If you frequently cook with bacon or sausage, you likely end up with leftover grease after cooking But what should you do with all that leftover fat? Can you mix bacon grease and sausage grease together? Or should they be kept separate?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about combining bacon grease and sausage grease, including:
- What is bacon grease and sausage grease?
- Is it safe to mix them?
- Benefits and uses of mixed grease
- Proper storage and handling
- How to dispose of grease
- Frequently asked questions
Read on to learn whether you can mix bacon and sausage grease to make the most of these flavorful fats!
What is Bacon Grease and Sausage Grease?
When bacon or sausage is cooked some of the fat melts off and accumulates in the bottom of the pan. This is known as bacon grease or sausage grease.
Bacon grease is the rendered and strained fat leftover from cooking bacon. It has a smoky pork flavor from the bacon.
Sausage grease refers to the fat rendered from cooking sausage. Its flavor depends on the seasonings used in the sausage.
Both greases are semi-solid at room temperature and liquid when heated. They add flavor and moisture to cooking due to their high fat content.
Is It Safe to Mix Bacon and Sausage Grease?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to mix bacon grease and sausage grease together. There are no health or food safety issues with combining them.
However, mixing the two does result in a blended flavor. If you want to maintain the distinct taste of each type of grease, it’s best to keep them separate.
But for most uses, the flavored can complement each other nicely when mixed. So feel free to combine bacon fat and sausage fat to consolidate your collected greases.
Benefits and Uses of Mixed Bacon-Sausage Grease
Mixing bacon and sausage grease together makes it easier to:
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Store – Keeping just one container takes up less space.
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Reuse – You have a variety of cooking fat options in one grease.
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Dispose – One container to deal with when throwing grease away.
You can use the mixed grease for general cooking purposes:
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Adding flavor to vegetables, eggs, potatoes, etc.
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Providing moisture for baking corn bread, biscuits, pie crusts.
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Adding a savory element to beans, soups, stews.
The smoky, salty, umami flavors work well together in many dishes!
Proper Storage and Handling of Mixed Greases
To safely save and reuse mixed bacon-sausage grease, follow these tips:
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Let grease cool before straining out any food bits.
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Store grease in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
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If liquid, pour into ice cube trays and freeze, then pop out cubes to store.
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When cooking, melt just what you need. Don’t reuse grease more than a few times.
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Use within 1 month for freshness. Freeze for longer storage up to 6 months.
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Microwave or heat on the stovetop until just melted when ready to use.
Proper storage keeps the fat from going rancid and prevents it from turning smelly or bad tasting. Handle carefully when hot to avoid burns.
How to Dispose of Bacon-Sausage Grease
When it’s time to get rid of accumulated bacon-sausage grease, you have a few options:
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Trash – Pour grease into an empty can, mix with kitty litter to solidify, and throw away.
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Compost – Small amounts of grease can be added to compost piles. Limit to 2-3 cups per cubic yard.
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Waste disposal – Run very hot water and a squirt of dish soap to help wash grease down. Don’t pour directly into drain.
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Community grease recycling – Some municipalities recycle grease for conversion to biodiesel. Check with your local waste authority.
Be sure to dispose of grease in a conscientious manner. Don’t pour it directly down drains which can clog pipes. Follow local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use bacon grease for sausage?
Yes, bacon grease can be substituted for sausage grease in any recipe. The flavor will be bacon-y instead of seasoned sausage.
Can you use sausage grease for bacon?
Sausage grease can replace bacon grease, but won’t impart any smoky or pork-like flavors. Seasonings may come through depending on the sausage used.
Is bacon grease healthier than vegetable oil?
While vegetable oil is lower in saturated fat, bacon grease provides more flavor. Use moderate amounts of each when cooking.
Does mixing change the smoke point?
No, mixing bacon and sausage grease does not significantly alter the smoke point. Expect around 350-375°F for both.
Can you use bacon-sausage grease for frying?
Yes, the mixed grease can be used for frying foods like eggs, potatoes, or chicken. It will add great flavor.
Enjoy the Flavored Fat from Bacon and Sausage
Bacon grease and sausage grease can absolutely be mixed together. While you’ll get a blended flavor, this can allow you to consolidate the grease into one container for easier storage and use.
Always handle hot grease carefully, and be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer. Use within 1 month for the best quality.
Mixing these two flavorful fats can provide even more options for cooking and baking. So feel free to combine that bacon grease and sausage grease to get the most use out of them!
