5 Ways to Use Bacon Fat (And How to Store It!)
Bacon — it's not just for breakfast! Next time you make bacon, make sure to save the bacon fat or grease. Having bacon fat on hand is a chef's trick that has been used for many generations. From adding flavor to your favorite recipes to using it as a cooking oil, having bacon fat is a trick you'll wish you decided to use sooner!
First off, you want to make sure you're storing your bacon fat correctly. Experts encourage storing your fat in your refrigerator or freezer so your fat doesn't go rancid. Storing in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid should do the trick! Your bacon fat will last for about six months in the refrigerator and up to 12 months in your freezer.
Once you have your storing down pat, here are some top uses for bacon fat that will have you excited to cook bacon again and again!
1. Roast Those Vegetables
The next time you create an easy sheet pan dinner, drop a bloop of bacon fat on the pan with all your vegetables. Give everything a good stir before pulling your sheet pan out of the oven. As the bacon fat melts over all your cut produce, it will infuse a flavor that has a delicious, smokey depth.
2. Seasoning Cast-Iron Skillets
Everyone knows cast iron skillets get better with time (and use!). After drying out your favorite cast iron pan, rub a bit of bacon fat on your skillet with a paper towel. The added seasoning will add a flavor that will add pizzazz each time you pull out your pan to use it!
3. Swap Out Your Cooking Oil
Using bacon fat as a cooking oil will add a flavor to your favorite simple recipes. The next time you fry eggs, make a quesadilla, fry burgers, or make a grilled cheese... try swapping your cooking oil with bacon fat. Not only will it act as a nonsticking agent, but the flavor it will add to your foods will be next to none. You won't be disappointed!
4. Upgraded Soup Base
Saute your soup veggies in a bit of bacon fat and you'll add a delicious depth of flavor to your favorite cozy soup.
5. Let's Get Baking
Swap bacon fat for butter or shortening in your favorite savory baked goods. The sweet and salty bacon fat will add a depth of flavor to your cornbreads, scones, and doughs that cannot be replicated by butter or shortening.
Don't knock it until you try it! There's a reason this cooking hack has been passed down from generation to generation. Not only will you save a bit of money, but your recipes will take on a whole new level of flavor as well!
