If you’re someone who loves bacon as much as I do, you’ll know that the leftover grease can be just as useful as the crispy bacon itself! In today’s video, I’m going to show you how I save my bacon grease and why it’s a kitchen hack you’ll want to adopt.
Why Save Bacon Grease?
Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, or adding a dash of flavor to any meal, bacon grease gives your food that irresistible, smoky, savory flavor. Best of all, it’s easy to save, store, and reuse, making it a sustainable choice for anyone who enjoys cooking with cast iron skillets or just loves the taste of bacon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Bacon Grease
- Strain the Grease:
After you’ve cooked your bacon, it’s tempting to just pour the grease into a container. But here’s the trick: I recommend straining it to remove any crumbs or particles. These can spoil the grease and make it less pleasant to use later. You can easily do this using a cheesecloth (which is reusable) or a disposable coffee filter. - Use the Right Container:
Once you’ve strained the grease, grab a mason jar or any airtight container. I usually use a small jar, but if you’ve cooked a large batch of bacon, a bigger container will work just fine. After transferring the grease, place the jar in the fridge. Bacon grease can last for weeks, so there’s no rush to use it all at once! - Avoid Storing While It’s Too Hot:
One crucial tip: don’t pour the bacon grease into the jar when it’s still sizzling hot. If you do, you risk cracking the mason jar or, worse, burning yourself. Let the grease cool down slightly before transferring it to your jar. If you wait too long, it will harden again, so try to catch it when it’s still warm but not too hot to handle. - Reusing Bacon Grease:
When you’re ready to cook, grab that bacon grease from the fridge. It’s great for frying eggs, sautéing veggies, or even seasoning your cast iron skillet after use. If you want to take it one step further, you can even use bacon grease to season the bottom of your pan, replacing the typical vegetable oil. It adds an extra layer of flavor that is hard to beat.
Bonus: The Sustainability Factor
If you’re using bacon grease, you’re not just enhancing your meals—you’re also reducing waste. Instead of throwing away something as flavorful and useful as bacon grease, you’re reusing it multiple times. You can even strain and reuse it a few times, just like you might with frying oil. The best part? You’re saving money and cutting down on waste—plus, it’s a pretty delicious way to reuse!
Final Thoughts
Saving and using bacon grease is a fantastic way to add flavor to your meals while being resourceful in the kitchen. It’s a simple process that anyone can do, and it’ll make your cooking even better.
Thanks for tuning in! If you love cooking with bacon, stay tuned for more tips and tricks right here on the JB Cooks channel. I’ve got a lot more coming, from cast iron skillet recipes to outdoor cooking adventures on my fire pit this summer!