Bacon grease, the flavorful byproduct of cooking bacon, is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Instead of discarding this liquid gold, consider harnessing its rich flavor to enhance dishes in your commercial kitchen. From adding a savory kick to popcorn to incorporating it into baked goods for a hint of smokiness, bacon grease is a secret weapon that can take your menu to the next level. We’ve provided some enticing possibilities of using bacon grease in your cooking repertoire.
Shop All BaconUses for Bacon Grease
After you’ve prepared a batch of bacon for your recipes, you’ll notice a layer of grease in the bottom of your pan, rendered from the fat of the meat. Before you dispose of this grease, consider some of the following bacon fat uses:
1. Season Cast Iron Pan
Seasoning a cast iron pan is a crucial step in maintaining its non-stick surface and preventing rust. Bacon grease can be a game-changer in this seasoning process. The high smoke point of bacon grease makes it an ideal choice for seasoning cast iron cookware, creating a durable and natural non-stick coating.
To season a cast iron pan with bacon grease, apply a small amount of bacon grease to the entire surface of a clean and dry cast iron pan, including the bottom and handle. Let the pan bake upside down for about an hour, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside. Repeat this process several times to build up a smooth, seasoned layer on the cast iron surface. The bacon grease not only adds flavor to your cooking but also helps create a natural non-stick coating that improves with each use.
2. Make Corn Bread
Incorporating bacon grease into cornbread recipes adds richness and depth of flavor to the classic side dish. The subtle smokiness of the bacon grease enhances the sweetness of the cornbread, creating a delicious contrast that will leave your guests wanting more. You can use the bacon fat to grease the pan and keep the corn bread from sticking. This will also create a delicious crust on the outside of your cornbread that your customers will love. Go a step further by adding a bit of bacon grease into the cornbread batter to really incorporate that bacon flavor in every bite. This bacon-flavored cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or as a side dish for barbecue meals.
3. Make Grilled Cheese
The rich, savory flavor of bacon grease adds an extra dimension to the classic comfort food that is grilled cheese. Instead of using butter on the outside of your grilled cheese, try using bacon grease. Simply spread a thin layer of bacon grease on the bread before grilling to achieve a crispy, flavorful crust. This also creates a non-stick surface that allows you to flip your grilled cheese easily. The savory notes from the bacon grease complement the cheese, creating a delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience. Get creative with your grilled cheese variations by adding ingredients like caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, or avocado to pair with the rich flavor of the bacon grease.
4. Sear Meat
Searing meat is a popular cooking technique that involves browning the surface of meat at high temperatures to create a flavorful crust. Bacon grease can be a fantastic option for searing meat due to its high smoke point and rich, savory flavor profile. Use bacon grease to sear steaks, pork chops, or chicken for a delicious caramelized crust that locks in juices and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of bacon grease and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan evenly. Place the seasoned meat in the hot pan and let it cook without moving it for a few minutes. Flip the meat and sear the other side until it reaches the desired level of doneness. This will allow a golden crust to form on the surface to create a unique and mouthwatering meal.
5. Pop Popcorn
Instead of using traditional cooking oils to make popcorn, try popping the kernels in bacon grease for a savory and indulgent snack. The bacon flavor infuses the popcorn with a rich and savory flavor, creating a unique and satisfying treat that is perfect for movie theaters or carnivals. Experiment with different seasonings or popcorn toppings to create your own unique bacon grease popcorn recipes.
To pop popcorn using bacon grease, start by heating a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of bacon grease to the pot and allow it to melt. Once the bacon grease is hot, add a few kernels of popcorn to the pot and cover it with a lid. As soon as the kernels pop, remove the pot from the heat and add a cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer. Return the pot to the heat and shake it occasionally to prevent the popcorn from burning. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and carefully transfer the bacon grease popcorn to a large bowl to serve.
6. Fry Eggs
Bacon grease is an excellent alternative to butter or oil when frying eggs. The bacon flavor adds richness to the eggs, making them more flavorful and satisfying. Plus, the high smoke point of bacon grease ensures that your eggs cook evenly and to perfection. Fried eggs cooked in bacon grease are a delicious addition to breakfast sandwiches, salads, or served on their own with a side of toast.
To fry eggs using bacon grease, start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a spoonful of bacon grease and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan. Next, crack the eggs into the skillet, being careful not to break the yolks. Allow the eggs to cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, or to your desired level of doneness. The bacon grease will infuse the eggs with a savory, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy yolk.
7. In Salad Dressing
Incorporating bacon grease into salad dressings can be an excellent way to elevate your salad menu. You can add bacon grease to multiple types of salad dressing to create new and unique variations. Substitute some or all of the oil in a vinaigrette dressing with bacon grease to balance out the sharpness. For creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese, mixing a small amount of bacon grease into the base can infuse a subtle smokiness that pairs well with the tanginess of the dressing.
Bacon grease can be combined with honey, mustard, and vinegar to create a unique and delicious honey mustard dressing. You can also combine bacon grease with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and savory dressing that is perfect for drizzling over mixed greens or roasted vegetables. Add a touch of bacon grease to a classic Caesar dressing to enhance the overall umami flavor profile of the dressing, creating a more robust and satisfying taste.
8. Bacon Wash Cocktails
One innovative way to use bacon grease and update your cocktail menu is by making bacon wash cocktails. Spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, can be infused with the smoky and savory flavor of bacon for an unexpected and delicious combination. This can be done by adding a small amount of bacon grease to the spirit and allowing it to sit for a period of time, typically a few hours to overnight. The bacon grease will impart its rich flavor to the spirit, creating a unique base for your cocktail.
Once the spirit has been infused with bacon flavor, it can be used to create a variety of delicious cocktails. One popular option is the bacon old fashioned, which combines the bacon-infused spirit with bitters, sugar, and a twist of orange peel for a smoky and slightly sweet libation. Another option is the bacon Bloody Mary, where the bacon-infused spirit adds an extra layer of complexity to the classic brunch cocktail.
How to Dispose of Bacon Grease
If you have an excess of bacon grease in your facility and don’t intend to repurpose it, be sure to dispose of the grease properly. Knowing what to do and not to do with bacon grease can help prevent plumbing issues, maintain cleanliness, and ensure overall food safety.
- Cooling and Solidifying: Allow the bacon grease to cool down after cooking until it solidifies. Once solid, you can easily scrape it into a container for disposal in the trash.
- Use a Grease Keeper: A grease keeper is a specialized container designed for collecting and storing used cooking oil and grease. Simply pour the cooled bacon grease into the container for easy storage until it can be picked up by a collection service.
- Recycling Centers: Some recycling centers accept used bacon grease for recycling purposes. Check with your local recycling facilities to see if they offer this service.
How to Store Bacon Grease
After cooking bacon, it's important to properly store the leftover grease for future use. To store bacon grease, use the following steps:
How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?
Bacon grease can last for up to 6 months in the refrigerator or indefinitely in the freezer when stored properly in an airtight container. It is important to ensure that the grease is free from any food particles to prevent it from going rancid. Regularly inspecting the grease for any signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell or unusual color, is crucial to maintaining its quality.
Does Bacon Grease Need to Be Refrigerated?
While filtered bacon grease can be left out for a few days to a week, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Grease that is left at room temperature is likely to rapidly turn rancid and be unsafe for foodservice purposes.
Next time you cook up a batch of bacon, don't let that precious grease go to waste. Put it to good use by seasoning everything from your pans to your signature recipes. The beloved savory flavor of bacon will capture the attention of your patrons and have them returning for more.
