Have you ever wondered between butter vs bacon grease what is best? When it comes to cooking, there are many different types of fats and oils that can be used, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
Two popular choices are butter and bacon grease, both of which are flavorful and widely used in many recipes. But which one is better?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between butter and leftover bacon grease and help you decide which one is best for your cooking needs.
Homemade Butter Recipe
Making your own butter at home is surprisingly easy and can yield delicious results. Not only does homemade butter have a richer and creamier taste compared to store-bought butter, but it can also be a fun and rewarding kitchen project.
Keep reading to see how easy it is to make your own butter. You can also make a homemade almond butter too.
Using Bacon Grease in Recipes and Cooking
When I was a child growing up, on the weekends, my mom would be cooking bacon in a skillet. Then the eggs would go in the little bit of bacon grease. The hot bacon drippings would be spooned over the top of the eggs. This would cook the tops of the over easy eggs and provide so much flavor.
This flavorful leftover drippings was always referred to as liquid gold. Especially when there was bits of bacon left.
Then my mom would make a warm bacon and vinegar salad dressing. I still make it occasionally throughout the year.
If fact, leftover grease was always kept a glass jar in the refrigerator. We would put a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet when we fried our potatoes and onions too. It helps keep the potatoes from sticking and it adds tons of flavor.
Are you wondering how to store bacon grease? We have lots of information in our blog post on just the topic of How Long Does Bacon Grease Last.
Easy Rich and Creamy Butter Recipe
In this blog post, we have included a homemade butter recipe.
Making your own butter at home is surprisingly easy and can yield delicious results. Not only does homemade butter have a richer and creamier taste compared to store-bought butter, but it can also be a fun and rewarding kitchen project.
With just two simple ingredients and a little bit of elbow grease, you can make your own butter in no time. Whether you spread it on toast, use it in your favorite recipes, or give it as a homemade gift, this recipe for homemade butter is sure to impress.
Drawn Butter vs Clarified Butter
Before we delve into the differences between butter and bacon grease, it’s important to understand the difference between drawn butter and clarified butter.
Drawn butter is simply melted butter that still contains milk solids, while clarified butter is butter that has been heated and separated from the milk solids.
Clarified butter has a longer shelf life and a higher smoke point than drawn butter, making it a better choice for cooking at high temperatures.
Butter vs Shortening: What’s the Difference?
While butter and bacon grease are both popular cooking fats, there are other options to consider as well, such as shortening.
Shortening is a solid, vegetable-based fat that is often used in baking. Unlike butter, shortening is not made from dairy products and therefore has a different flavor and texture. It is also a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
Is bacon fat better than butter for cholesterol?
When it comes to cholesterol levels, there is some debate over whether bacon fat is better than butter.
While both contain saturated fat, bacon fat contains more monounsaturated fat. This has been shown to have some heart-healthy benefits. However, bacon fat also contains more cholesterol than butter. This can be a concern for those with high cholesterol levels.
Is it unhealthy to cook with bacon grease?
While bacon grease can add a delicious flavor to many dishes, it’s important to use it in moderation. Bacon grease is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This can increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in large amounts. It’s best to use bacon grease as a flavorful addition to a dish rather than as the main cooking fat.
Is bacon grease a healthy fat?
Despite its high saturated fat content, some studies suggest that bacon grease may have some health benefits.
For example, bacon fat contains oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil and has been linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol. You can read more on Fats and Cholesterol from the Harvard School of Public Health.
However, it’s important to remember that bacon grease should still be used in moderation and as part of an overall healthy diet.
Although bacon is often considered an unhealthy food, many of the components typically associated with bacon are not found in its fat.
In fact, bacon fat has some unexpected health benefits. Like canola and olive oil, bacon fat is rich in oleic acid. A type of monounsaturated fat that has been shown to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.
This means that consuming moderate amounts of bacon fat can actually be a good addition to your diet.
Can bacon grease replace butter?
In many recipes, bacon grease can be a delicious and flavorful substitute for butter. For example, using bacon grease to sauté vegetables or fry eggs can add a savory, smoky flavor to the dish.
However, it’s important to remember that bacon grease has a different flavor and texture than butter, so it may not be the best choice for every recipe.
