The Complete Guide to Canning Bacon Grease for Long-Term Storage

As a bacon lover I can never seem to throw away those leftover drippings after cooking up a tasty batch. But that liquid gold is too flavorful to waste! Canning bacon grease allows you to save every delicious drop for cooking for months to come.

Properly canned grease stays fresh in your pantry for up to a year. It adds a smoky, salty depth when used to cook veggies, eggs, beans, meats and more. Read on to learn my foolproof process for canning bacon grease to maximize shelf life and flavor.

Why Can Bacon Grease?

Here are some key benefits of canning bacon grease:

• Long shelf life – Keeps for up to 1 year canned vs. 3 months refrigerated

• Adds flavor – Infuses recipes with smoky, salty, umami bacon essence

• Convenient – Always have bacon grease on hand when you need it

• Economical – Get more use out of those bacon drippings

• Safe storage – Canning seals out air and bacteria for safe storage

With just a few simple supplies, you’ll be ready to harness the preserving power of canning for your bacon fat!

Supplies Needed for Canning Bacon Grease

Canning bacon grease is very straightforward. You’ll need just a few items:

• Glass canning jars with lids – 1⁄2 pint or pint size jars work well

• Canning funnel (optional) – For neatly guiding grease into jars

• Paper towels or coffee filters – For straining out bacon bits

• Heatproof spoon or ladle – For portioning hot grease into jars

• Canning lid lifter – To safely remove lids from hot water

• Water bath canner or large pot with rack – For simple water bath processing

Now let’s go over the easy step-by-step process.

How to Can Bacon Grease in 6 Simple Steps

Follow these steps for safely canning your reserved bacon drippings for long-term storage:

Step 1. Cook the bacon

You can use grease from baking bacon in the oven or frying on the stovetop. Allow the hot grease to cool slightly so it’s still liquid but not dangerously hot.

Step 2: Strain the grease

Line a mesh strainer with paper towels or coffee filters and strain the grease to remove any bacon bits and impurities.

Step 3: Sterilize jars and lids

Wash jars in hot, soapy water then submerge in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to sterilize. Heat lids in simmering water.

Step 4: Carefully fill jars

Using a funnel and ladle, carefully fill the sterilized jars with the hot, strained bacon grease leaving 1/2 inch headspace.

Step 5. Wipe rims

Wipe jar rims clean with a damp cloth. Center hot lids on top and screw bands on fingertip tight.

Step 6. Process jars

Process pint jars for 45 mins or half-pints for 30 mins in a boiling water bath. Once finished, allow jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours to fully seal.

Once cooled, check that the jar lids are concave and sealed. Store in a cool, dark place and enjoy your canned bacon grease for up to a year!

Handling Safely Before and After Canning

Because you’ll be working with extremely hot oil, it’s critical to take safety precautions:

• Allow hot grease to cool slightly before straining

• Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when handling hot jars

• Keep jars upright at all times to prevent hot grease spills

• Ensure jars seal properly before storage

• Discard any unsealed jars after processing

With safe practices, you’ll end up with shelf-stable jars of grease that are ready for cooking!

Tips for Maximizing Bacon Grease Shelf Life

Follow these tips to get the longest shelf life from your canned bacon fat:

• Store jars in a cool, dark place around 55°F

• Use within 1 year for best quality

• Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 months

• Use a clean spoon each time to prevent mold growth

• Never add new grease to an existing jar – strain into a fresh sterile jar

• Inspect periodically – if any mold appears on the grease, discard the entire jar

Properly processed jars stored in ideal conditions will keep your bacon grease tasting great for many months.

Best Uses for Canned Bacon Grease

Canned bacon fat adds a world of flavor when used to cook:

• Potatoes – Frying, roasting, sauteing

• Green beans, brussels sprouts, cabbage – Roasted or sauteed

• Dried beans – Adds flavor when simmered in the cooking liquid

• Cornbread and biscuits – Substitute for oil or shortening

• Salad dressings – Whisk with vinegar and herbs

• Scrambled or fried eggs – For extra rich flavor

• Popcorn – Pop in bacon grease instead of oil

• Meat stews, soups, braises – Provides a smoky depth

Any savory dish can benefit from a spoonful of canned bacon grease for an instant flavor upgrade. Get creative with all the ways to cook with your preserved drippings!

Troubleshooting Common Canning Issues

If you run into any problems while canning bacon fat, here are some likely causes and solutions:

Cloudy grease or white specks – Not strained properly before canning. Always filter out bacon bits through cheesecloth.

Floating bacon bits – Didn’t leave enough headspace for expansion. Allow 1/2 inch headspace when filling jars.

Mold growth – Stored in too warm location. Ideal storage temperature is below 55°F.

Rancid taste – Stored for too long before use. Use within 1 year for best flavor.

Jars failed to seal – Ensure proper headspace. Check that rims are clean before securing lids. Process fully.

Cracked jar – Putting a hot jar directly on cold surface can cause it to crack. Use a towel or cooling rack.

With careful technique and storage, you should be able to avoid any trouble and enjoy your homemade bacon grease for months on end.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canning Bacon Grease

Here are some common questions about the process of canning bacon drippings:

Does the bacon grease need to be processed after canning?

Yes, it’s important to process the filled jars in a boiling water bath to seal them and kill any bacteria. Follow recipe processing times.

What size jars work best?
Half-pint or pint jars are ideal sizes for canning portions of bacon fat. Quart jars may be too large.

Can I use plastic containers instead of glass jars?
No, only use proper canning jars. Other containers are not suitable for the high heat processing required.

How long will sealed bacon grease keep in the pantry?
Properly canned and stored bacon grease keeps for up to 12 months in a cool, dark place before opening.

Can I freeze bacon grease instead of canning it?
Yes, you can freeze bacon fat for up to 6 months in an airtight container. However, canning extends the shelf life significantly.

Enjoy Your Canned Bacon Grease in Recipes

Now that you’ve mastered the canning process, you can look forward to cooking and baking with your homemade bacon fat. Any time a recipe calls for oil or butter, you can sub in a spoonful of your homemade canned grease for an instant flavor boost.

Fry eggs in it for breakfast, use it to saute veggies, roast potatoes or popcorn in it, add it to biscuit dough – the possibilities are endless.

I hope you’ll take pride knowing that you created these jars of liquid gold yourself. You’ll never have to waste bacon drippings again thanks to the power of canning. Dig in and savor that smoky flavor in all your cooking!