Bacon Grease: Pan To Plate

Bacon grease is a precious substance with a multitude of uses, from adding flavour to dishes to greasing grill grates. It can be used to enhance the flavour of everything from baked goods to corn on the cob. Bacon grease is created by pan-frying or baking bacon in the oven, and it is a substitute for butter or oil in recipes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month in an airtight container or covered in the fridge. However, it is important to note that bacon grease should not be poured down the drain as it can cause issues with plumbing. Instead, it can be disposed of by soaking it up with a paper towel and throwing it in the trash or by pouring it into a disposable container.

Use it to grease a pan for hash browns

Bacon grease can be used to make a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to gravy. It can also be used to grease a pan for hash browns.

To make hash browns with bacon grease, start by parboiling your potatoes for ten minutes, then plunge them into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool before shredding. You can do this step up to several days in advance and store the potatoes with the peels on in the fridge. Peel the potatoes and shred them with a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Soak the shredded potatoes in cold water for at least thirty minutes to release the starch. Drain the water and soak the potatoes again for another thirty minutes. Drain the potatoes again in a colander.

Scoop the drained potatoes into a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Add two tablespoons of bacon grease to a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the grease to coat the pan. Add the shredded potatoes in an even layer and season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cayenne pepper. Press the potatoes down in the pan and cook for about ten to fifteen minutes. The first five minutes should be undisturbed. After that, you can lift a corner and check if they are browning, but try not to disturb them too much. Once they are golden brown, cut them into sections, flip, and repeat the process on the other side. Serve immediately, as they are best straight from the pan.

Fry grilled cheese in it

Frying grilled cheese in bacon grease is a great way to use up leftover bacon grease and boost the flavour of your sandwich.

To make a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon grease, start by cooking your bacon slices in a pan until they are crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and drain off all but about one tablespoon of the bacon grease. You can then add your sandwich to the pan to fry.

For the sandwich, you'll need two slices of bread, which should be thick enough to hold the melted cheese without falling apart. Sourdough is a great choice! Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread, and layer cheese and bacon (and maybe some sliced tomato) on one slice before topping with the other.

Reheat the pan with the bacon grease on low heat and let the grease melt fully. Place the sandwich in the centre of the pan, mayonnaise-side down, and cook until golden. Flip the sandwich and continue cooking until the cheese starts to ooze from the sides.

This method will give you a grilled cheese sandwich with a golden, crunchy exterior and a melted, oozy cheese and bacon filling. It's a delicious upgrade to a classic grilled cheese!

Spread on pizza crust

If you're a bacon lover, you're likely to have leftover bacon grease in your fridge. This can be used to add a smoky, savoury kick to your pizza crust.

First, make sure your bacon grease is stored properly. To do this, place a coffee filter over a container and slowly pour the grease into it. The filter will catch any bits and leave you with clear bacon grease. You can then store the grease in the fridge for up to three months, or in the freezer indefinitely.

When you're ready to make your pizza, simply brush the bacon grease onto your pre-cooked pizza dough before adding your toppings. This will add flavour and create a crispy texture.

You can also use bacon grease to make your own bacon-flavoured pizza dough from scratch. To do this, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let it stand until creamy. Then stir in flour, salt and the bacon grease. Beat until smooth and let the dough rest. Once it's ready, transfer the dough to a lightly greased pizza pan, spread on your toppings, and bake in the oven.

So, if you're looking for a way to add a little something extra to your pizza, give bacon grease a try! It's sure to take your pie to the next level.

Use it to make gravy

Bacon grease is a great base for any gravy, but it goes especially well with sausage gravy for biscuits and gravy. Here's a recipe for bacon gravy that you can make using the grease left over in your pan from frying bacon:

Ingredients:

• Bacon grease
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

First, measure the amount of grease leftover from the bacon and add it to a skillet over low to medium heat. You will need one tablespoon of flour for every tablespoon of bacon grease. Next, whisk in the flour and let it cook until it becomes bubbly, which should take about a minute. Then, add the milk and let the mixture thicken, whisking constantly. For every two tablespoons of grease and flour, you will need one cup of milk. For a thicker gravy, you can add less milk, and for a thinner gravy, you can add more. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

For an Old-Time Kentucky Bacon Milk Gravy, you can follow a similar process. Heat 1/4 cup of bacon drippings in a skillet over medium heat, then whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is caramel brown in colour, which should take about 15 minutes. Then, stir in one teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper, or adjust to taste. Finally, add milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until thoroughly blended after each addition. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then whisk constantly until it reaches your desired thickness.

Use it to season cast iron

Bacon grease is a great way to season cast iron. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Give your cast-iron pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water to remove any residue or food particles. Then, dry it thoroughly with a towel. It's important to remove all moisture before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to ensure any remaining water is driven off. This step is crucial, as water can affect the bonding process between the bacon grease and the pan.

Step 3: Apply Bacon Grease

While the pan is still hot, add some bacon grease and rub it into the surface of the pan. You can use a paper towel or a dedicated cast-iron cloth to ensure an even and thorough coating. Make sure to cover both the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle.

Step 4: Bake the Pan

Preheat your oven to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Then, place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven. Bake it for about an hour, allowing the bacon grease to polymerize and form a hard, protective coating.

Step 5: Cool and Repeat

After an hour, turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool completely inside the oven. Once it's cooled, remove the pan and repeat the process of applying bacon grease and baking. This will ensure a thorough and long-lasting seasoning.

Maintenance

To maintain the seasoning on your cast iron, simply continue to cook with it. Each time you cook with oil or fat, you'll be adding more layers of seasoning. You can also re-season the pan occasionally by following the steps above if you notice any rust or a deterioration in the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions