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Bacon grease is the flavorful fat left over after cooking bacon, and it can do more than just add taste to your favorite breakfast. Instead of tossing it, save the grease to enhance your cooking. Simply strain out any bits, pour the grease into a jar, and store it. This simple step can add rich flavor to many dishes, making bacon grease a key ingredient in kitchens. Here are 14 ways you can make the most of it.
Season Cast Iron Skillets
Bacon grease is perfect for maintaining your cast iron cookware. After cleaning your pan, apply a thin layer of bacon grease to create a non-stick surface and add a touch of flavor to your next meal.
Replace Cooking Oil
Swap out your usual cooking oil or butter with bacon grease. Use it to fry, sauté, grill, or roast vegetables and meats for an added layer of savory richness.
Enhance Vegetables
Toss your favorite vegetables in bacon grease before roasting or sautéing. Whether it’s leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes, the smoky flavor will take your veggies to the next level.
Improve Your Baking
In savory baked goods like biscuits, pies, and skillet cornbread, replace butter or shortening with bacon grease. This adds a unique flavor while preventing the baked goods from sticking.
Upgrade Your Popcorn
Use bacon grease instead of oil to pop popcorn for a deliciously savory snack. Melt the bacon grease in a pot, add the kernels, and shake until they pop. The result? The best popcorn you’ve ever had!
Start a Fire
Bacon grease makes an excellent fire starter when mixed with cotton balls or dry kindling. Use it to help light your campfire or grill.
Enhance Soups and Stews
Grandma knew the secret to great soups and stews—a spoonful of bacon grease. Sauté your veggies in it first to add depth and richness to your broth-based dishes.
25 Tasty and Flavorful Classic Stew Recipes To Dial Up the Comfort
Make Flavorful Salad Dressings
Add a new dimension to your vinaigrette by mixing in some bacon grease. It gives your salad dressings a smoky, savory twist you’ll love.
Refried Beans
Stir a spoonful of bacon grease into refried beans for added creaminess and flavor. This small change makes a big difference!
Elevate Mashed Potatoes
Mix in bacon grease for extra-rich mashed potatoes. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with this comforting side dish.
Related: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Corn on the Cob
Brush bacon grease onto corn on the cob before grilling for an extra-savory, crispy finish that’ll make this summer favorite even better.
Flavor Rice and Grains
Sauté rice or grains like millet and buckwheat in bacon grease before cooking to infuse them with rich, smoky flavor. This simple trick can transform your grains.
How to Make Fried Rice
Swap Butter in Scrambled Eggs
When scrambling eggs, use bacon grease instead of butter or oil. The grease will add an extra layer of flavor, making your breakfast a deliciously hearty meal.
Upgrade Tacos
Crisp up store-bought tortillas in bacon grease for a restaurant-quality taco shell. This easy hack adds both texture and flavor to your tacos, taking your taco night to a whole new level.
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