Can You Add New Bacon Grease to Old Bacon Grease?

Yes, you can add new bacon grease to old bacon grease. This practice is quite common, especially among those who enjoy cooking with lard or rendered fat as a cooking medium. My grandmother swore by a small coffee can on the stovetop to save bacon grease, and I've followed a similar method.

However, it's essential to understand that you should only add more bacon grease and not any other types of fat, such as sausage grease. Sausage grease typically contains more water, which can compromise the quality of the bacon grease. Also, mixing different types of grease, even if they come from bacon, can alter the flavor and cause spoilage issues.

For best results, I recommend sticking to a consistent type of bacon, such as either Farmer John bacon or regular bacon from a local butcher like Stater Bros. Butcher. Both brands are known for their quality, and using a single brand can help maintain a consistent flavor in your dishes.

Farmer John Bacon: A Consistent Choice

I have found that Farmer John bacon is a reliable choice for those who want a consistent flavor and quality. But as a husband to a wife who prefers Stater Bros. Butcher's bacon, we've learned that different brands can indeed influence the taste of your bacon grease.

It's worth noting that if you cook different types of bacon, it's possible they could combine to create a strange taste. Each bacon has its unique flavor, and mixing them can introduce inconsistencies in the taste of your rendered fat. Therefore, to maintain the integrity of your bacon grease, it's best to stick to a single brand and type of bacon.

Using Bacon Grease: A Versatile Ingredient

Bacon grease is not just for frying up more bacon; it has a myriad of uses in cooking. Many culinary enthusiasts swear by its ability to add depth and richness to dishes. In fact, I've even used the saved bacon grease on our Thanksgiving turkey, and it left a delicious and savory taste that infused with the flavors of the bird.

To ensure the bacon grease remains usable and flavorful, it's important to store it properly. I save my bacon grease in a glass jar, which not only keeps it clean and manageable but also allows me to see the amount of grease I have. Covering the jar with a lid or airtight container is crucial to prevent contamination and spoilage.

If you use the saved bacon grease regularly, it should stay fresh and usable as long as no other fats are added to it. Keeping it refrigerated can further extend its shelf life, allowing you to store it longer and use it consistently in your cooking.

Conclusion

In summary, adding new bacon grease to old bacon grease is a perfectly fine practice, as long as you maintain a consistent type of bacon and store the grease properly. Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavor to your cooking, whether you're frying up eggs, preparing a Thanksgiving turkey, or simply enhancing the taste of your next dish.

Happy cooking!