Should You Store Bacon Grease in the Fridge?

Bacon grease is the flavorful fat that is left over after cooking bacon. It has a delicious, smoky, salty taste that makes it a versatile ingredient to cook with. But there is some debate over the best way to store bacon grease – should you keep it in the fridge or leave it out on the counter? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of refrigerating bacon grease and give tips on how to store it properly.

The Benefits of Refrigerating Bacon Grease

There are a few good reasons to store bacon grease in the refrigerator

It Slows Rancidity

Like any fat, bacon grease can go rancid after a period of time. The refrigerator helps slow down this process by cooling the grease and limiting its exposure to air and light. Rancid bacon grease has an unpleasant odor and bitter taste that can ruin whatever you use it in.

It’s Safer

Room temperature fats provide the ideal conditions for bacteria growth, The cold environment of the fridge helps prevent microbes from multiplying quickly Storing bacon grease in the refrigerator adheres to general food safety guidelines for cooked meats and animal fats,

It Keeps It Solid

Bacon fat becomes liquid when warm and solid when cool. Keeping it refrigerated allows the grease to solidify into a spreadable consistency that’s easy to scoop out of the container. Solid bacon fat is also less messy to cook with.

Reasons Some Don’t Refrigerate Bacon Grease

However, there are a few reasons why some people choose to store their bacon grease at room temperature instead:

Convenience

A jar of bacon grease left out on the counter is always soft and ready to use. Having to constantly remove and re-chill a small amount of grease before cooking can be a hassle.

Tradition

Not refrigerating bacon fat is an old habit passed down by grandparents and great-grandparents. The classic bacon grease jar or can on the stove goes back generations in many families.

Doesn’t Seem Necessary

If stored in a cool, dark place, bacon grease can keep for several weeks without refrigeration before going rancid. So for some people, keeping it in the fridge seems like an unnecessary extra step.

Imparts More Flavor

Some argue that bacon fat left out at room temperature has a more potent, bacon-y flavor. The fridge may mute some of its taste.

Tips for Proper Bacon Grease Storage

Whether you opt to refrigerate it or not, following a few guidelines will ensure your bacon grease stays fresh and usable for as long as possible:

• Let it cool completely before storing. Pour hot bacon grease into a heat-safe container and allow it to cool to room temperature before capping. Hot grease can melt plastic containers.

• Strain out any food particles. Bits of bacon or skillet debris can cause bacon grease to spoil faster. Filter through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

• Use tight-sealing containers. Glass jars or metal tins with airtight lids work best. Limit air exposure to prevent oxidation.

• Store away from light. Light can speed up rancidity. Keep bacon grease in a pantry or cupboard, not on the counter.

• Never put new grease on old. Always strain into a clean container – layering fresh on top of old shortens shelf life.

• If refrigerating, scoop off any solidified layer on top before using. This oxidized section will taste unpleasant.

• Don’t forget to label and date it! Write the date on your container so you know when to toss it.

• Replace after 1-3 months. For optimal flavor and freshness, use bacon grease within a few months.

Cooking Substitutions for Bacon Grease

If you don’t have any bacon fat saved up, these oils make good substitutions in recipes that call for it:

• Lard
• Butter
• Coconut oil
• Tallow
• Duck fat
• Olive oil

They won’t have the same smoky flavor, but will mimic the richness. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika to olive oil or butter to impart a bacon-esque taste.

Discarding Rancid Bacon Grease

Some signs your bacon grease has gone bad and needs to be tossed:

• Odd, sour, or bitter smell
• Darkened color
• Liquid consistency even when cool
• Layer of foam or film on top
• Mold presence

Rancid grease should be disposed of in the garbage, not poured down the drain where it can clog pipes.

Delicious Ways to Use Bacon Grease

Once you’ve collected your bacon drippings, here are some savory ways to put them to use:

• Saute vegetables: Green beans, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, etc.

• Pop popcorn: For wonderfully indulgent movie night popcorn.

• Fry eggs: Sunny-side up eggs are extra tasty in bacon fat.

• Roast potatoes: Crispy roast potatoes are elevated with a bacon grease coating.

• Bake cornbread: Adds moistness and savoriness to cornbread muffins or loaves.

• Make gravy: Whisk bacon grease into the roux for ultimate breakfast gravy.

• Season cast iron: Coat pans with a thin layer to condition the surface.

• Flavor rice or grains: Stir a spoonful into rice, farro, barley, etc. while cooking.

• Saute greens: Kale, chard, spinach, and other greens are delicious cooked in bacon drippings.

• Brush on meat: Baste pork chops, chicken, fish, etc. while cooking for bonus flavor.

Final Thoughts on Storing Bacon Grease

Bacon grease is a cooking treasure – when stored properly, it can be used to add a smoky, salty depth to all kinds of recipes. Refrigerating it is the safest option, but leaving it out on the counter in a cool, dark place works too if used quickly. Regardless of where you keep it, always store bacon drippings in an airtight container and use within 1-3 months for the best quality. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy this flavor enhancer long after the bacon is gone!