Looking for a bacon grease substitute? Check out our favorite options, from lard and tallow to clarified butter and rice bran oil.
Bacon grease, with its unique smoky flavor, is a beloved ingredient in many cuisines.
But whether it’s due to health considerations, dietary restrictions, or simple curiosity, you might find yourself looking for alternatives.
Here are the absolute best substitutes you can use — each with its distinct flavor profile and cooking qualities.
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, is a versatile and flavorful substitute for bacon grease. It’s made by pressing whole olives, and it comes in different varieties such as extra virgin, virgin, and regular olive oil.
Unlike bacon grease, olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, considered heart-healthy fats. It also has a lighter flavor that can blend seamlessly into a variety of dishes.
How to make it work: Use olive oil as a 1:1 substitute for bacon grease. Because of its lower smoke point, it is best suited for low to medium heat cooking.
Dietary considerations: Olive oil is ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and those following a Mediterranean diet.
2. Salted Butter
Salted butter, a dairy product made from milk or cream, offers a rich and creamy alternative to bacon grease. It’s widely used in various cuisines and adds a delightful buttery flavor to dishes.
While salted butter’s flavor is different from the smoky richness of bacon grease, it imparts a certain depth of flavor that elevates many dishes. However, it contains saturated fats, so moderation is key.
How to make it work: Substitute bacon grease with salted butter in equal amounts. However, remember that butter burns faster than bacon grease, so keep an eye on your dish.
Dietary considerations: This substitute is suitable for those who aren’t avoiding dairy. It’s not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a plant-based substitute for bacon grease. It’s extracted from mature coconut flesh and is commonly used in tropical cuisines. It has a mild coconut flavor that can add an exotic touch to your dishes.
Coconut oil is different from bacon grease in that it contains medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat that is absorbed and utilized differently by the body. It also has a sweeter flavor compared to the savory, smoky taste of bacon grease.
How to make it work: Use coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio for bacon grease. It has a high smoke point, making it a good option for high-heat cooking.
Dietary considerations: Coconut oil is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those following a paleo diet.
4. Lard
Lard is rendered pig fat, making it a close alternative to bacon grease in terms of flavor. It was a common cooking fat before it fell out of favor due to health concerns.
The flavor of lard is slightly different from bacon grease — it lacks the smoky flavor since it’s not derived from smoked meat. However, it still brings a certain richness to dishes that can be quite pleasing.
How to make it work: Use lard as a 1:1 substitute for bacon grease. It has a high smoke point, so it can be used for high-heat cooking.
Dietary considerations: Lard is suitable for carnivores, and it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
5. Vegetable Shortening
Vegetable shortening is another plant-based substitute for bacon grease. It’s made from vegetable oils, and it’s often used in baking due to its ability to create flaky pastries.
Vegetable shortening lacks the distinct flavor of bacon grease but it offers a neutral taste that won’t interfere with the flavors of your dishes.
How to make it work: Substitute vegetable shortening for bacon grease at a 1:1 ratio. It’s well-suited for baking and frying due to its high smoke point.
Dietary considerations: This is a versatile substitute that is suitable for most people, including vegetarians and vegans.
6. Canola Oil
Canola oil, derived from the seeds of the canola plant, is a healthful and neutral-tasting substitute for bacon grease. It’s high in monounsaturated fats, like olive oil, and it’s a popular choice for a variety of cooking methods.
While canola oil lacks the smoky flavor of bacon grease, it’s a versatile oil that won’t overpower the taste of your dishes.
How to make it work: Use canola oil as a 1:1 substitute for bacon grease. With its high smoke point, it’s good for frying and sautéing.
Dietary considerations: This substitute is suitable for nearly everyone, including vegans and vegetarians.
7. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a nutrient-dense oil made from avocados. It’s loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has a neutral flavor, making it an excellent substitute for bacon grease.
Although it doesn’t have the smoky flavor of bacon grease, avocado oil can withstand high cooking temperatures, making it a versatile option in the kitchen.