Other recipes for baking butter is the clear winner. Making grilled cheese sandwiches for use must have butter on both pieces of the bread. Bacon grease will not blend the same or have the same taste and texture as butter.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and bacon grease comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the recipe.
Both fats can add delicious flavor to dishes and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s important to use them in moderation and as part of an overall healthy diet to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need while also enjoying the flavors you love.
Which One Has a Higher Smoke Point, Bacon or Butter?
Bacon fat typically has a higher smoke point than butter. The smoke point of bacon fat can range from 375°F to 400°F, depending on its quality and how it’s rendered.
Butter, on the other hand, has a lower smoke point of around 350°F to 375°F, again depending on its quality and whether it’s clarified or not.
When cooking at high temperatures, such as for frying or sautéing, it may be preferable to use bacon fat instead of butter to avoid the risk of burning and producing acrid smoke.
Is Bacon Fat Worse than Oils?
Historically, bacon has been associated with a bad diet as it is animal fat. A lot of people do not want to eat animal products. It’s a processed food that’s high in saturated fats. You might be thinking, I only add a few tablespoons. Could it really be worse for you than other cooking oils, like olive, avocado oil, coconut oil, or canola oil?
Researchers believe that high heat can cause nitrates to form carcinogens, which can cause cancer. Additionally, due to the way it is smoked and processed, bacon is very salty, and too much salt in one’s diet can lead to increased blood pressure.
However, the leftover bacon fat itself is not high in sodium. It might surprise you to find out that the sodium levels in bacon fat are negligible at just 6 milligrams per teaspoon. More recently, food manufacturers have made nitrate-free bacon available.
On the other hand, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatsare good for your health. For starters, they can help lower your bad LDL cholesterol level. These are considered good fats as they are found in hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, olive oil, peanut oil, and canola oils.
Well-Rounded Nutritious Diet
A couple tablespoons of Bacon grease makes for a great cooking oil or vegetable oil because it is already seasoned with a blend of smoky flavors and salt. This can add depth and complexity to any dish you’re preparing.
In addition to its unique flavor profile, bacon grease has a high smoke point and a rich, velvety texture that makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of cooking methods, from frying to roasting and beyond.
Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast scramble or adding a touch of umami to your sautéed veggies, bacon grease can be a delicious and practical choice for any recipe.
The next time you are frying, reach for the bacon drippings or butter. They are both the best way to add tons of flavor. When consumed in a small amount, they are part of a well-rounded nutritious diet.
Is it OK to pour bacon grease down the drain?
No, it is not okay to pour bacon grease down the drain. Pouring bacon grease that is room temperature or any other type of cooking oil or grease down the drain can lead to serious plumbing issues. When these fats cool and solidify, they can clog your pipes, causing blockages and potentially expensive plumbing repairs.
How to Dispose of Bacon Grease
Instead of pouring bacon grease, duck fat, or any other oil down the drain, you should dispose of it properly. Here are some steps to follow:
- Allow the grease to cool: After cooking bacon, let the grease cool down for a bit, but don’t let it solidify completely.
- Use a container: Pour the cooled but still liquid grease into a heat-resistant container, such as a glass jar or a metal can.
- Seal the container: Once the container is filled with grease, seal it tightly with a lid or cover.
- Dispose of it in the trash: Throw the sealed container of bacon grease into the trash. Make sure the container is securely closed to prevent leaks.
Alternatively, you can recycle used cooking oil and grease at some recycling centers or through special programs in your area. It’s essential to be environmentally responsible and avoid clogging your plumbing by disposing of grease properly. Pouring it down the drain is not a recommended or safe practice.
Homemade Butter Recipe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream at room temperature
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the cream at medium-high speed for about 10-15 minutes. The cream will go through several stages during this process. First, it will become frothy. Then it will turn into whipped cream. Keep beating the cream until it thickens and forms stiff peaks.2 Cups Heavy Cream
- Keep mixing the cream until it separates into butter and buttermilk. You’ll know the butter has formed when you see clumps of solid fat floating in the liquid.
- Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer to separate the butter from the buttermilk. Squeeze the butter to remove any excess liquid.
- Rinse the butter under cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. This will help to preserve the butter and prevent it from spoiling quickly.
- If desired, add salt to taste and mix well. You can also add other seasonings like herbs or garlic for a flavored butter.1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- Store the butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
