Bacon grease is the rendered fat that is leftover after cooking bacon. It has a delicious, savory bacon flavor that makes it a tasty addition to all kinds of recipes. Many cooks save bacon grease to use later for sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, or adding flavor to soups, stews, or baked beans. But there is some debate over whether it is safe to leave bacon grease sitting out unrefrigerated. This article will examine the safety issues surrounding unrefrigerated bacon grease and provide tips for proper storage.
Can bacon grease go bad?
Like any animal fat, bacon grease can go rancid if left at room temperature for too long. Rancid fats have an unpleasant odor and taste and can cause stomach upset if consumed. There are a few factors that determine how quickly bacon grease will spoil:
- Temperature – Warmer temperatures speed up spoilage.
- Exposure to air – Contact with oxygen leads to oxidation that causes rancidity.
- Light exposure – Light can accelerate spoilage.
- Impurities – Bits of meat or particles left in the grease spoil faster.
Properly stored, most experts recommend using bacon grease within 1 to 3 months. After that, the risk of rancidity increases. Spoiled bacon grease usually has an off smell and a yellow or dark brown discoloration. Never taste bacon grease that you suspect may be rancid, as it can cause illness.
How long can bacon grease sit out?
Many people keep an open jar or can of bacon grease sitting on the stovetop or countertop for convenience when cooking. But leaving it out for more than a day or two can be risky. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), bacon grease and other cooked meat fats should never sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Bacteria grow most rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F. Leaving bacon grease out on the counter can allow bacteria to multiply quickly. FSIS recommends discarding any meat fats, including bacon grease, that have been left out for longer than 2 hours.
Can you leave bacon grease out overnight?
It’s best not to leave bacon grease out overnight. The longer grease sits unrefrigerated, the more opportunities bacteria have to contaminate it. Many food safety experts recommend against leaving it out for more than 4 hours. Overnight is often 8 hours or more, allowing lots of time for bacteria to grow.
Some people think keeping bacon grease in a covered container on the counter protects it from bacteria. But contamination can still occur from contact with cooking utensils and hands. Grease in an open or loosely covered container is even more vulnerable to bacterial growth. For optimal safety and freshness, bacon grease should always be refrigerated promptly after cooking.
Is bacon grease shelf stable?
No, bacon grease is not shelf stable at room temperature. Like other animal fats, it requires refrigeration to slow bacteria growth and prevent spoilage. Some people confuse shelf stability with the idea of “curing” the grease by cooking it for an extended time.
Heating the grease to high temperatures helps kill bacteria initially, but it will not make the grease shelf stable. Bacon grease consists mostly of saturated fat, which is prone to going rancid quickly. Keeping it refrigerated is the only way to reliably prolong freshness. Cured or processed shelf stable products like lard must contain preservatives for room temperature storage.
Should you cover bacon grease before refrigerating?
Yes, it’s best to cover or seal bacon grease before putting it in the refrigerator. An airtight container prevents air exposure that can oxidize the grease faster. It also protects against contamination from food odors and other particles in the fridge.
Some options for covering bacon grease:
- Pour into a clean, lidded jar, mason jar, or covered container.
- Place plastic wrap directly on the surface before covering.
- Freeze in an airtight plastic freezer bag with the air pressed out.
Make sure to label the container with the contents and date. Let the grease cool completely before sealing in a container. Small amounts of hot grease can be refrigerated in a loose lidded container once cooled.
How long does bacon grease last in the fridge?
With proper refrigeration, most sources recommend using bacon grease within 1 to 3 months. The colder the temperature, the longer it will keep. Stored in an airtight container in the back of the fridge away from light, it can potentially last up to 6 months before going rancid.
Here are some tips for maximizing fridge life:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in a covered jar submerged in the fat.
- Keep near the back of the fridge, away from the door.
- Avoid introducing new grease into a container to prevent contamination.
- Never return cooked bacon pieces to the grease.
Inspect refrigerated grease occasionally for signs of spoilage like changes in texture, smell or appearance. Rancid grease will need to be discarded.
Can you freeze bacon grease?
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve bacon grease for longer storage. In an airtight container in the freezer, bacon fat can keep for up to a year without going bad.
To freeze:
- Let grease cool completely first.
- Pour into an airtight plastic freezer bag or container, leaving room for expansion.
- Press out excess air and seal.
- Label with contents and freeze date.
- Lay flat in the freezer for easier stacking and thawing.
Frozen grease will keep fresher longer with minimal air exposure. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Is reusing bacon grease safe?
Bacon grease is generally safe to reuse if it has been properly stored and handled. Avoid cross-contamination by never letting raw meat or juices touch cooked bacon fat. Use clean utensils to remove portions of grease.
Don’t add fresh grease to an existing jar, as this can introduce bacteria. Always refrigerate promptly after use. Look for signs of spoilage before using, like fouls smells, change in texture or visible mold.
As long as it has been kept refrigerated or frozen, reused grease should be safe for all the same applications as fresh grease. However, some prefer using it only for high-heat cooking as an extra precaution.
Can you reuse bacon grease after frying eggs?
It’s fine to reuse bacon fat for cooking eggs or other foods after straining out any egg or food particles. Pour the hot grease through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels to remove solids.
Once cooled, transfer the clean grease to an airtight container and refrigerate. Take care not to introduce any raw egg back into the grease, as this could increase the risk of bacteria. With proper filtering and storage, reused bacon grease is suitable for frying or baking multiple batches of eggs.
Can you get sick from rancid bacon grease?
Yes, consuming rancid bacon grease can cause illness. The same bacteria that cause meat and poultry to spoil can also contaminate animal fats like bacon grease. Possible symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Fever
Severe reactions are more common in those with compromised immune systems like the elderly, infants, or people with chronic diseases. Always inspect bacon grease before using and immediately discard any that is discolored, smells bad, or appears curdled or moldy. Rancid grease should never be tasted.
Can bacon grease be reheated after refrigeration?
Refrigerated bacon grease can safely be reheated after storage. It’s best to use within a month or two for optimal freshness. Reheating will help kill off any bacteria that may have grown in storage.
To reuse refrigerated grease:
- Inspect for signs of spoilage before reheating.
- Reheat to at least 165°F, hot enough to kill bacteria.
- Use clean utensils to handle.
- Do not mix fresh grease into the batch.
- Pour through a strainer if needed to remove residue.
Grease that was previously frozen can also be thawed and reheated for reuse. Just be sure to reheat to 165°F for food safety.
Conclusion
Bacon grease should never sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Leaving it out overnight or unrefrigerated for longer allows bacteria to grow rapidly. For food safety and optimal freshness, bacon grease is best kept refrigerated or frozen in a covered, airtight container. With proper storage, most sources recommend using within 1 to 3 months in the fridge or up to 1 year in the freezer. Reheating to 165°F kills bacteria for safe reuse. Rancid grease poses health risks if consumed and should always be discarded. Following safe handling and storage methods allows you to safely save and reuse bacon grease for its delicious flavor.