How to make it work: Use avocado oil in a 1:1 ratio for bacon grease. It’s excellent for high-heat cooking methods like frying and roasting.
Dietary considerations: Avocado oil works for most people, including those on vegan, vegetarian, and paleo diets.
8. Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a type of butter that’s been simmered to remove milk solids. The result is a golden, flavorful fat that’s a staple in Indian cuisine.
Ghee offers a nutty, rich flavor that’s different from bacon grease, but it can add a unique depth of flavor to your dishes.
How to make it work: Substitute ghee for bacon grease at a 1:1 ratio. It has a high smoke point, making it excellent for frying and sautéing.
Dietary considerations: Ghee is not suitable for vegans, but it can be a good option for those who are lactose intolerant as it contains less lactose than regular butter.
9. Tallow
Tallow is rendered fat from beef or mutton. Like lard, it’s an animal fat that can bring richness to dishes.
While it lacks the smoky undertones of bacon grease, tallow has a beefy flavor that can enhance savory dishes.
How to make it work: Use tallow in a 1:1 ratio for bacon grease. It’s well-suited for high-heat cooking.
Dietary considerations: Tallow is suitable for carnivores and those on a keto diet, but it’s not a good choice for vegetarians or vegans.
10. Duck Fat
Duck fat is another rich animal fat that can be used as a bacon grease substitute. It’s a popular ingredient in French cuisine, adding a delicate, savory flavor to dishes.
Duck fat has a distinct taste that’s different from bacon grease, but it can add a unique touch to your cooking.
How to make it work: Use duck fat in the same quantities as bacon grease. It’s great for roasting and frying.
Dietary considerations: Duck fat is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, but it can be a flavorful option for those who eat poultry.
11. Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil, extracted from the hard outer layer of rice, is another substitute for bacon grease. It’s high in antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a nutritious addition to your pantry.
Rice bran oil carries a distinct aroma and flavor, reminiscent of caramel popcorn, which sets it apart from bacon grease. While it might not give your dishes a smoky taste, it can certainly add a unique and enjoyable twist.
How to make it work: Substitute rice bran oil for bacon grease in a 1:1 ratio. With a high smoke point, it’s an excellent choice for frying and sautéing, and it can also be used for baking.
Dietary considerations: Rice bran oil is suitable for most people, including those on vegan and vegetarian diets. Its unique flavor profile makes it a fun alternative to try in various dishes.
Why We Cook With Bacon Grease
Bacon grease has been many a home cook’s secret weapon, lending a smoky, savory depth to dishes that few other ingredients can match.
The unique, unmistakable flavor of bacon — part salt, part smoke, and all-around deliciousness — is concentrated in its rendered fat.
When we cook with bacon grease, we’re essentially infusing our dishes with that desirable, bacony richness, transforming even the simplest of recipes into culinary delights.
What sets bacon grease apart is its ability to convey a complex blend of flavors all at once. It’s this smoky saltiness that heightens the taste profile of the dishes.
A hearty breakfast of eggs and hash browns, for instance, reaches new levels of deliciousness when cooked in bacon grease.
Similarly, vegetables sautéed in the rich fat take on a heartiness that is often missing in plant-based dishes.
Despite the distinct flavor profile bacon grease offers, dietary restrictions or health considerations may lead some to seek out substitutes.
But fear not — the savory, bacony flavor isn’t entirely out of reach, even if you don’t opt for a close substitute, like lard or tallow.
An ingredient like liquid smoke, for instance, can bring in the smoky element that’s intrinsic to bacon grease. A few drops added to your chosen substitute can imbue it with that enticing smoky aroma, helping mimic the flavor of bacon grease.
The Takeaways
For those preferring a plant-based diet or watching their fat intake, olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable shortening, and rice bran oil can be excellent bacon grease substitutes.
Those okay with dairy can consider butter and ghee, while fans of animal fats might opt for lard, tallow, or duck fat.
Remember, each substitute brings its unique flavor and qualities, so have fun experimenting to find what works best for your dishes.
No matter your dietary preference, there is a bacon grease substitute that works for you.
