What to do with bacon grease? Think of it as smoky, salty liquid-gold you can cook with, save, or safely throw away instead of pouring it down the drain.

Quick Scoop

  • Use it like you would butter or oil to add deep, smoky flavor to everyday dishes.
  • Store it properly (strained, sealed, chilled) so it lasts and doesn’t go rancid.
  • Never pour it down the sink; let it solidify and toss or reuse.

Smart, Tasty Ways To Use Bacon Grease

Everyday cooking upgrades

  • Fry or scramble eggs in bacon grease instead of butter.
  • SautĂ© veggies like green beans, asparagus, kale, or chard in a small spoonful.
  • Pan‑sear burgers, pork chops, or even steak in a thin layer for extra crust and flavor.
  • Toss potatoes or Brussels sprouts in melted bacon fat, then roast until crispy.

Breakfast and baking “secret ingredient”

  • Fry hash browns or skillet potatoes in bacon grease for a diner-style breakfast.
  • Use some bacon fat instead of butter/oil in cornbread, biscuits, or savory pie crust.
  • Make pancakes or waffles with a spoonful of bacon fat in the batter or brushed on the pan.

Fun extra uses

  • Make stovetop popcorn using bacon grease instead of regular oil.
  • Toast tortillas or bread in a very thin smear of bacon fat for grilled cheese, BLTs, or flatbread-style snacks.
  • Start soups, beans, or greens by sautĂ©ing onions/garlic in bacon grease for a smoky base.

How To Save & Store Bacon Grease (Without the Mess)

  1. Let it cool slightly
    • Do not pour it piping hot into glass; let it cool until it’s still liquid but not scorching.
  1. Strain it
    • Pour through a fine strainer, cheesecloth, or even a paper towel into a heat‑safe jar or dedicated bacon‑grease container to remove burnt bits.
  1. Store it safely
    • Room temp in a dark spot: shorter life. Fridge: usually keeps for months and stays scoopable. Freezer: longest shelf life, just freeze in a jar or small portions.
  1. Know when to toss it
    • If it smells sour, paint‑like, or “off,” or shows mold, throw it out.

What NOT To Do With Bacon Grease

  • Don’t pour it down the sink or toilet; it can solidify and clog pipes.
  • Don’t pour very hot grease into a cold glass jar; thermal shock can crack or shatter it.
  • Don’t leave it unstrained at warm room temperature for weeks; food bits can spoil and ruin the whole jar.

If you don’t want to save it, let it cool and solidify in a disposable container, then toss it in the trash.

Mini Forum-Style Take

“If you have bacon grease, you have a fantastic prize. Use it any time you’d use lard or fat.”

People online rave about using bacon grease for almost anything they’d normally do with butter or oil—from roasting veggies to making popcorn—and many keep a jar in the fridge like their grandparents did.

TL;DR: Use bacon grease like a flavorful cooking fat (eggs, veggies, potatoes, biscuits, soups), strain and store it in the fridge or freezer, and never pour it down the drain.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.