As duck fat isn't something many of us use all often, you might be wondering whether you can freeze duck fat. 

Can You Freeze Duck Fat?

Whether you’ve roasted a whole duck or simply have some leftover fat from cooking duck breasts or legs, you might be wondering whether it’s worth saving. The good news is that duck fat freezes really well, making it easy to keep for another day rather than letting it go to waste.

Can You Freeze Duck Fat?

Yes, you can freeze duck fat.

Duck fat freezes extremely well and can be stored for 3 to 4 months without affecting its quality. It’s perfect for saving after roasting a duck and using later for roast potatoes, vegetables or frying.

If you think you’ll use it within a week, you can simply keep it in the fridge instead.

As duck fat isn't something many of us use all often, you might be wondering whether you can freeze duck fat. 

What Can You Use Duck Fat For?

Duck fat adds plenty of flavour and is well worth keeping. Some of my favourite ways to use it include:

  • Roast potatoes – Duck fat makes wonderfully crisp roast potatoes with a rich flavour.
  • Roasted vegetables – Toss carrots, parsnips or other vegetables in duck fat before roasting.
  • Frying or searing meat – Use it instead of oil when cooking steaks or other meats.
  • Yorkshire puddings – A little duck fat can give Yorkshire puddings a deliciously crisp finish.

Freezing duck fat also means you can save it for Christmas, when it’s perfect for roast potatoes and vegetables.

How To Freeze Duck Fat

Before freezing, think about how you’ll use the duck fat later. Freezing it in smaller portions makes it much easier to use exactly what you need.

  1. Allow the duck fat to cool slightly after cooking.
  2. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays while it’s still liquid.
  3. Once completely cold, place it in the freezer.
  4. If using ice cube trays, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag once solid.
  5. Label and date before returning to the freezer.

Top Tip

Silicone ice cube trays are ideal for freezing duck fat. Once frozen, simply pop the cubes into a freezer bag so you can grab one or two portions whenever you need them.

How Long Does Duck Fat Last In The Freezer?

Duck fat keeps well in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.

It will remain safe to use after this if kept frozen continuously, but the flavour may gradually begin to deteriorate.

If you plan to use it within a week, storing it in the fridge is usually the better option.

How To Defrost Duck Fat

In most cases, you don’t need to defrost duck fat at all.

Simply add a frozen portion straight to a hot roasting tin or frying pan and allow it to melt before adding your food.

If you do prefer to thaw it first, leave it in the fridge overnight.

Tips For Cooking With Duck Fat

Duck fat can spit when it comes into contact with water, so it’s worth taking a little extra care.

  • Pat potatoes, vegetables or meat dry before adding them to the hot fat.
  • Heat the duck fat fully before adding food.
  • Store any leftover thawed duck fat in the fridge and don’t refreeze it.

Related Freezing Guides

Browse my Freezing Food Hub for all of my freezing guides in one place, or if you’re specifically looking for Christmas Food you can freeze take a look at the Christmas Freezing Hub.

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