Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that adds a delicious flavor to many dishes. Whether you fry eggs, cook potatoes, or make cornbread, bacon grease can take your cooking to the next level.
But what do you do with all that leftover grease? Instead of throwing it away, you can actually can it up and store it for later use.
In this article, we’ll show you how to safely can bacon grease and store it for years to come. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to use bacon grease in your cooking.
So, get ready to learn how to turn your leftover bacon grease into liquid gold!
How To Can Bacon Grease?
Canning bacon grease is a simple process that requires only a few steps. First, strain the hot rendered bacon fat through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan. Add two cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and gently boil for 1-2 minutes.
Next, transfer the mixture to a heat-proof container and add the remaining two cups of cold water. Refrigerate until the fat has solidified. The mixture will separate into a layer of clarified fat and a layer of water mixed with impurities.
Remove the solidified fat and discard the water and impurities. Then, heat up the bacon grease and pour it into half-pint or pint jars that have been sterilized. Fill the jars to 1/2 inch from the top and put on a hot, previously simmered lid. Screw down the ring firmly tight, and the jars will seal without further processing.
This canned bacon grease will last for years without getting rancid, in our experience. You can store it in your pantry or on a shelf in your kitchen for easy access.
Why Can Bacon Grease?
Bacon grease has been a staple in kitchens for decades, and for good reason. It adds a delicious, smoky flavor to dishes and can be used in a variety of recipes. Bacon grease is also higher in monounsaturated fat than butter and does not contain trans fat like margarine does. While bacon itself has been associated with health concerns due to its high sodium and nitrate content, bacon fat itself is not high in sodium and can be a healthier alternative to other cooking fats.
Many home cooks store their extra bacon grease in jars at room temperature, but it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator for safety and longevity. When properly canned, bacon grease can last for years without getting rancid. Canning bacon grease is a simple process that involves straining the hot rendered fat, boiling it with water, refrigerating until solidified, discarding the water and impurities, and then filling sterilized jars with the remaining clarified fat. With canned bacon grease on hand, you can easily add depth of flavor to your favorite recipes and enjoy the benefits of this versatile cooking fat.
Preparing To Can Bacon Grease
Before canning bacon grease, it is important to prepare the necessary equipment and ingredients. You will need a fine mesh strainer, a small saucepan, sterilized half-pint or pint jars with lids and rings, and four cups of water.
Start by cooking your bacon and collecting the rendered fat in a heat-proof container. Strain the hot grease through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan. This will remove any bits of bacon and impurities from the grease.
Next, add two cups of water to the saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and gently boil for 1-2 minutes. This will help to further clarify the bacon grease.
Transfer the mixture to a heat-proof container and add two cups of cold water. Refrigerate until the fat has solidified. This may take several hours or overnight.
Once the fat has solidified, remove it from the container and discard any water or impurities that have settled at the bottom. Heat up the bacon grease until it is liquid again, then pour it into your sterilized jars.
Fill each jar to 1/2 inch from the top, leaving enough headspace for expansion during processing. Put on a hot, previously simmered lid and screw down the ring firmly tight. The jars will seal without further processing.
Label each jar with the date and contents, then store them in your pantry or on a shelf in your kitchen for easy access. Your canned bacon grease will last for years without getting rancid, making it a convenient and flavorful addition to your cooking repertoire.
Step-by-Step Guide To Canning Bacon Grease
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to canning bacon grease:
1. Strain the hot rendered bacon fat through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan.
2. Add two cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and gently boil for 1-2 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a heat-proof container and add the remaining two cups of cold water.
5. Refrigerate until the fat has solidified.
6. Remove the solidified fat and discard the water and impurities.
7. Heat up the bacon grease and pour it into half-pint or pint jars that have been sterilized.
8. Fill the jars to 1/2 inch from the top and put on a hot, previously simmered lid.
9. Screw down the ring firmly tight, and the jars will seal without further processing.
Following these steps will result in delicious, preserved bacon grease that will last for years without getting rancid. You can store it in your pantry or on a shelf in your kitchen for easy access whenever you need it. Just remember not to try to force-cool the jars, as cooked jars are liable to blow up in your face if you run them under cool water or submerge them in ice. Allow them to cool down naturally on a wooden support or something similar.
Storing Canned Bacon Grease
Once you have canned your bacon grease, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its longevity. The best place to store canned bacon grease is in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. It’s important to keep the jars away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the grease to spoil.
Make sure to label your jars with the date that the bacon grease was canned, so you can keep track of its freshness. When you’re ready to use the bacon grease, simply remove it from the storage location and scoop out the desired amount.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of contamination or spoilage, you can also store your canned bacon grease in the refrigerator. This will help to extend its shelf life even further, but it’s not necessary if you’ve followed the canning process correctly.
Tips For Using Bacon Grease In Your Cooking
Now that you have canned your bacon grease, it’s time to start using it in your cooking! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this versatile ingredient:
1. Use it as a substitute for butter or oil in recipes. Bacon grease can add a smoky, savory flavor to dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
2. Try it in sweet recipes too! Using bacon grease instead of butter in cookies or cakes can add a unique depth of flavor.
3. Use it for frying eggs or making omelets. The bacon flavor will infuse the eggs and make them extra delicious.
4. Use it to sauté onions and garlic for soups and stews. The added flavor will take your dish to the next level.
5. Use it to season cast iron pans. Rubbing a small amount of bacon grease onto your cast iron pan before cooking can help prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Use it to make gravy. Swapping out butter for bacon grease can add a rich, smoky flavor to your gravy.
7. Use it as a fire starter. If you’re camping or have a fireplace at home, use bacon grease to make a simple fire starter.
Remember that bacon grease is high in fat and should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But when used sparingly, it can add delicious flavor to your favorite dishes!
