Putting bacon grease on cast iron is a natural way to keep the finish in good shape and get the pan ready to cook.
We believe that a cast iron skillet is the best cooking tool for bacon, and bacon fat is one of the best ways to season cast iron. Chances are your granny may have used it to season her pans, too!.
When you cook with a new pan for the first time, you’ll need to season it so that it gets a patina and finish. Cast Iron pans also need to reseasoned from time to time.
You can read this post to learn how to season your pans, wash them properly, and keep the finish in good shape. The best part is that if you like bacon, you can use bacon grease, which you probably already have.
Seasoning cast iron is just one of the many marvelous ways to use bacon fat. All of ours is strained and saved. It is kept in the fridge in a glass jar and is used to make Bacon Grease Gravy, Bacon Fat Ginger Cookies, and Mini Quesadillas.
Cast iron is revered for its durability versatility and ability to produce delicious, perfectly seared steaks and crispy fried eggs. However, one of the keys to unlocking a cast iron skillet’s potential is proper seasoning. This process creates a natural non-stick surface and protects the iron from moisture and rust. Traditionally, most people use oils like vegetable oil, shortening, or lard to season their cast iron pans. But lately, some have been singing the praises of an unconventional seasoning agent – bacon grease. So is bacon grease actually a good choice for seasoning cast iron? Let’s find out.
Why Season Cast Iron in the First Place?
Seasoning is vital for cast iron for a few key reasons
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It prevents rusting – The oil coating acts as a barrier between the iron and moisture, which can cause rust.
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It creates a natural non-stick surface – The layered oil gets baked into a smooth, slick coating.
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It seals in flavor – Over time, the seasoning imparts a unique flavor into foods cooked in the pan.
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It makes cleaning easier – Seasoned pans can often be cleaned with just hot water, no soap required.
So in short, seasoning prolongs the life of cast iron and improves its performance. But what makes bacon grease a potential option?
The Case for Bacon Grease
There are a few key advantages that bacon grease provides over traditional oils:
1. Waste Reduction
Reusing bacon grease gives new life to something most people throw out. It cuts down on waste and maximizes use of your ingredients.
2. Cost Effectiveness
Bacon grease is free and abundant for most home cooks. It saves you from buying specialty oils just for seasoning.
3. High Smoke Point
With a smoke point around 375-400°F, bacon grease can withstand the high heat of oven seasoning without burning.
4. Built-In Flavor
The smoky, salty essence of the bacon infuses into the iron, adding subtle depth to anything cooked in the pan.
5. Natural and Chemical-Free
Using animal fats like lard for seasoning has historical precedent. Bacon grease provides a natural alternative to vegetable oils, which are often highly processed and refined.
With these advantages in mind, bacon grease seems like a practical grease to use, especially if you cook bacon frequently.
How to Season With Bacon Grease
Seasoning with bacon grease is simple:
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Clean – Scrub off any rust and residues from the cast iron using steel wool and hot water. Dry thoroughly.
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Grease – Rub a thin layer of bacon grease all over the pan, inside and out. Use a paper towel to remove any excess.
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Bake – Place upside down in a 350°F oven for 1 hour. The grease will melt and bond to the iron.
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Cool and repeat – Let pan cool completely. Repeat process 2-3 times to build up seasoning layers.
Be sure to strain the grease first to remove any burnt bacon bits. It’s also smart to put foil or a baking sheet under the pan to catch drips.
Over time, continued cooking and reapplications will help the seasoning develop and darken.
Tips for Ongoing Cast Iron Care
To keep your bacon grease-seasoned pan in great shape, keep these tips in mind:
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Cook fatty foods like bacon or onions to reinforce the seasoning.
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Avoid soap – just scrub with salt and hot water to clean.
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Dry thoroughly after each use to prevent rusting.
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Apply a fresh bacon grease coating periodically.
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Store with paper towels between pans to prevent scratches.
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Re-season if food starts sticking more than normal.
With repeated use and occasional re-seasoning, your cast iron should maintain a slick, non-stick surface with help from bacon grease.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While bacon grease seasoning has its perks, there are a couple potential drawbacks:
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The smoky flavor isn’t for everyone. It could clash with more delicately flavored foods.
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Bacon grease can go rancid over time. Only use fresh, clean grease.
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The seasoning may be slightly softer than oil-based methods. More touch-ups may be required.
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Without straining out the bacon bits, they could burn and cause off-flavors.
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Bacon grease is not vegetarian/vegan friendly. Stick to oils if this is a concern.
So as long as you’re mindful of these limitations, bacon grease is a great eco-friendly, cost-effective seasoning option for cast iron. With a bit of care and maintenance, you can enjoy all the benefits of a well-seasoned skillet alongside that signature bacon flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you just use bacon grease without baking it on?
It’s best to bake the grease on to properly bond it to the metal. Simply applying without heat will provide minimal protection.
How often should you re-season with bacon grease?
Every 5-10 uses, apply a fresh coat after cleaning to maintain the seasoning.
Does bacon grease go bad?
Like any animal fat, it can go rancid if left at room temperature too long. Keep it refrigerated.
Is bacon grease safe to cook with?
Pure strained bacon grease is safe in moderation. It’s no worse for you than using oils or other animal fats for cooking.
So don’t be afraid to give your cast iron some love with flavorful, cost-effective bacon grease. With this fool-proof seasoning method, you’ll be frying up crispy eggs and seared steaks in no time.
What You Need to Season Cast Iron Cookware
Unless it’s pre-seasoned, the surface of a new cast-iron skillet will need to be prepared before cooking.
When you season cast iron with bacon grease, it helps bring back the finish on pots that are scratched or worn down to bare iron.
To begin, you will need about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. You can get this right now by frying up a few tasty bacon slices.
You’ll also need a pastry brush to apply the grease. We like a silicone pastry brush because the bristles don’t come off on the food. If you’d rather, you can use a small piece of wadded-up paper towel.
It’s easy to make bacon grease by cooking bacon on a baking sheet lined with foil in the oven. Once you have the fat, you can roll up the foil and throw it away.
You can also cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until browned and crispy. Remove the cooked strips with tongs to a paper towel lined plate.
Let the bacon grease cool to room temperature. Important: Use a fine mesh strainer or two layers of cheesecloth to pour the fat through so that no small pieces of food get stuck in the cast iron pan.
(For more information, here’s our guide for saving and rendering bacon grease.)
The Benefits of Seasoned Cast Iron
A well seasoned cast iron pan develops a natural nonstick surface. As a result, you’ll need less oil for cooking and sautéing.
Cast iron retains heat very well. A seasoned pan can be taken from the stovetop and placed directly in the oven.
Plates and pans made of cast iron can be used over a campfire or on a grill to make tasty foods like bacon.
If you take good care of your pan, the cooking surface will become more nonstick, shiny, and black as you use it.
Cast iron pans can last a lifetime and even be passed down to your children and grandchildren if you take care of them and keep them in good shape.