Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does bacon grease last in the fridge?
Strained bacon grease keeps 6 months in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer — pour it hot through a fine sieve, because the burnt bits are what turn first.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge | 6 months |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 12 months |
Can it sit out?
Bacon grease is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if bacon grease has gone bad
- A sharp, crayon-like smell as the jar comes up to room temperature
- Gray or greenish streaks through white fat
- Fuzz on the surface or around the sediment at the bottom
- A scratchy, bitter taste in whatever you fried in it
When in doubt, throw it out.
Keep it in a lidded jar, not an open can — fat takes on fridge smells and doesn’t let them go.
Quick answers
How long does bacon grease last in the fridge?
Strained bacon grease keeps 6 months in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer — pour it hot through a fine sieve, because the burnt bits are what turn first.
Can you freeze bacon grease?
USDA’s freezer window for bacon grease is 12 months.
How long can bacon grease sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to bacon grease. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).