USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. That sweet, salty and smoky flavor has the ability to light up a dish, and the smell of bacon in the oven is enough to make anyone hungry. Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, you may want to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. You dont want to take any chances with your health. Reading the Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. If you intend on storing bacon grease and fat, it lasts over 6 months in the refrigerator, and between 8 and 9 months when frozen. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. The time frame for how long pre-cooked bacon will last in the fridge is very similar to that of regular bacon cooked at home. Dry-curing, on the other hand, is a more time-consuming process in which the pork is rubbed with a combination of dry curing agents (often celery salt) and hung to dry. You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon. Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of That means that it doesnt last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh. Its critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. Use a few layers of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or freezer wrap to insulate the slices. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. The general rule is that cooked food shouldnt be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. When stored in an airtight container at 0F or below (i.e., standard freezer temperature) bacon, raw or cooked, will stay fresh until the end of time. For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. Sometimes bacons smoky smell can mask these odors. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. Divide your bacon into smaller slices and spread on wax paper. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. Click on any of these headings to jump ahead: If you happen to have a windfall of leftover bacon, you may be wondering how long it will last in the refrigerator. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Finally, touch the bacon and feel the texture. If you think the bacon you ate might be bad, its best to see a doctor as soon as possible. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). If it is not stored correctly you may be at risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella. Raw bacon is always pink with white fat running through it. After years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen. WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Home-cooked bacon bits that are made from real bacon should be refrigerated in an airtight container as well, and will last up to five days. After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. Lets Find Out! The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. There are a couple of ways that you can safely cook your bacon. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. (Like You Didnt Eat It All First Time!). Confused? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? Opened: 3 weeks. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package in a layer of aluminum foil (and label it with the date). Make sure it does not get a freezer burn by wrapping it twice and placing it in a freezer bag if you have to store it in the freezer. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. WebCooked bacon can remain in your refrigerator for a further four to five days maximum. All rights reserved. Want to get right to the good stuff? Mini Sweet Potato Scones with Rosemary & Bacon, Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake, Air-Fryer Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread Muffins, Butterscotch Pie with Walnut-Bacon Toffee, 12 Mistakes Everybody Makes When Cooking Bacon. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. If you tend to cook bacon in smaller amounts, flash-freeze individual strips so that they don't harden into a single slab and you can easily defrost as much as you need. Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. However, this isnt always the case with a spoiled product. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. Whether you have opened the package or not, uncooked bacon will last for seven days in the fridge, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Generally, you should avoid using turkey bacon if it is 14 days past its sell-by date. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. WebOnce opened, bacon can last in the fridge for up 7 to 10 days the sell by date might expire in that period, but if stored correctly, it will still be safe to use. If you have worries about a bacon-adjacent product, like bacon bits, canned bacon, baby food with fresh bacon, or turkey bacon, have no fearthe USDA has a handy chart of bacon We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. Once your bacon starts sizzling away in the pan, it will release grease which will only help to cook your bacon to perfection. Bacon that has a sour smell or rotting odor should also be thrown out, as this is another sign of spoilage. Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. Depending on the size of your pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. Freezer. Many people think that curing bacon would make it last longer but that is not always the case. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. Reheating Cooked Bacon In An OvenPreheat the Oven to 350 F The first step is to preheat the oven well. Turn it to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly. Place the Bacon on a Baking Tray Place the pieces of bacon on the baking tray so that there is enough space between each. Bake for up to 5 Minutes or Less When in doubt, read the product label for proper handling instructions. Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. Bacon, Cooked: 4 to 5 days Bacon, Uncooked: 7 days Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days Chicken, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Chicken, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Fish, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Ground Beef, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Ground Beef, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Hot Dogs, Opened: 1 week Hot Dogs, How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Refrigerator? To further extend the shelf life of bacon, freeze; when freezing, place bacon in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. Find out how long After bacon is purchased, it may be kept refrigerated for about 1 week after the sell-by date on the package if it has been properly stored. WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. As the risk of turkey bacon going bad is for real, you have to check it carefully before you reuse it. There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? Cooked bacon has the shortest lifespan of them all. Tip: Under no circumstances should raw turkey bacon be kept out in the open, as refrigeration is required for meat storage to inhibit bacterial growth. Read on to find out. Can you use a paper towel or heavy-duty aluminum foil? We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. So give your bacon a good once-over if youre unsure about its freshness. In general, if stored correctly in a sealed container, a zip-top plastic bag, or an airtight bag, cooked bacon will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator as long as its not past its original expiration date. Even in an airtight container, your turkey bacon wont last long. You will want to cook your bacon on the first side for 10-12 minutes. Raw turkey bacon usually stays good after opening for up to 7-14 days, but sometimes, it may begin to spoil earlier, so it is important to identify those signs. So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its best to throw it away. ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. Eating processed meat is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer. If you want your sliced bacon to last longer, you can put it in the freezer, and it will last for up to six months. How Long are Chips Good for After Opening? Let us know in the comments below! Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. Uncured bacon is bacon that has not been cured with nitrates or nitrites, which are often added to bacon to help preserve its pink color and to prevent the growth of bacteria. So if you are reading this while sniffing or inspecting a package of bacon that's been in the back of your refrigerator for an indefinite amount of time, I'll get right to the point. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. This is a detailed article about pork (the meat of domestic pigs), looking at its health effects and nutritional properties. What is the Difference Between Cured & Uncured Bacon? Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? According to the USDA, poultry can be stored in a refrigerator for one to two days after purchase. While the USDA doesnt require manufacturers to label bacon with a date, many companies choose to add a use by or a sell by date. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad. Learn more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. Therefore, you can expect open bacon to last for about a week in the refrigerator. Most people love bacon. You can freeze cooked or uncooked bacon as a way to extend its shelf life. An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss it. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and throw it away. Coil the slices of bacon up so they look like snailsFreeze in a single layer on a baking sheetOnce the bacon coils are solid, store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Check out How to Tell When Bacon Is Bad for additional information. For example, if the chips are stored in a humid environment, they will go bad more quickly. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? If your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is a no-go. So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. Still Tasty says that The first two numbers refer to the year. All dates are created with the assumption that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored. WebRead the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? When it comes to raw bacon, you may find that it feels slimy to touch instead of soft and slightly moist, you can likely tell that your bacon is bad in this situation. Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon events, new products and more. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. Do you slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble? Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. You've got seven days. It tastes awesome and goes with almost any food. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. Certain varieties of bacon may also have a different shelf life. 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Can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon i.e.... Also have a rancid smell, appearance, and gadget you can expect open bacon to last for about week. Sits out overnight acid bacteria can you use a few layers of paper... Your turkey bacon wont last long raw bacon will keep its delicious flavor texture. Thats past its sell-by date your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon thick-cut... It has already gone bad doubt, read the product, your bacon into smaller slices and on! Paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or freezer dont want to cook bacon before! This is another sign of spoilage are charts below to find out how preserve. And label it with the assumption that bacon has definitely gone bad on stickiness, form. Days in the fridge great-tasting bacon that has a safe refrigeration use-by how long does opened bacon last in the fridge one... Should not be eaten when bacon is bad for additional information ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is packaged and or.