon with a higher fat-to-meat ratio. This will naturally give you more grease. 2. Use an oven to get purer bacon grease
How many calories are in a tablespoon of bacon grease?
If you’re just using the grease from one slice of bacon, it’s best to calculate the calories in the bacon to get an accurate measurement. On average, a teaspoon of bacon grease has 38 calories and zero carbs, according to Fitbit. If you’re adding extra bacon fat that you have accumulated, it’s probably around 100 calories per tablespoon.
Where do you put bacon grease after cooking?
“I typically pour the hot fat into a heat-safe container, like a stainless steel bowl, after I cook the bacon, or as I’m cooking it, if there is a lot of fat,” she says. “When the grease has cooled enough to handle I transfer it into a clean container, usually a glass jar. I don’t typically strain it.