The One Thing Grandma Always Did When She Cooked Bacon
Updated: Feb. 11, 2022
Want delicious, flavorful dishes? You'll need to know how to save bacon grease like a pro. (Grandma, that is!)
We love Michelin-starred chefs and trendy restaurants as much as the next person, but don’t get us wrong: Nobody cooks like Grandma.
She always knows how to pack in the flavor. Fortunately, she learned a bunch of cooking skills that can easily be passed down to you. (If she didn’t teach you about baking bacon, you’re missing out!)
Want to cook like Grandma? You’ll need to learn how to save bacon grease.
Why Is Bacon Grease So Good?
This kitchen secret has been around for decades, so you can bet it’s something Grandma picked up when she first found her footing in the kitchen.
Sure, saving bacon grease might sound strange, but it has its fair share of perks. Not only does it keep food from sticking to your pan, but it also pumps up the flavor when added to eggs, potatoes, greens, cornbread and other recipes. You can even bake chocolate chip bacon grease cookies.
How to Save Bacon Grease
Luckily, Grandma’s secret trick isn’t hard to master. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Cook your bacon to perfection. (Psst… Check out our do’s and don’ts for getting your strips just right.)
Step 2: Let the bacon fat cool in the pan as you scarf down your breakfast.
Step 3: Once the greasy goodness has started to solidify, scoop up the remains with a spatula and stow it in a tin or jar like this for safekeeping. Some people store their bacon in a cool, dark space underneath their sinks (really!) but the refrigerator is also suitable.
How Long Can Bacon Grease Last?
The jury is still out on that. While some people say it’s good for up to a year, others argue that it goes bad after a few weeks’ time.
Our advice is to check in on your grease every few weeks—and toss it out if it smells questionable (try these other tricks, too). For best results, strain the grease to remove any bacon bits that can speed up the spoiling process.
Now the only thing left to do is figure out how you’ll use your leftover bacon grease. We have some ideas…
Breakfast Potatoes That Would Be Better with Bacon Grease
Southwestern Hash with EggsBefore I retired, this all-in-one skillet dish was constantly requested at office brunches. I'd leave out the eggs, double or triple the recipe and wrap servings of the zippy pork mixture in warm corn tortillas. —Barbara Beasley, Beaumont, Texas
Tater Tot Breakfast CasseroleI keep frozen spuds on hand for meals like this Tater Tot breakfast casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunrise Sausage EnchiladasThese delicious enchiladas are equally good made with cubed ham. Prepare ahead, refrigerate and bake when ready for a convenient breakfast twist. —Deb LeBlanc, Phillipsburg, Kansas
Ham and Potato FrittataEasy and delicious, this hearty ham and potato frittata is appreciated whenever I've served it...breakfast, lunch or dinner. Reheated or cold, the leftovers are also great! We—my husband, our 8-year-old daughter and I—live in a suburb. But our back windows look out at mountains, farms, horses and cows. —Katie Dreibelbis, State College, Pennsylvania
Hash Brown Egg BrunchSlow cookers aren't just for making dinner. I make this often if we're having company overnight. With just a little planning and not much work, I can prep it the night before and have a lovely breakfast waiting in the morning. —Barb Keith, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Smoked Salmon-Potato Brunch BakeThe two different potatoes, fresh herbs and different textures make this savory brunch bake unique and special.—Victoria Johnson, Gilbert, Arizona
Delicious Potato DoughnutsI first tried these tasty treats at my sister's house and thought they were the best I'd ever had. They're easy to make, and the fudge frosting tops them off well. When I make them for friends, the recipe is always requested. —Pat Davis, Beulah, Michigan
Pot Roast HashI love to cook a Sunday-style pot roast on a weeknight. Make it into pot roast hash for any day of the week. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Hash Brown Maple Sausage CasseroleThis craveworthy casserole has a golden hash-brown crust that's topped with sausage and veggies. My favorite part is the surprise layer of gooey Gruyere. —Anuja Argade, Foster City, California
Makeover Hash and EggsWho knew there was such a thing as healthy corned beef hash?! Loaded with red potatoes and deli corned beef, our lightened-up version of corned beef hash delivers fresh flavors and a dose of fiber. It's so spot on, you'll swear you're in a diner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cheesy Sausage PotatoesFor a satisfying brunch, try some sausage and potatoes! I never have to worry about leftovers with these tasty potatoes—everyone loves them and the pan always empties. You can also serve these as a side dish at Sunday supper or for potlucks. —Linda Hill, Marseilles, Illinois
Camper's Breakfast HashWhen we go camping with family and friends, I'm always asked to make this hearty breakfast. This camping breakfast is a favorite at home, too. —Linda Krivanek, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Spicy Hash Brown Waffles with Fried EggsRefrigerated hash brown potatoes will help you make quick work of these crunchy waffles. Put out lots of toppings so everyone can design their own. —Nancy Judd, Alpine, Utah
Corned Beef Hash and EggsSunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, they always rate this corned beef hash recipe No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Sausage Hash Brown BakeFor this all-in-one breakfast casserole, I sandwich pork sausage between layers of hash browns flavored with creamy soup and French onion dip. Cheddar cheese tops it all off. —Esther Wrinkles, Vanzant, Missouri
Hash Brown Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Dill CreamOn weekends when I was growing up, pancakees, salmon and bagels were our brunch staples. Now, I combine the concepts and use whipped cream instead of cream cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Hash Brown & Chicken Brunch CasseroleMy husband and I love to have a hot breakfast, but find it difficult with two kids. This dish is excellent to prepare the night before and bake the next day for your family or to take into work to share with co-workers—there are never any leftovers.—Jennifer Berry, Lexington, Ohio
Hawaiian HashI like the combination of ginger, pineapple and macadamia nuts. This dish brings back memories of an island vacation.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Hash Brown Egg BakeA package of frozen potatoes makes this hash brown egg casserole simple to prepare. Featuring bacon and cheddar cheese, this easy egg bake is tasty breakfast or brunch fare. You can even make it the night before, keep in the fridge and bake the next morning—so convenient! —Cheryl Johnson, Plymouth, Minnesota
Potato-Cheddar FrittataI like to serve this hearty fritatta with toasted rustic bread. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, throw them in instead of the pre-packaged ones. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Sweet Potato and Ham HashTender sweet potatoes match up with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve it with salad and have an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Originally Published: January 28, 2021
