Got some bacon grease leftover in the pan? Don’t rush to clean it out just yet! This versatile kitchen leftover can be used for a slew of creative and practical purposes beyond the stove. From clever household hacks to unexpected uses, here are ten innovative ways to put that leftover bacon grease to work.
Create A Natural Leather Polish
Leather shoes and belts can become dry and stiff from exposure to the elements. Apply a small amount of bacon grease to a cloth and gently rub it into your shoes, belts, and other leather gear to moisturize and condition the material.
Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re any good at being a cast iron skillet owner, you know seasoning is a must after using it. Bacon grease is a game-changer for that. Its high smoking point and flavorful fat coat the skillet perfectly, creating a non-stick surface that adds a hint of bacony goodness to everything you cook.
Make Popcorn
Movie night just got a whole lot more delicious by popping kernels in bacon grease instead of butter or oil. The grease adds a smoky, savory depth that transforms a simple snack into a gourmet experience.
Infuse Bourbon
For a bold, innovative twist, infuse your bourbon with bacon grease. The process involves mixing warm bacon fat with bourbon, then chilling until the fat solidifies for removal. This technique imparts a smoky, umami-rich flavor to the bourbon. Any cocktail connoisseur will enjoy this use tremendously!
Make a Bacon Scented Candle
A few years ago I dragged my husband to some ridiculous pop-up restaurant where the theme was a “no waste” dinner. As part of the experience, our unknowingly tallow candle ended up being poured on our main course. He hasn’t let me live down that experience since. While that would probably be delicious with a bacon candle, we’re not going to such extremes with this suggestion. Simply melt wax and mix in cooled bacon grease, then pour into a mold with a wick. As the candle burns, it releases a subtle, warm bacon fragrance that any bacon lover will be happy to have in their home.
Cook Up The Most Delicious Grilled Cheese
Using bacon grease to pan fry your cheese sandwich adds an incredible layer of flavor that butter just can’t match. It crisps the bread to golden perfection while the savory, bacon-infused taste makes the classic grilled cheese irresistibly gourmet. This simple tweak takes comfort food to a whole new level.
As a Ham Hock Replacement for Seasoning Dry Beans
In the absence of ham hocks, bacon grease offers a rich, smoky flavor as a fantastic alternative for seasoning dry beans. Add some bacon grease to the cooking water to easily impart that delicious smoky flavor into the beans.
Roast Vegetables In It
Roasting vegetables in bacon grease transforms them with a delicious, smoky flavor that can’t be achieved with other oils. The grease adds a crispy texture to the outer layer while locking in moisture, making your veggies irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
Spread it on Toast
Spread a thin layer of solidified bacon grease on your morning toast as a flavorful alternative to butter. This simple yet transformative use brings a smoky, savory note to your breakfast. It’s also a killer double dose of bacon on a BLT sandwich.
Make the Dog Some Treats
Pamper your furry friend with homemade dog treats using bacon grease as a key ingredient. Combine it with dog-friendly ingredients like peanut butter and they’ll gobble it down. Everything in moderation though, dog’s shouldn’t be given a ton of extra fat or you may end up with a digestive dilemma on your hands.
As a Butter Substitute in Biscuits
Since bacon grease solidifies when cold, use it as a substitute for butter in your biscuit recipes. The savory twist will leave everyone asking for more. The grease adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the soft, flaky texture of the biscuits, creating a delightful contrast for breakfasts, brunches, or any meal.
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
