90% of us adore bacon's smoky charm. Yet, we sometimes seek alternatives.
We got creative because necessity is the mother of invention.
We found seven substitutes that'll surprise you - for bacon grease (rendered pork fat from cooked bacon). Olive oil? Yep.
Avocado oil? Absolutely.
Each swap adds its unique twist.
Our quest? Keep dishes exciting minus bacon grease.
We tested. We tasted.
We're here to share the findings.
Personal story time: I once used coconut oil in a pinch. The result?
A tropical twist on breakfast eggs that my family still talks about.
Join in as we uncover these game-changing swaps.
7 Easy Substitutes for Bacon Grease
If you're thinking, "Why bother?" think again. Every food has its perfect match.
We've got the inside scoop on bacon grease substitutes that'll make your palate dance.
| Substitute | Taste | Smoke Point | Suitable Dishes |
| Butter | Rich, savory | 302°F | Sauteing, baking, flavoring dishes |
| Olive Oil | Fruity, mild | 320°F | Sauteing, roasting, salad dressings |
| Coconut Oil | Sweet, nutty | 350°F | Baking, frying, sauteing |
| Vegetable Shortening | Neutral | 360°F | Baking, frying, pie crusts |
| Lard | Rich, savory | 370°F | Frying, baking, seasoning |
| Ghee | Nutty, rich | 482°F | Sauteing, frying, Indian cuisine |
| Avocado Oil | Mild, buttery | 520°F | Sauteing, salad dressings, high-heat cooking |
1 - Butter
Butter makes a great stand-in for bacon fat. It gives a rich, luxurious feel to dishes.
We tried it.
Vegetables sing and eggs slide right off the pan.
Lends a creamy texture (about 80% milk fat). Our pancakes got a flavor upgrade. Swap it 1:1.
Here's a tale for you. Once, our pancakes turned gourmet with just a butter swap.
Friends asked for the recipe.
Check these out for alternative ideas, including butter bean swaps for added texture.
2 - Olive Oil
Olive oil is our go-to swap for bacon drippings. It's great for frying and sautéing (use light olive oil for higher smoke point ~470°F).
You might not get that smoky flavor, but it leaves a nice zing on your palate.
For every spoonful of bacon grease, use the same amount of olive oil.
We tried it in our grandma's fried egg recipe. The eggs came out just as crispy as they did with bacon fat.
Even our dog seemed to approve, and that's saying something.
In case you're hunting for more kitchen swaps, take a look at alternative options like Castelvetrano olive swaps for briny bites.
3 - Coconut Oil
We tried switching bacon grease for coconut oil while checking coconut milk swaps for curry dishes.
Not in a bad way, though.
Swapped it in a pan-fry chicken recipe. T4Chicken turned out golden and juicy.
We used equal parts coconut oil for bacon grease.
Our friends couldn't tell the difference. That was a surprise.
Coconut oil heats well, gives food a tropical twist (rich in saturated fat and with a subtle coconut aroma). If you need more ways to swap oils in recipes, head over to this page about swapping oils.
4 - Shortening
We went for shortening as our next sub for bacon grease. It works wonders (a solid fat made from hydrogenated vegetable oils).
Same amount used, no guesswork.
We threw it in a batch of cookies. T4Cookies baked up fluffy and light.T5
Our crew was into it, none the wiser. Shortening melts like a dream, keeps things simple.
Want to switch up your game? Shortening might be your move.
Curious about more swaps? Glide on over to our rundown on swapping shortening.
5 - Lard
Lard is our next pick to swap for bacon grease. We found it nails the texture.
For every bit of bacon grease, we go with the same amount of lard. We tested it in pie crusts.
Our pies stayed flaky, friends begged for seconds.
Lard heats up well and keeps pastry flaky. It's a solid choice (rendered pork fat with a neutral flavor and high smoke point).
Looking for other swaps? You might like our thoughts on using different fats.
6 - Ghee
Ghee took its turn in our swap experiment. It's a useful (clarified butter made by simmering and removing milk solids).
We used it one-for-one with bacon grease.
Try it in your cookies; ours turned golden. Ghee melts smoothly, blending well with everything.
It's got a nutty flavor that's hard to beat.
We made popcorn with it last movie night. The room smelled amazing.
Ghee is top-notch for frying. Our pancakes had never been so good.
If your recipes need a twist, ghee could do the trick and pairs nicely with ghee rice sides for flavorful meals.
7 - Avocado Oil
We gave avocado oil a shot. Turns out, it's a champ for frying just like bacon grease.
Equal parts swap, folks (use a 1:1 ratio by volume). We tossed it in for frying eggs.
The result? Eggs slid off the pan.
Avocado oil's got this thing; it nailed the smooth slide. Our breakfast had never looked so Instagrammable.
This oil heats up nicely, giving foods a crisp edge.
It's mild, won't overpower your dishes. We even baked with it.
Muffins popped out moist and hearty.
Thinking of giving your meals a makeover? Avocado oil steps up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, butter can replace bacon grease, offering a rich, creamy texture for frying or sautéing.
Olive oil is a healthier alternative and can add a fruity depth of flavor to dishes that typically use bacon grease.
Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet flavor, which can work well in certain recipes, especially baked goods or stir-fries.
Yes, avocado oil has a high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a great choice for frying as a bacon grease substitute.
Yes, lard is very similar to bacon grease in both texture and flavor, offering a rich and savory option for cooking.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
