Bacon has become a staple ingredient in many recipes and for good reason – its smoky, salty, umami-rich flavour enhances everything from appetizers to desserts. However, with inflation driving grocery costs through the roof, a package of bacon may not fit comfortably into your weekly food budget anymore. Before you stop buying bacon altogether, consider this – that leftover bacon grease can be used for a wide variety of baking purposes!
Instead of pouring that post-bacon-frying grease down the drain, let it cool slightly and then strain and transfer to an airtight container. You’ll be amazed at how many different ways you can reuse bacon fat to impart that sweet and savory bacon essence into all kinds of baked goods. Plus, since you’ve already cooked the bacon for another meal, repurposing the grease is essentially getting two uses out of one ingredient purchase. That’s a money-saving kitchen hack if I ever heard one!
On the savory side of baking, bacon grease can be used to enrich and add moistness to biscuits, scones, pie crusts, and savory breads. Simply substitute some of the butter or shortening called for in the recipe with an equal amount of cooled bacon fat. The result will be incredible flaky layers and undeniable bacon-y goodness. Muffins, cornbread, and even pancakes and waffles also benefit from some substituted bacon grease too.
When it comes to sweets, bacon grease pairs exceptionally well with chocolate and maple flavors. Add a few spoonfuls to your favorite brownie, chocolate cake, or chocolate chip cookie recipe for a deep, smoky riff on the classic treat. You can also use just a bit to enhance maple-flavored goodies like muffins, doughnuts, pancakes, and even maple popcorn or candied nuts.
Of course, because bacon grease is pork fat, it does have a lower smoke point than other baking fats. So when using it for baking, keep the oven under 375°F. Bacon grease stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container will keep for up to 3 months. You can even freeze small portions to have ready-to-use bacon fat on hand whenever bake day inspiration strikes.
With some creativity and the strategic reuse of bacon grease as a substitute baking fat, you can get the most flavor, savings, and use out of every package of bacon you buy. Incorporate it into both sweet and savory baked goods and your family may not even realize their new favorite treats are the result of your resourceful budget baking! So next time you cook up a batch of everyone’s favorite breakfast meat, don’t discard that leftover grease – your next batch of cookies, scones, or cornbread will thank you!
