Bacon Grease

Sus scrofa domesticus (rendered fat) Fat, Pork Product

Bacon Grease Fat, Pork Product

At a Glance

  • Category Fat, Pork Product

The Forktionary Angle

"Liquid gold: transforming everyday dishes with its unparalleled smoky depth and ability to elevate vegetables, eggs, and cornbread."

Definition

The rendered fat collected from cooking bacon, prized for its distinctive smoky, salty flavor and used as a cooking oil or flavoring agent.

Recommended Storage Refrigerated (up to 3 months)
Smoke Point (filtered) ~370°F (188°C)
Traditional Use Southern US Cuisine

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Bacon Grease are:

Smoky salty savory rich umami porky

Chef’s Secret

For perfectly crispy roasted potatoes, toss them in melted bacon grease before roasting. The fat's high smoke point and flavor are unbeatable.

Best Substitutes

Lard

less smoky, similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Butter

less smoky, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Olive Oil

for cooking, entirely different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Usually collected at home from cooked bacon. Ensure it's strained to remove solids for longer shelf life.

Recipes Using Bacon Grease

Weeknight Time To Make Equipment Side Dishes

Beans And Bacon

This comforting Beans and Bacon recipe is perfect for a chilly evening! Slow-cooked to perfection, the bacon adds a smoky depth to the tender beans, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Easy to make and even easier to clean up thanks to your slow cooker!

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Time To Make Occasion For 1 Or 2 Preparation

Bauernfruhstuck

Experience the authentic taste of Germany with this Bauernfrühstück recipe! A hearty and satisfying farmer's breakfast, this dish features crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned potatoes. Easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch or a comforting weeknight meal. This recipe is a delicious take on a classic German breakfast.

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Healthy 30 Minutes Or Less Green Yellow Beans Stove Top

Company Green Beans

Impress your guests with Grandma's secret recipe for Company Green Beans! This classic side dish is incredibly versatile – adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want less onion? More bacon? Go for it! Easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Bacon Cabbage And White Bean Soup

Warm up on a chilly day with this smoky and sweet Bacon, Cabbage, and White Bean Soup! This hearty recipe is perfect for a cozy winter meal. The rich bacon flavor complements the sweetness of the cabbage and the heartiness of the white beans. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with a side of warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for meal prepping – simply reheat and enjoy!

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Dietary Occasion Preparation Beef

1950's Hamburger Goulash

This nostalgic 1950s Hamburger Goulash recipe is a family favorite, brimming with savory flavors! Garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and bacon create a comforting base, while oregano adds a unique twist that sets it apart from ordinary hamburger casseroles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Using frozen cooked ground beef (optional) significantly cuts down on prep time. The optional breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for company! Doubles easily for a crowd.

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Presentation Time To Make Served Hot 60 Minutes Or Less

Katherine's Hot German Potato Salad

Grandma's secret recipe for the BEST Hot German Potato Salad! This isn't your average potato salad – it boasts the perfect tangy-sweet balance, thanks to a special blend of spices and a touch of sweetness. Unlike many recipes, this one features fresh, diced celery for a vibrant crunch instead of celery seed. Get ready for a taste of tradition with a delightful twist! Easy to follow instructions and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Main Dish Vegetables Main Ingredient Time To Make

Almost One Pot Chicken Casserole

This hearty, family-friendly chicken casserole is almost a one-pot wonder! Packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, it's surprisingly easy to make – even for busy weeknights. A sharp knife will make chopping a breeze, or ask your butcher for pre-cut chicken. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal covering all the major food groups.

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Comfort Food Main Ingredient Bacon Taste Mood

Bacon And Potato Chowder

Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Bacon and Potato Chowder! Made with smoky bacon (best if sourced from a butcher!), creamy potatoes, and a touch of magic, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a chilly evening. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort food bliss! #BaconChowder #PotatoChowder #ComfortFood #EasyRecipe #SmokedBacon #ButcherShop

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Preparation Occasion Vegetables Casseroles

Bean Quartet Casserole

Roxann Roberts of The Glass Bazaar presents her award-winning Bean Quartet Casserole! This hearty and flavorful casserole combines four kinds of beans with crispy bacon and a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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American Course Roast Beef Occasion

Beef Stew With Coffee Gravy

This isn't your grandma's beef stew! Elevate your comfort food game with our unique recipe featuring a deep, flavorful coffee gravy. Intrigued by the coffee? Trust us, it adds unbelievable depth and richness, creating a taste sensation somewhere between a classic beef stew and a tender pot roast. Perfect for picky eaters, this recipe is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Prepare for tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, and a gravy that will leave you wanting more!

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Soups Stews Soups Stews Preparation Time To Make

Bacon Corn Chowder

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Bacon Corn Chowder! Perfect for a cozy night in, this creamy chowder features crispy bacon, sweet corn, and tender potatoes. Often served with grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete and satisfying meal. Get the recipe now!

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Penne Penne 15 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains

Bacon And Tomato Pasta

This incredibly easy 15-minute pasta recipe is bursting with flavor! Creamy chive and onion cream cheese elevates simple bacon and tomatoes into a gourmet meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

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Presentation Preparation Main Dish Presentation

Alambre De Bistec

Experience the fiery flavors of Mexico with this authentic Alambre de Bistec recipe! Juicy steak, crisp bacon, and vibrant bell peppers create a sizzling symphony of taste in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun fiesta!

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Course Side Dishes Potatoes Preparation

Bacon And Asparagus Poutine Sp5

This decadent 5-ingredient Bacon and Asparagus Poutine elevates the classic comfort food! Crispy potato wedges meet savory bacon, earthy asparagus, and melty cheese curds, all smothered in rich gravy. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day feast. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Lunch Snacks 3 Steps Or Less

Bacon N Ranch Dip

This incredible Bacon Ranch Dip is ridiculously easy to make and utterly irresistible! Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, this creamy, savory dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for the ultimate snacking experience.

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Eggs Dairy Occasion Course Potluck

Bacon And Macaroni Frittata

This vibrant Bacon and Macaroni Frittata is a delicious and surprisingly quick weeknight meal! Enjoy it as a light summer lunch with a fresh salad or a hearty winter dinner alongside your favorite sides. Made with extra lean bacon for a healthier twist, this frittata skips the heavy pastry crust of a quiche, offering a complete protein-packed meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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4 Hours Or Less North American Low In Something Course

Aunt Martha's Country Green Beans

Experience the BEST green beans you'll ever taste! This recipe delivers incredibly tender and flavorful green beans, simmered to perfection with a touch of [Add Flavor Profile Here, e.g., Southern charm]. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, these green beans are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Grains 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Okie Cornbread

This family heirloom recipe delivers the ultimate Okie cornbread experience! Crispy edges, a tender crumb, and that irresistible hint of bacon grease make it the perfect side for chili, beans, fried potatoes, or any Southern comfort food. Get ready to taste tradition!

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