How to Store Bacon Grease

Frying up a big pan of bacon is one of life's greatest pleasures — second only to eating said bacon. And once you've devoured all the delicious strips, you're left with a pan filled of just-as-delicious bacon grease.

If you're not aware of the magic that is savory bacon grease, we're about to change your cooking life forever with this Southern hack.

How to Safely Store Bacon Grease

Safely storing bacon grease is incredibly easy and doing so means you'll have a special, secret ingredient to add to so many meals. The best part? Whenever you run out, you can just fry up some more bacon. It's a win-win.

Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions:

1. Strain the bits of bacon left behind in the pan. Place a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer over the mouth of a glass container, like a Mason jar, or another heat-proof container.
2. Pour the warm (not hot) grease through the strainer, which will catch all the pieces. You really don't want to skip this step: If you don't strain out the solid bits, the fat will go rancid quicker.
3. Seal tightly and store in the fridge or freezer.

More tips to remember about storing bacon grease:

• Never pour it down the sink. Once it hardens, it will create a plumbing disaster. On top of that, you're wasting precious bacon grease that you could use to boost the flavor of future dishes.
• If you grew up watching your grandmother store bacon grease, she probably left it in a Mason jar on the counter or the back of the stovetop. However, current food guidelines recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer so the fat stays fresh for longer.
• You can purchase specific bacon grease containers that will keep your fat fresh and some even come with a strainer for easy bacon bit removal. Find some of our favorite options below.

Top-Rated Bacon Grease Containers to Buy on Amazon

• Ayesha Curry Bacon Grease Can; $14.99
• Talisman Designs Bacon Bin Grease Strainer & Collector; $14.99
• Ourokhome Bacon Grease Container with Strainer; $22.99 (was $28.99)

How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?

Store your container in the fridge where it will last for three months, or in the freezer where it will last indefinitely. Storing the grease in the fridge is the best for easy access to soft fat whenever you want it.

How to Use Leftover Bacon Grease

Now that you're an expert on storing bacon grease, it's time to get cooking! Here are a few creative ideas for using bacon grease:

• Use your bacon grease immediately to fry up your eggs or hash browns. If you choose to do this, you don't need to strain out the bacon bits.
• You can sometimes substitute bacon grease for other fats, such as butter or oil. Plus, it adds a savory, smoky flavor boost. Bacon grease is also great for frying anything like grilled cheese, chicken, rice, quesadillas, and omelets.
• Try using it as a savory base for baking things like cornbread, scones, and pie crusts — just replace half of the butter in the recipe with bacon grease.

Really the sky's the limit when it comes to using bacon grease, especially if you're willing to experiment with it. Just remember, you really can't go wrong with adding a touch of bacon flavor.

Related:

• The Easiest, No-Mess Way to Cook Bacon
• 9 Ultimate Bacon Recipes
• More Bacon Recipes