According to Statista, 268.04 million Americans consumed bacon in 2020, and that number is projected to rise to 275.72 million by 2024.1
With so many people enjoying this savory treat, there’s bound to be plenty of leftover bacon grease— so don’t let this flavorful gold go to waste!
Here are 14 creative ways to use up every last drop of that delicious rendered fat.
1. Roast Vegetables with a Smoky Twist
Swap out your usual olive oil and coat your favorite veggies in bacon grease before roasting. The smoky flavor will elevate simple side dishes like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
2. Fry Up the Ultimate Burger
Take your homemade burgers to the next level by mixing a spoonful of bacon grease into the ground meat. The added fat will keep the patties juicy and infuse them with a subtle bacon flavor.
3. Pop Some Bacon-Flavored Popcorn
Instead of using plain oil, try making your stovetop popcorn with bacon grease for a savory snack that’s sure to satisfy.
4. Upgrade Your Grilled Cheese Game
Ditch the butter and spread bacon grease on the outside of your bread for a grilled cheese sandwich with a crispy, bacon-infused exterior.
5. Bake Better Biscuits
Replace half of the butter in your favorite biscuit recipe with chilled bacon grease. The result? Flaky, tender biscuits with a hint of smoky goodness.
6. Sauté Sensational Scrambled Eggs
Melt a small amount of bacon grease in your pan before adding beaten eggs for scrambled eggs that are extra rich and flavorful.
7. Create a Flavorful Stir-Fry Base
Start your next stir-fry by sautéing garlic and ginger in a bit of bacon fat. The rendered grease will add depth to the dish and help the other ingredients shine.
8. Whip Up a Bacon-Infused Vinaigrette
Substitute a portion of the oil in your go-to salad dressing recipe with liquid bacon fat. The smoky flavor pairs particularly well with hearty greens like kale or spinach.
9. Enhance Your Mashed Potatoes
For a decadent twist on a classic side dish, stir a spoonful of bacon grease into your mashed potatoes. The rich, salty flavor is sure to impress.
10. Fry Fabulous Fried Rice
When making fried rice, use bacon grease in place of your usual cooking oil. The rendered fat will add a savory depth to this quick and easy meal.
11. Boost Your Breakfast Hash
Sauté diced potatoes in bacon grease for a breakfast hash that’s crispy, golden, and packed with flavor.
12. Make a Mean Bacon Mayo
Blend cooled, liquid bacon fat with egg yolks, lemon juice, and mustard for a bacon-infused mayonnaise that’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches or using as a dip.
13. Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
After washing your cast iron skillet, rub a thin layer of bacon grease onto the surface while it’s still warm. This will help create a naturally non-stick coating.
14. Craft Bacon-Laced Cornbread
Swap out a portion of the butter or oil in your cornbread batter with melted bacon grease. The smoky, salty flavor is a natural fit for this Southern staple.
So the next time you cook up a batch of crispy bacon, remember to save that precious grease! With these 14 genius ideas, you’ll never let a drop go to waste again.
Source:
1. Statista
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.