bacon grease

Bacon Grease

Bacon grease, also known as bacon fat, is the rendered fat left over after cooking bacon. It's a flavorful cooking medium prized for its savory, smoky, and umami-rich taste. When cooled, it solidifies into a creamy, off-white to light tan color. Stored properly, bacon grease can add a depth of delicious bacon flavor to many dishes. This versatile cooking fat is a fantastic way to enhance the taste of your meals and reduce waste by repurposing a byproduct of bacon cooking.

Common Uses

  • To add smoky, savory flavor to roasted vegetables. Toss vegetables like Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or carrots with melted bacon grease before roasting for a richer flavor.- For frying eggs or making omelets. The bacon-infused fat imparts a subtle bacon flavor to your eggs.- In biscuits, cornbread, or other baked goods. Substitute a portion of the butter or shortening in your recipe with bacon grease to add a smoky depth of flavor.- As a base for sauteing onions and other aromatics. Start your soups, stews, and sauces by sauteing aromatics in bacon grease for a flavor boost.- Spread on toast or crackers as a savory spread. Mix bacon grease with a pinch of salt and pepper, then spread on toast or crackers for a simple snack.- To season cast iron skillets. Bacon grease helps to create a non-stick surface and prevent rusting.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

815.6kcal (40.78%)

Protein

0.5g (1%)

Carbs

0.0g

Sugars

0.0g

Healthy Fat

52.0g

Unhealthy Fat

39.6g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Source of choline, important for brain health and cell function.
  • Contains saturated fats, which some studies suggest may have a neutral or even beneficial effect on cholesterol levels compared to refined carbohydrates.
  • Can be used in moderation as a flavor enhancer, reducing the need for excessive salt or other less healthy additives.
  • Provides a source of energy due to its fat content.
  • When sourced from pasture-raised animals, may contain some vitamin D.

Storage Tips

Bacon grease should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Straining the grease through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth before storing removes any leftover bacon bits, preventing spoilage. Refrigerated bacon grease can last for several months, while grease stored at room temperature is best used within a few weeks.

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