How Long Is Bacon Grease Good For: Storage and Usage Tips

Let’s dive into the world of bacon grease and explore its storage options and shelf life. Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that enhances various dishes, but how long does it actually last?

Storage Duration at Room Temperature

Bacon fat can last for about a month on the counter at room temperature before it starts to become sour. However, if you prefer a more reliable storage method, keep your bacon grease in the refrigerator to extend its lifespan. Refrigerating bacon grease ensures it stays fresh for up to six months.

Freezer Storage

Bacon grease can be stored indefinitely in the freezer. Freezing it in containers or ice cube trays is a practical way to manage the grease and store it for future use. This method also makes it easy to use small amounts when needed.

However, in warm weather conditions, it is advisable to dispose of bacon grease after a week. If it hardens, it can last longer, but it’s still best to check for any signs of rancidity.

Limited Shelf Life in Warm Conditions

In warm weather, bacon grease should be discarded after just one week. If it hardens, it can last longer, but it’s important to ensure it hasn’t gone bad. Refrigeration is the best way to prolong its lifespan significantly.

Tips for Extending Shelf Life

For a longer shelf life, you can strain the grease, rinse it thoroughly, and store it in an airtight container. Cooking the grease in hot water and separating the water from the grease can help remove contaminants. This process can extend the shelf life to about six months. If you follow this method, the grease will last even longer if you use oxygen absorbers and store it in a sealed container.

Some traditional practices even suggest that bacon fat can last for many years if stored properly. Personal experiences have shown that bacon grease can linger for extended periods, such as 16 years or more.

Usage in Cooking

Bacon grease is a fantastic ingredient for frying eggs, hash browns, and more. It gives a rich flavor to dishes and enhances the texture and taste. However, its primary role is to mimic lard, which our grandparents used to store in the cupboard for months before World War II. Today, bacon grease is a valuable resource in the kitchen.

Bacon Scones Recipe

One delicious way to use bacon grease is in a classic recipe for Bacon-Cheddar-Chive Scones. This recipe from King Arthur Flour is perfect for a special treat.

Ingredients

2 cups (241g) All-Purpose Flour or 2 cups (227g) Pastry Flour Blend 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon (14g) baking powder 2 teaspoons sugar 4 tablespoons (57g) cold butter (or use bacon grease to substitute butter) 1 cup (113g) very coarsely grated or diced cheddar cheese 1/3 cup (about 14g) snipped fresh chives or 1/3 cup (21g) finely diced scallion tops (the green part) 1/2 pound (227g) bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled (about 1 cup) 3/4 cup (198g) heavy cream or whipping cream or enough to make the dough cohesive

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the middle to upper third. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment. Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Work the butter into the flour until the mixture is unevenly crumbly with some of the butter remaining in larger pieces. Mix in the cheese, chives, and bacon until evenly distributed. Add 3/4 cup of the cream, stirring to combine. If the dough is crumbly or doesn’t form a cohesive mass, add more cream until the dough comes together. Transfer the shaggy dough to a well-floured work surface. Pat the dough into a smooth 7-inch disc. Brush the scones with a bit of cream. This will help their crust brown. Bake the scones in the middle or upper third of the oven for 22 to 24 minutes until they’re golden brown. Remove them from the oven and cool right on the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftover scones well wrapped for several days or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy the rich, gooey goodness of these Bacon-Cheddar-Chive Scones, made even more delicious with bacon grease instead of regular butter. This dish is a surefire way to impress your guests and give your family a hearty breakfast treat.