Is Bacon Grease Good For Seasoning Cast Iron?

Cast iron cookware has made a major comeback in recent years. More and more home cooks are discovering the benefits of cooking with classic cast iron skillets and pans. But caring for cast iron requires a bit more effort than your average non-stick pan. Seasoning cast iron properly is key to preventing rust and sticking. This has led to an ongoing debate – can you use bacon grease to season cast iron?

Bacon grease is rendered pork fat, so it seems like it should work great, right? However, there are some potential drawbacks To get a balanced perspective, I looked at the advantages and disadvantages of using bacon grease to season cast iron

Why Season Cast Iron at All?

Before diving into bacon grease specifically let’s review why seasoning is so important for cast iron care.

Cast iron pans are made of – you guessed it – iron. This means they can rust if not properly maintained. Seasoning creates a protective coating that prevents rust.

In addition, cast iron’s rough surface requires seasoning to become non-stick. The oils used to season get baked into the pores, creating a smooth cooking surface.

Proper seasoning also helps prevent food from interacting with the bare iron, which can cause discoloration or metallic tastes.

So seasoning brings out the best in cast iron by preventing rust, sticking, and off-flavors. But what oil should you use to season?

The Potential Benefits of Bacon Grease for Seasoning

Bacon grease has a number of properties that make it appealing for cast iron seasoning:

1. Readily available and free

Most bacon lovers already have grease on hand after cooking bacon. Since it would normally go to waste, using it to season cast iron gives it new purpose.

2. High smoke point

Bacon fat won’t burn or smoke until around 375-400°F. This high smoke point is ideal for seasoning which requires heating the oil to temperatures between 350°F and 500°F.

3. Adds flavor

The smoky, salty, umami flavor of bacon grease can infuse into the iron and enhance the taste of foods cooked in the skillet.

4. All-natural fat

Unlike highly processed vegetable oils, bacon grease is an all-natural animal fat. Some prefer this for health and ethical reasons.

5. Effective release agent

Greasy bacon residue helps keep foods from sticking. So bacon grease seasoning may improve the non-stick properties.

6. Gentle on seasoning

Animal fats don’t polymerize and bond to cast iron as tightly as unsaturated plant oils. This makes bacon grease seasoning easier to maintain and reapply.

7. Tradition

Using bacon grease feels nostalgic and connects us to old-fashioned cookware care techniques.

So at first glance, bacon grease seems like an ideal oil for cast iron seasoning. But there are also some potential cons to consider.

Drawbacks of Using Bacon Grease for Seasoning

While bacon grease offers some benefits, there are reasons why it may not be the best choice:

1. Particulates and impurities

Bits of bacon and debris can get lodged in the seasoning layer and be difficult to remove.

2. Sugar content

Sugars and curing agents in bacon can caramelize and leave a gummy residue.

3. Rancidity

All fats can go rancid with time. The milk solids in bacon grease may accelerate spoilage.

4. Strong aroma

Some find the lingering smell of bacon grease unpleasant. It can transfer to other foods.

5. Limited uses

The bold bacon flavor isn’t ideal for certain dishes like baking desserts.

6. Potential carcinogens

Cooking any animal fat at high heat can generate small amounts of potential carcinogens.

7. Ethical concerns

Modern bacon production poses environmental, animal welfare, and health issues.

As you can see, using bacon grease for seasoning cast iron has some notable disadvantages as well.

Tips for Using Bacon Grease to Season Cast Iron

If you want to try using bacon grease for cast iron seasoning, here are some tips:

• Choose high-quality bacon without added sugars. Or make your own sugar-free bacon.

• Filter the grease through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove particles.

• Use it alone or mix with a neutral oil like grapeseed to dilute the flavor.

• Season in very thin layers and fully polymerize at high heat.

• Avoid cooking acidic or sugary foods until the seasoning is well-established.

• Strip and reseason periodically to control flavor transfer.

• Supplement with other oils for versatility.

How to Season Cast Iron With Bacon Grease

If you decide to use bacon grease, season your cast iron skillet as follows:

1. Clean and dry the pan

Use mild soap if needed to fully clean the surface. Rinse, dry completely, and warm over low heat.

2. Apply a thin layer of grease

Use a paper towel or brush. Too much grease can pool and become gummy.

3. Wipe off excess

After coating, wipe again with a clean towel to leave a microscopic layer.

**4. Bake 1 hour at 375-400°F **

Place upside down in oven. The fat will polymerize onto the iron.

5. Cool and repeat

Allow to cool fully. Apply more thin coats of grease if needed.

6. Use and enjoy!

Fry up some bacon to further condition your seasoned skillet!

Be sure to monitor your pan as it seasons. If you notice stickiness or an uneven coating, stripping and reseasoning may be needed.

Other Oils to Season Cast Iron

While bacon grease is an option, it’s not necessarily the best choice for cast iron seasoning. Here are some other oils to consider:

• Grapeseed Oil – Affordable, high smoke point, and neutral flavor. A great all-purpose seasoning oil.

• Flaxseed Oil – Bonds tightly for a slick surface. Requires extra thinning and polymerization.

• Coconut Oil – Solid at room temp. Imparts subtle flavor. High in saturated fat.

• Crisco – Classic seasoning oil. Vegan and kosher. Leaves sticky residue if not fully polymerized.

• Pig Fat (Lard) – Shares benefits of bacon grease without the solids and sugar.

• Canola Oil – Budget-friendly, high smoke point, and neutral taste. May not polymerize as tightly.

I suggest keeping a small jar of a neutral seasoning oil like grapeseed or canola on hand just for cast iron. But bacon grease can be used successfully with proper precautions.

The Verdict: Is Bacon Grease Good For Seasoning Cast Iron?

While bacon grease has some drawbacks, it can be used to season cast iron with mostly positive results as long as proper steps are taken. The high smoke point allows it to polymerize well and the flavor can be desirable in some contexts.

But for general use, a refined vegetable oil may be preferable to avoid particulate issues and rancidity concerns. My top pick is grapeseed oil – affordable, neutral, and effective.

Many cooks use a mix of fats for versatility. Bacon grease can be part of your cast iron seasoning regimen but needn’t be the only oil in your toolkit.

Following the tips above will help ensure success if you do opt to use rendered bacon fat. With trial and error, you’ll find the seasoning approach that suits your needs and style.

The most important thing is to just get started seasoning your cast iron however you can. Don’t get so caught up in seeking the “perfect” oil that you never begin the seasoning process. With continued use and upkeep, your pan will develop a natural non-stick patina over time regardless of your initial seasoning choice.

So feel free to spread on some bacon grease if that’s what you have on hand. Get cooking and let the seasoning evolve. With basic care and maintenance, your cast iron skillet will only get better with age – just like a prized bacon-frying heirloom should!