Bacon drippings substitutes
Bacon drippings substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lard
Same amount as the bacon drippings
Similar fat with different flavor.
The best substitutes for bacon drippings are lard, duck fat, or vegetable oil with liquid smoke, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- frying
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of bacon drippings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lardfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Duck fatfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Vegetable oil + liquid smokefrying | Same amountPlus ½ tsp liquid smoke per cupWorks | Works |
| 4 | Butterfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Schmaltzfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Coconut oilfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Lard
different taste, similar texture
Similar fat with different flavor.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, seasoning, baking
Different flavor, similar properties.
Duck fat
different taste, similar texture
Similar fat with different flavor.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, seasoning, baking
Different flavor, similar properties.
Vegetable oil + liquid smoke
similar taste and texture
Similar combination with different preparation.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, seasoning, baking
Different preparation, similar flavor.
Butter
different taste, similar texture
Similar fat with different flavor.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, seasoning, baking
Different flavor, similar properties.
Schmaltz
different taste, similar texture
Similar fat with different flavor.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, seasoning, baking
Different flavor, similar properties.
Coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Similar fat with different flavor.
- Best for
- frying, sautéing, seasoning, baking
Different flavor, similar properties.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lard instead of bacon drippings?
Yes, lard is a good substitute for bacon drippings. It has a different flavor but similar properties and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between bacon drippings and lard?
Bacon drippings are rendered fat from cooked bacon with smoky flavor, while lard is rendered pork fat. Both have similar properties but different flavor profiles.
Can I use duck fat instead of bacon drippings?
Yes, duck fat can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar properties and can be used in most recipes.
Why are bacon drippings so popular in cooking?
Bacon drippings are popular because they add smoky, salty flavor and are versatile in many different types of cuisine and dishes.
Tips for substituting bacon drippings
6 tips- Bacon drippings add smoky, salty flavor to dishes
- Bacon drippings can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Bacon drippings pair well with vegetables, eggs, and bread
- Bacon drippings works well in frying, sautéing, and seasoning
- Bacon drippings can be used to make cornbread and biscuits
- Store bacon drippings in the refrigerator