If you’re wondering “how long does bacon fat last?” or “what is the expiration date of bacon grease?” then you’ve come to the right place (and you clearly have great taste!)
Bacon grease, sometimes called Liquid Gold, is one of the most tasty and versatile fats. I love using it to make old fashioned buttermilk biscuits and my family’s favorite bacon fat ginger cookies. Read on to learn more about the shelf life of bacon grease and the best methods of storage to preserve its amazing flavor.
When you cook bacon, it releases fat into the pan; this process is sometimes called “rendering.” As you may already know, you can save homemade bacon grease and use it for cooking and flavoring many other foods.
Imagine using all that flavorful fat for other things, such as green beans, cornbread, Brussels sprouts and refried beans! We love it in Bacon Gravy, Bacon Aioli and for frying Mini Quesadillas. For more tasty ideas, check out “25 Ways to Use Bacon Fat.“
“If you don’t filter out the solid bits, the fat can last a couple of months in the refrigerator before it starts to go rancid,” says Simply Recipes. “If you do filter out the solid bits, the fat can last up to a year in the refrigerator.
How To Strain Bacon Grease
One of the best ways you can make bacon grease last longer is to strain it well. Removing the little particles will leave more of the pure fat, which is less prone to spoilage.
The first step to properly straining bacon drippings it to make sure it cools so that it is not too hot to handle, but still in liquid form.
Once it has cooled down, you can pour it through a fine mesh stainer into a container that has a tight-fitting lid. Alternately, you can place a coffee filter or cheesecloth (as shown above) over the top of the container and secure with a rubber band before pouring in the bacon grease.
Then, simply refrigerate the jar of bacon grease until it is solidified. When you are ready to use it, just reheat the bacon grease on the stove.
How Long Can Bacon Grease Be Safely Stored in the Refrigerator?
How long does bacon fat last in the fridge? Bacon fat can be stored in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees F for up to three months. The key to storing bacon fat is to ensure that it is in a sealed container so that it does not come into contact with air, which can turn the fat rancid. Once bacon fat has gone rancid, it can no longer be used safely.
If you want your bacon fat to last as long as possible, the best option is to store it in a cool, dark place such as the refrigerator or, preferably the freezer.
Improper storage, leading to exposure to heat and light, can make bacon grease go bad quicker, so avoid storing it in locations such as near the stove or in direct sunlight, which are main factors in spoiling new grease.
To determine if your bacon fat is still good for consumption, give it a sniff test. If it has a sour or rancid odor, then it has gone bad and should be discarded. Another way to tell if bacon fat has gone bad is by looking at its color. If it has turned from white to yellow, then it is no longer safe to consume.
Avoid doing a taste test, even on a small amount, if you have any doubts. Throw away old bacon grease if you’re not sure whether it’s been stored properly.
How to store your bacon grease
FAQ
How long does bacon fat last?
How do you know if bacon fat is bad?
Is it OK to use bacon grease that has been sitting out?
What can I do with old bacon grease?
How long does bacon grease last?
Grandma may have kept a can of bacon grease out on the counter near the stove, but if this tasty fat is left out uncovered at room temperature, its shelf life is only two hours according to food safety experts. This is due to the fact that the rendered fat is made up of mostly polyunsaturated fats.
How long can you keep bacon grease in the fridge?
Pour the cooled bacon grease into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to use, thaw the fat in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a pan over low heat until melted. Because it is rendered fat, it can go rancid quickly if not stored properly.
How long does Bacon last in the fridge?
Straining is important, because bits of bacon left in the fat can cause it to go rancid quicker. “If you don’t filter out the solid bits, the fat can last a couple of months in the refrigerator before it starts to go rancid,” says Simply Recipes. “If you do filter out the solid bits, the fat can last up to a year in the refrigerator.