The Definitive Guide to Storing Bacon Grease Properly

If you enjoy cooking with bacon, you’ve likely accumulated that liquid gold – bacon grease. Nothing compares to the depth of flavor it adds to veggies, eggs, and meats when sautéed in those glistening drippings. But where’s the best place to keep bacon fat? Can you store it on the counter or does bacon grease need refrigeration?

Knowing the right way to store leftover bacon drippings is key to preserving freshness and avoiding foodborne illnesses Here’s a complete guide to maximizing shelf life and keeping your bacon grease tasting great

Does Bacon Grease Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, for food safety reasons, bacon grease should always be refrigerated after the initial cooking/straining process. Leaving bacon fat out at room temperature provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can multiply to dangerous levels

Refrigeration guidelines for storing bacon drippings:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking bacon.
• Keep in an airtight jar in the fridge.
• Use within 1-3 months for best quality.
• Discard if grease smells or looks rancid.

The fridge preserves freshness and flavor while deterring bacterial growth. For long term storage extending past a few months, the freezer is best. But everyday kitchen storage calls for refrigeration.

Can You Leave Bacon Grease on the Counter?

It’s not recommended to store bacon drippings at room temperature. Leaving the grease out on the counter can pose food safety risks. Here’s why you should avoid counter storage:

• Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.
• Grease left out over 2 hours enters the “danger zone” for bacterial growth.
• Pathogens like salmonella and E. coli can contaminate the grease.
• Foodborne illness can result from using contaminated grease in cooking.

Your senses can’t detect the presence of dangerous bacteria. Avoid the risks by keeping bacon grease chilled in the refrigerator whenever not in immediate use.

How Long Does Bacon Grease Last Unrefrigerated?

Bacon drippings should never be left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours total. Similar to other cooked meats, the window of time where room temperature storage is safe is quite brief.

If bacon grease is left out on the counter overnight or for even longer, bacteria will be given sufficient time to multiply to hazardous levels. Always refrigerate it within 2 hours.

How Long Does Bacon Fat Last in the Fridge?

With proper refrigerated storage, bacon drippings can keep for 1-3 months before the quality starts to fade. To maximize fridge shelf life:

• Strain – Pour through a mesh strainer to remove bacon bits. Bits can cause rancidity.

• Cool – Let grease cool completely before transferring to a storage container.

• Seal – Use an airtight glass jar or container. Metal can impart flavors.

• Label – Mark container with a date to track freshness.

• Use – Cook with the grease within 1-3 months for best flavor.

• Discard – Toss if grease smells rancid, tastes off, or looks odd.

Follow your senses. Bacon fat that smells pleasant and tastes as it should can be enjoyed for up to 3 months when refrigerated.

How Long Does Bacon Grease Last in the Freezer?

For long term storage or keeping large amounts of bacon fat, the freezer is ideal. Frozen, bacon drippings will keep for 9-12 months.

Follow these freezing guidelines:

• Let grease cool first before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe plastic containers or bags.
• Leave some headspace for expansion.
• Label container with freeze date.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before using frozen grease.

The freezer preserves quality and freshness far longer than refrigerator storage. But for everyday kitchen use, keep a small jar of bacon grease in the fridge.

Tips for Storing Bacon Drippings

Here are some top tips for storing bacon grease correctly:

• Always refrigerate or freeze bacon fat after cooking. Never leave it out unrefrigerated.

• Pour grease into an airtight glass jar or stainless steel container for storage.

• Add some cheesecloth to the jar opening to strain out bacon bits over time.

• Keep container sizes small if fridge storing. Use larger vessels for freezing bigger amounts.

• Label the container with the date to use within recommended timelines.

• If storing long term in the freezer, leave headspace for expansion when frozen.

Following safe storage practices preserves the shelf life of your bacon fat so nothing goes to waste. Those flavorful drippings can enhance eggs, vegetables, baked goods and more when used in cooking.

Signs Your Bacon Grease Has Gone Bad

Be on the lookout for these red flags that indicate rancidity:

• Unpleasant sour, bitter, or “off” smell
• Change in texture – thicker or gum-like
• Darkening color over time
• Visible mold
• Grease smokes excessively during cooking
• Unusual new flavors imparted to foods

Trust your senses. Bacon grease should smell pleasantly smoky, with no harsh or “off” odors. Discard promptly at the first signs of spoilage. Don’t second guess it.

Uses for Bacon Fat in Cooking

Once you have that lovely bacon grease on hand, use it to add flavor to:

• Eggs – fry, scramble, or bake in bacon fat
• Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans
• Pan fried chicken, pork chops, fish
• Popcorn or roasted chickpeas
• Biscuits, scones, pie crust
• Savory pancakes or waffles

The smoky notes and pork essence bacon grease adds are invaluable for cooking. A little goes a long way in boosting flavor.

The Takeaway on Bacon Grease Storage

Bacon drippings are too tasty to discard! With proper refrigeration, bacon grease can be preserved for 1-3 months. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to a year. Never leave bacon fat out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. And stick to the recommended timelines for consumption. With the right storage and handling, you can enjoy the flavor boost bacon grease gives your cooking for months to come.