Bacon Grease: How Much To Leave For Eggs?

Cooking eggs in bacon grease is a great way to add flavour and ensure nothing goes to waste. It's a simple process: fry your bacon in a pan, remove the bacon from the pan, and then crack your eggs into the leftover grease. The grease infuses the eggs with a salty, smoky flavour, and you don't need to add extra salt. You can also baste the eggs with the grease to cook the top and create a crispy fried egg.

How to cook eggs in bacon grease

It is recommended to leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan, or enough to coat the bottom of the pan. If there is excess grease, you can pour it into a mug and discard it, or save it for later use.

First, fry 3-4 strips of bacon in a pan until crispy. Set the cooked bacon aside on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb the excess grease. Next, whisk 2 or more eggs in a bowl and add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drop of milk. You can also add some chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the egg mixture for extra flavour.

Now it's time to cook the eggs! If you're making scrambled eggs, leave the heat on medium-high and immediately add the eggs to the pan, gently mixing with a non-stick silicone spatula. If you're making fried eggs, allow the grease to get very hot before cracking the eggs into the pan. This will ensure that the edges of the eggs get crispy. Continue cooking the eggs until they are done to your liking. And that's it! You've made delicious eggs in bacon grease. Don't forget to enjoy your eggs with the bacon you cooked earlier.

How to store leftover bacon grease

Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can add a savoury, smoky depth to recipes. It can be used to cook fried eggs, refried beans, roasted vegetables, vinaigrettes, gravy, grilled cheese, mashed potatoes, and even cookies.

Firstly, it is important to strain the bacon grease to remove any leftover bacon bits. This can be done by using a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer over a heat-safe glass or metal container. The grease should be slightly cooled before straining, and it should not be hot when poured into the container.

Once strained, the grease can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to six months or in the freezer indefinitely. It is not recommended to store bacon grease at room temperature, as it can go rancid. When stored in the refrigerator, the grease will stay soft enough to scoop, making it convenient for cooking.

If you plan to freeze your bacon grease, it is best to portion it into small amounts by letting it cool slightly, straining it, and then pouring it into freezer-safe containers like ice cube trays. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

To ensure the grease stays fresh for as long as possible, it is recommended to use a new container for each batch and to discard the old container every two to three months. Additionally, always keep the container covered with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the grease from picking up flavours and odours.

How to dispose of leftover bacon grease

Bacon grease is a great flavour enhancer for eggs and other dishes, but it's important to know how to dispose of it properly. Pouring bacon grease down the sink or flushing it down the toilet can cause serious plumbing issues, including clogged pipes and sewage backup. Here are some safe ways to get rid of leftover bacon grease:

Wait for it to cool down

Before handling bacon grease, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature. Working with hot grease can be dangerous and may cause burns. It can also burn through your trash bags or shatter a glass jar. Allow the grease to cool for at least 2 hours, depending on the volume. If you're in a hurry, you can carefully pour the hot grease into a cup lined with heavy-duty foil and place it in the freezer. Once it's frozen, remove the foil and discard the grease.

Use paper towels

If you have a small amount of bacon grease, you can simply wipe it out of the pan using paper towels. Absorb the grease with the paper towels and then dispose of them in the trash or compost.

Use a disposable container

For larger amounts of grease, use a sealable, disposable container. Pour the grease into the container and let it solidify before disposing of it in the trash. You can also pour the grease into a dish, refrigerate it until it solidifies, and then scrape it into the trash using a rubber spatula. Remember to wash the dish afterwards.

Reuse the bacon grease

Bacon grease can be reused in cooking as a substitute for lard or shortening. Strain the grease through a cheesecloth or sieve to remove any leftover food bits, then store it in a sealable container in the refrigerator or freezer. Bacon grease can be used to add flavour to dishes like fried vegetables, grilled cheese sandwiches, mashed potatoes, or even cookies.

Cook bacon in the oven

If you want to avoid dealing with leftover grease altogether, try cooking your bacon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C) and line a baking sheet with aluminium foil, including the inner sides. Place the bacon strips on the foil and cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired crispness. Remove the bacon from the oven and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.

How to clean a pan with leftover bacon grease

It's important to remove excess bacon grease from the pan before storing it for later use. You can do this by pouring the grease into a heat-safe container, such as a small jar or cup, through a sieve or strainer to catch any burnt pieces. Paper towels or coffee filters can also be used to strain the grease.

Cleaning the pan

If you're short on time, you can fill the pan with hot water and let it soak while you eat, then wash it as you would normally. However, if the grease has hardened, you'll need to take extra steps to remove it. Here are some methods to try:

• Make a paste with baking soda and water, or baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dishwashing liquid. Apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for up to two hours, then scrub with a sponge or toothbrush and rinse with hot water.
• Sprinkle flour directly onto the grease and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Brush off the flour and wipe the area with a towel and warm water.
• Boil water in the pan with a few drops of dish soap. Let the water cool, then use a stainless steel scouring pad to scrub the pan.
• Soak the pan in vinegar for 30 minutes to two hours, then scrub with a toothbrush or pad and a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
• Sprinkle baking soda and salt onto the pan, especially on stained areas. Add a few drops of vinegar and let it sit for up to 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush.

Tips for cast iron pans

If you're cleaning a cast iron pan, it's important to avoid using an abrasive cleaner, as this can damage the surface. Instead, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or brush and hot water, then place it on a medium burner and let the water evaporate. Finish by wiping the pan with a paper towel dampened with vegetable oil and removing any remaining grease with a clean cloth or paper towel.

How much bacon grease is too much to leave in the pan?

Leaving some bacon grease in the pan when frying eggs is a great way to add flavour and ensure the eggs don't stick. However, it's important not to leave too much grease in the pan, as this can make the eggs greasy and heavy. So, how much bacon grease is too much?

The amount of bacon grease left in the pan depends on the number of eggs being cooked and the desired level of crispiness. As a general rule, there should be enough grease to coat the bottom of the pan and prevent the eggs from sticking. For sunny-side up eggs, a thin layer of grease that covers the entire pan surface is sufficient. However, for scrambled eggs or omelettes, you may need a little more grease to prevent sticking as you scramble or fold the eggs.

It's important to note that bacon grease has a high smoke point, so it can withstand higher temperatures without burning. This makes it ideal for frying eggs, as the grease will not break down and impart a burnt flavour to the eggs.

If you're cooking multiple eggs or want a crispier texture, you can add more grease to the pan. For example, if you're cooking three or four eggs, you may need to add an additional teaspoon or two of grease. However, be careful not to add too much, as this can make the eggs greasy and heavy. The key is to find the right balance between a well-greased pan and a greasy egg.

Additionally, the type of pan used can affect the amount of grease needed. For example, a non-stick pan may require less grease than a stainless steel or cast iron pan.

In conclusion, the amount of bacon grease left in the pan depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. It's important to find the right balance between a well-greased pan and a greasy egg. As a general rule, a thin layer of grease that coats the bottom of the pan is sufficient for most applications. However, don't be afraid to add a little more grease if you're cooking multiple eggs or desire a crispier texture.

Frequently asked questions