11 Genius Ways to Use Leftover Bacon Grease

Leftover bacon grease can feel like a mystery ingredient, but it’s actually liquid gold in the kitchen. Instead of tossing it out, why not put it to good use? Bacon grease adds incredible flavor to dishes and even has some surprising household applications. We’ve got some genius ideas to help you make the most of it.

Crispy bacon.Photo byPhoto credit: Pexels.

Create A Natural Leather Polish

Leather shoes and belts can become dry and stiff from exposure to the elements and you don't actually need to buy polish if you've been saving your bacon grease. Apply a small amount of bacon grease to a cloth and gently rub it into your shoes, belts, and other leather gear to moisturize and condition the material. A little goes a long way, don't over do it or you may end up walking around smelling like breakfast all day long.

Season Your Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re any good at being a cast iron skillet owner, you know seasoning is a must after using it. Bacon grease is a game-changer for that. Its high smoking point and flavorful fat coat the skillet perfectly, creating a non-stick surface that adds a hint of bacony goodness to everything you cook.

Make Popcorn

Movie night just got a whole lot more delicious by popping kernels in bacon grease instead of butter or oil. The grease adds a smoky, savory depth that makes popcorn even more addictive, if that's possible.

Bourbon in a glass with ice.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Infuse Bourbon

For a bold, innovative twist, infuse your bourbon with bacon grease. The process, called fat washing, involves mixing warm bacon fat with bourbon, then chilling until the fat solidifies for removal. This technique imparts a smoky, umami-rich flavor to the bourbon and takes your drink to the next level. It's a great DIY holiday gift idea too.

Make a Bacon Scented Candle

A few years ago I dragged my husband to some ridiculous pop-up restaurant where the theme was a “no waste” dinner. As part of the experience, our unknowingly tallow candle ended up being poured on our main course. He hasn’t let me live down that experience since. While that would probably be delicious with a bacon candle, we’re not going to such extremes with this suggestion. Simply melt wax and mix in cooled bacon grease, then pour into a mold with a wick. As the candle burns, it releases a subtle, warm bacon fragrance that any bacon lover will be happy to have in their home.

Cook Up The Most Delicious Grilled Cheese

Using bacon grease to pan fry your cheese sandwich adds an incredible layer of flavor that butter just can’t match. It crisps the bread to golden perfection while the savory, bacon-infused taste makes the classic grilled cheese irresistibly gourmet. Try it with this grilled cheese recipe that combines roast beef and smoked gouda for an epic lunch.

As a Ham Hock Replacement for Seasoning Dry Beans

In the absence of ham hocks, bacon grease offers a rich, smoky flavor as a fantastic alternative for seasoning dry beans. Add some bacon grease to the cooking water to easily impart that delicious smoky flavor into the beans.

Roasted vegetables.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Roast Vegetables In It

Roasting vegetables in bacon grease transforms them with a delicious, smoky flavor that can’t be achieved with other oils or butter. The grease adds a crispy texture to the outer layer while locking in moisture, making your veggies irresistibly tasty and satisfying.

Spread it on Toast

Spread a thin layer of solidified bacon grease on your morning toast as a flavorful alternative to butter. Butter is great, but this smoky, more savory option is pretty indulgent too. It’s also a killer double dose of bacon on a BLT sandwich.

Make the Dog Some Treats

Pamper your furry friend with homemade dog treats using bacon grease as a key ingredient. Combine it with dog-friendly ingredients like peanut butter and they’ll gobble it down. Everything in moderation though, dog’s shouldn’t be given a ton of extra fat or you may end up with a digestive dilemma on your hands.

As a Butter Substitute in Biscuits

Since bacon grease solidifies when cold, use it as a substitute for butter in your biscuit recipes. The savory twist will leave everyone asking for more. The grease adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the soft, flaky texture of the biscuits. It's pretty irresistible.