Buzz
Inspiration for cooking tips and food hacks can come from unexpected places—video games, random observations, or even sheer laziness. But some of the best ideas come from thoughtful questions in the comments section. Recently, someone asked if bacon grease could be used in a waffle iron. Not only is it possible, but it’s also a brilliant idea.
Cooking bacon to perfection—crispy, chewy, and salty—requires rendering out a significant amount of fat. While some people (non-Southerners, perhaps) might toss it out, that’s a mistake. Bacon grease is a versatile cooking fat. Store your bacon drippings properly to ensure you always have some ready. I don’t cook bacon often, but I keep a small turquoise bowl specifically for collecting bacon fat whenever I do.
Start by preheating your waffle maker and preparing your batter. Ensure the bacon drippings are in a liquid or softened state. Use a pastry brush to apply the fat evenly across the hot waffle iron, paying attention to the grooves. Pour in the batter and cook as you normally would.
If you’re searching for the best waffle makers, here are some top contenders:
For compact storage: Ninja Pro Belgian Waffle Maker
For a traditional round shape: Cuisinart Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
For hassle-free cleaning: 3-in-1 Waffle Maker with Detachable Plates
At first, I worried my waffles would end up tasting overly salty or meaty, but the impact was surprisingly mild. The batter I used had a hint of sweetness, and the bacon fat added a savory balance without overpowering the flavor. Instead of saltiness, I detected a rich umami and a faint smoky note, which complemented the waffles perfectly. The result was a versatile base that paired better with savory toppings than the usual sweet accompaniments like fruit or syrup.
You can streamline the process into a single step. If you don’t have leftover bacon grease, simply cook your bacon directly in the waffle iron. The bacon will crisp up while the fat coats the waffle grooves. Once the bacon is done, remove it and blot any extra grease with a paper towel before pouring in the batter. This flavorful residue is perfect for cooking all sorts of waffle-friendly foods and preventing sticking. To finish, I often toss in a few hash browns to soak up any remaining grease—it’s a delicious way to clean the iron.
