Does Bacon Grease Go Bad?

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Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite breakfast food – bacon! It’s super tasty and loved by many for its crispy, savory flavor. But what happens after you’ve cooked up a batch of bacon and you’re left with that leftover grease? Does bacon grease go bad? Do you store it for future use or for cooking other delicious foods?

Today we’ll talk about the shelf life of bacon grease and look at six delicious bacon recipes you can try at home. Keep reading!

Does Bacon Grease Go Bad?

Yes, bacon grease can go bad. Like any other type of fat, bacon grease can turn rancid over time due to exposure to light, air, and heat.

How to Tell If Bacon Grease Has Gone Bad?

Here are some signs that your bacon grease may have gone bad and is no longer safe to consume.

• Bad Smell: If the grease has a rancid or foul odor, it’s a sure sign that it has gone bad and must be thrown away.
• Off-Color: Fresh bacon grease has a light golden color. If it has turned brown or dark brown, get rid of it immediately.
• Mold or Bubbles: If you see mold or bubbles forming on the surface of the bacon grease, it’s a sign that harmful microorganisms or bacteria have started to grow in it. 
• Sour Taste: If you taste the bacon grease with a sour or off-taste, it’s another sign that it has gone bad and shouldn’t be consumed.

How Can I Store Bacon Grease?

The shelf life of bacon grease depends on you store it. Whether you have store-bought bacon grease or homemade bacon grease, make sure to store bacon grease properly in a secure, airtight container in the fridge so it can last for up to 3-6 months.

Steps on How to Freeze Bacon Grease

1. Storing bacon grease in an airtight container like a mason jar or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid is important to prevent exposure to air and light.
2. Strain the bacon fat through a fine-mesh strainer to remove leftover bacon bits.
3. Store bacon grease in the refrigerator or freezer to slow down the rate of oxidation. Store it in the fridge if you plan to use it within a few weeks. If you’re storing it for longer than that, store it in the freezer.
4. Label the bacon grease container with the date before freezing the bacon grease to keep track of how long it has been stored and when it’s time to dispose of it.

How to Defrost Bacon Grease?

If you want to thaw your bacon grease, the easiest and safest way is to let it sit in the fridge. Just pop it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight until fully thawed.

But, if you’re short on time, the microwave can be a lifesaver. Just use a microwave-safe container and heat it slowly on low power, checking and stirring every 30 seconds until it’s completely thawed.

How to Dispose of Homemade Bacon Grease?

Below are some tips for getting rid of bacon grease safely and responsibly.

1. Allow the fat to cool and solidify. Cooling will make the grease easier to handle and less likely to cause burns or spills.
2. Then, pour bacon drippings into a secure, tightly sealed container, such as an empty glass jar (avoid plastic!).
3. Once the container is full, dispose of it in the trash. Do not pour the bacon grease down the sink or toilet to avoid clogged pipes. Alternatively, add small amounts of cooled bacon grease to a compost pile or bin. But be sure to mix it well with other compostable materials and avoid adding too much to prevent pests and unpleasant odor.

Some municipalities have recycling centers that accept used bacon grease for recycling, so check with your local waste management department to see if they offer this service.

Uses for Bacon Fat

There are many ways to use leftover bacon grease for a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Cooking

Homemade bacon grease is a tasty alternative to butter or oil that can really bring out the flavors in your food. You can use it to cook up some delicious eggs, sauté some onions and garlic, fry potatoes, and even make some gravies and sauces.

Popcorn

Drizzle melted bacon grease over popcorn for a delicious and savory snack.

Salad Dressing

Use bacon grease to make a salad dressing by whisking it with vinegar, mustard, and herbs. It pairs well with greens, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs.

Seasoning

Use leftover bacon grease to season dishes, such as roasted vegetables, soups, and stews.

Read more: 20 Ways to Use Bacon Grease.

6 Amazing Bacon Recipes to Try!

Love bacon as much as I do? Make sure to try these six mouth-watering bacon recipes!

Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic Fettuccine Alfredo, you have to try making Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo! It’s a creamy and savory pasta dish that’s very delicious and easy to make.

First, cook your fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. While cooking, start frying bacon in a separate pan and chop it into small pieces.

In another pan, use bacon grease to cook some garlic until it’s fragrant. Then, whisk in some heavy cream and let it simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy—season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the pasta is well cooked, toss in the Alfredo sauce and stir in the chopped bacon. Serve it hot, and maybe even garnish it with some chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that’ll satisfy any pasta lover’s cravings!

Read more: Delicious Bacon Alfredo Pasta.

Turkey Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese

Turkey Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese is a delicious sandwich made with crispy turkey bacon, creamy avocado, and melted cheese on grilled bread.

To make this sandwich, start by cooking the turkey bacon in a pan until crispy and set it aside. In the same pan, add a little butter and grill two slices of bread until lightly toasted.

Next, spread mashed avocado on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the cooked turkey bacon on one piece of bread and top with sliced cheese. Place the other slice of bread, avocado side down, on top of the cheese.

Place the sandwich back in the pan and cook until the cheese is properly melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy. Voila! Your delicious Turkey Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese are ready to enjoy. It’s the perfect breakfast dish to start your day right!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up

Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up is a casserole-style dish made with chicken, bacon, cheese, biscuits, and ranch seasoning. The ingredients are layered in a baking dish and baked until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

To make Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up, start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Cut cooked chicken and cooked bacon into small pieces and set them aside. Open a can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, biscuit quarters, shredded cheese, and ranch seasoning. Toss to coat the ingredients evenly with the seasoning.

Then, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are finally golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once it’s done, remove it from your oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night with your family or friends. Definitely recommend!

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Buffalo Chicken Wraps are a tasty and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The wraps are made with spicy buffalo chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.

To make Buffalo Chicken Wraps, start by cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked. Cut the cooked chicken breasts into small pieces and toss them with buffalo sauce to coat evenly.

To assemble the wrap, spread a generous amount of ranch or blue cheese dressing on a flour tortilla. Add the buffalo chicken on top of the dressing, followed by shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado.

Fold the tortilla’s sides inwards and roll it up tightly from the bottom. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make more wraps.

Serve the wraps immediately or wrap them in foil and store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Buffalo Chicken Wraps are perfect for a quick and delicious meal on the go.

Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash

Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash is a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for fall and winter. The dish is made by roasting butternut squash with bacon and cheese until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To make Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash, start by preheating the oven to 375°F. Cut a medium-sized butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into small, bite-sized pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender.

While the squash is roasting, cook bacon in a pan until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and chop it into small pieces.

Once the squash is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the chopped bacon and shredded cheese over the top. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for about 5-10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the dish is done, remove it from your oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash is a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs well with various main courses!

Caramelized Onion, Spinach & Bacon Pizza

Caramelized Onion, Spinach & Bacon Pizza is a delicious and savory pizza that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the salty flavor of bacon and the freshness of spinach.

To make this pizza, start by preheating the oven to 425°F. On a floured surface, carefully roll out your pizza dough and place on a pan or baking sheet.

Next, spread caramelized onions over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the onions with fresh spinach leaves and cooked bacon pieces. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pizza.

Bake the pizza in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the soft cheese is bubly and melted and the pizza crust is golden brown and crispy.

Once the pizza is well-baked, remove it from your oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Caramelized Onion, Spinach & Bacon Pizza is a delicious and flavorful pizza perfect for your next pizza night.

For more delectable bacon recipes, check out Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs Air Fryer Recipe, Best Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes With Bacon And Cheese, The Best Air Fryer Egg Bites With Bacon, Stove Top Bean and Bacon Soup, and Best Creamy Broccoli Bacon Recipe You Will Love.