Bacon grease usually gets poured out once breakfast is done, but that habit might be selling it short. This leftover fat has qualities that make it worth holding onto, and with a little resourcefulness it can be repurposed in ways you may not expect. It keeps well when stored properly, has a richness that can’t easily be replicated, and works in more settings than you might think.
Use It as a Natural Leather Polish
Bacon grease can help bring life back to worn leather shoes, belts and other accessories. A small amount worked into the surface with a soft cloth conditions and restores flexibility while adding a slight sheen. It is an easy, inexpensive way to maintain leather goods without store‑bought polish and it makes use of something you already have on hand.
Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
Keeping a cast iron skillet in good condition means regular seasoning and bacon grease works beautifully for that. Its high smoke point and flavorful fat create a slick nonstick surface while enhancing the skillet’s ability to brown food evenly. Each time you cook with it you are adding to the skillet’s seasoning so it gets better with every use.
Pop Popcorn in It
Skip the oil or butter and make popcorn using bacon grease for a rich, savory flavor. Melt the grease in a heavy pot before adding the kernels and you will end up with a snack that has a subtle smokiness and an irresistible aroma. This method turns a simple bowl of popcorn into something that tastes far more special with almost no extra effort.
Infuse Bourbon for a Smoky Kick
For a bold flavor infusion, combine warm bacon grease with bourbon and let it sit long enough for the flavors to mingle. Once the mixture has chilled the solidified fat is removed and you are left with bourbon that carries a hint of smokiness and depth. It is an inventive way to bring new character to cocktails without overpowering the drink.
Make a Bacon Scented Candle
Bacon lovers can enjoy the aroma even when they are not cooking by turning leftover grease into a candle. Melt the grease together with wax, pour it into a container with a wick and let it set. The candle will release a gentle bacon fragrance when lit and it is a fun conversation piece for anyone who enjoys a savory scent in the air.
Fry the Best Grilled Cheese
Using bacon grease instead of butter when frying grilled cheese sandwiches results in a crisp golden crust and a deep savory flavor. The bread toasts evenly while the melted cheese inside stays creamy and rich. This small swap turns a familiar comfort food into something more indulgent and memorable without adding extra steps.
Replace Ham Hocks in Beans
If you are cooking a pot of dry beans and do not have ham hocks, bacon grease can provide that same smoky depth. Stir it into the cooking liquid early on so the flavor permeates every bite. It is a simple substitute that keeps the beans hearty and well seasoned from start to finish.
Roast Vegetables In It
Coating vegetables in melted bacon grease before roasting gives them a crisp exterior and a rich savory taste. The fat helps them caramelize while locking in their natural moisture so they come out tender inside. This method works especially well with potatoes, Brussels sprouts and root vegetables.
Spread it on Toast
Solidified bacon grease can be spread thinly on toast for a smoky alternative to butter. It works as a quick breakfast upgrade or as an extra bacon boost on a BLT sandwich. The flavor is robust enough that a small amount goes a long way so you can enjoy it without overpowering the bread.
Add It to Homemade Dog Treats
Dogs will love the flavor of homemade treats made with a touch of bacon grease. Mix it into a dough with other dog‑friendly ingredients like pumpkin or peanut butter then bake into biscuits. Be sure to use it sparingly since too much fat can upset a dog’s stomach but in moderation it makes for a special reward.
Swap It for Butter in Biscuits
Cold bacon grease can replace butter in biscuit dough to add a savory flavor and a slightly different texture. The biscuits will be tender with layers that carry a hint of smokiness. This is an easy way to work bacon flavor into breakfast or brunch without having to cook the meat separately.
11 Amazing Ways To Use Orange Peels You Haven’t Thought Of
So, you’ve just enjoyed a juicy orange and are about to toss the peel? Hold up—there’s a whole world of possibilities for those peels that often go overlooked. From creating your own natural cleaning solutions to whipping up some surprisingly sweet snacks, let’s explore some awesomely creative ways to give those orange peels a second life.
Read it Here: 11 Amazing Ways To Use Orange Peels You Haven’t Thought Of
From Trash to Treasure: 11 Ways to Make Use of Coffee Grounds
Most of us toss coffee grounds without a second thought, but those gritty remnants have plenty of hidden potential! From boosting your garden to freshening up your home, coffee grounds can do it all. Here are some clever and practical ways to repurpose those used grounds. Before you dump them tomorrow morning, check out how you can turn them into something truly useful and rethink your daily routine.
Read it Here: From Trash to Treasure: 11 Ways to Make Use of Coffee Grounds
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
