Benton’s bacon has a dedicated following thanks to its incredibly rich, smoky flavor. But because it contains no preservatives, many wonder – how long does unopened and opened Benton’s bacon last?
In this guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about maximizing the shelf life and enjoying this specialty bacon including
- An overview of why Benton’s bacon is different
- Proper storage methods for unopened and opened packages
- Signs of spoilage to watch for
- The freezer shelf life and how to freeze properly
- Cooking tips for best flavor
- Creative ways to use up leftovers
With the right techniques, you can keep Benton’s bacon fresh for months. Let’s start cooking!
Why Benton’s Bacon is Unique
Alan Benton makes Benton’s bacon in Madisonville, TN, using old-fashioned hand-made techniques. Here’s what makes it special:
- Dry cured for 3 weeks using just salt, brown sugar, and spices
- Cold smoked for 2-3 days over hickory wood
- Packed by hand with no preservatives
- Rich, bold smoky flavor with balanced saltiness
The traditional process results in incredibly flavorful bacon packed with smoky goodness. But the lack of preservatives means it requires a bit more care.
How Long Does Unopened Benton’s Bacon Last?
An unopened package of Benton’s bacon will last 4-6 months past the packing date in the fridge. The vacuum sealing and smoking help prolong the shelf life without preservatives.
For best quality, use within 2-3 months. Keep an eye on the expiration date and don’t use bacon that smells funny or has changed color.
Once opened, use within 1-2 weeks. Re-wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag, squeezing out excess air.
Proper Storage to Maximize Freshness
To get the longest shelf life from Benton’s bacon:
- Keep unopened packages refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Place opened bacon in airtight packaging removing as much air as possible
- Avoid repeated temperature fluctuations (don’t leave out then re-refrigerate)
- Monitor for signs of spoilage and discard if any present
- Freeze for longer term storage (see freezing tips below)
With proper refrigeration, the bacon keeps well for a specialty product without preservatives.
How to Identify When Benton’s Bacon Has Spoiled
Watch for these indicators that your Benton’s bacon has gone bad:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Dull or faded pink/red color
- Off odors – Sour, unpleasant, or ammonia smell
- Mold growth – Fuzzy green or white patches
- Rancid taste
Trust your senses – you’ll know right away if the bacon has spoiled and should be discarded. Don’t risk getting sick by tasting it.
Can You Freeze Benton’s Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze Benton’s bacon for longer term storage. Follow these tips:
- Freeze unopened packages for maximum freshness
- Double wrap opened bacon packs in plastic wrap or foil, removing air
- Portion into servings if needed so you can thaw only what you’ll use
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before using
- Use within 1 week for best quality
- Avoid freezing more than 1-2 times
Frozen properly, Benton’s bacon keeps well for 2-3 months.
Tips for Cooking Benton’s Bacon
To get the most flavor when cooking Benton’s bacon:
- Cook low and slow – the smokiness intensifies when cooked gently
- Bake in oven at 375°F for even cooking without scorching
- Cook until deep brown but not burnt
- Save the drippings for cooking other foods – imparts smoky flavor
The rich flavor of Benton’s bacon shines through best when handled with care in cooking.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Benton’s Bacon
Put leftover cooked Benton’s bacon to good use! Here are some ideas:
- Crumble into salads, pasta dishes, or baked potatoes
- Mix into dips, stuffings, and casseroles
- Add to cornbread or pizza dough before baking
- Wrap around smoked sausage or other meats
- Infuse into beans, soups, or chilies
- Garnish Bloody Mary cocktails
- Sprinkle over grilled fruit like peaches
- Fold into waffle or pancake batter
- Top off mac and cheese or breakfast tacos
With its robust flavor, a little Benton’s bacon goes a long way in dishes.
Final Thoughts
Benton’s artisanal bacon offers an incredible smoky, salty flavor that keeps for 4-6 months refrigerated when unopened. Once opened, use within 1-2 weeks. Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months.
Savor the bold flavors by cooking low and slow. And use leftovers creatively in recipes – a little bit packs a flavor punch! Follow these tips and enjoy Benton’s bacon at its very best.
My bacon arrived warm – is it safe?
Your bacon can take the heat because it’s cured. Curing is a traditional way to preserve meat that pre-dates the invention of refrigeration by several thousand years. Curing keeps meat safe by making it inhospitable to the microbes that would otherwise cause rot. Most commonly, this is done by salting, smoking, and drying.
If you cure the meat slowly and the right way, these methods not only keep it safe, but they also make it taste even better.
“The country’s best bacon”—John T. Edge, Southern Foodways Alliance
Even though the name of the business is based on ham, Allan Benton and his team cure and smoke some seriously good bacon. They’ve been at it since 1947, thirty miles south of Knoxville, down near the North Carolina state line.
Rubbed with salt and brown sugar, its set aside to dry cure for a solid month. During that time it loses a good bit of weight but the flavors intensify. Dry curing is an uncommon practice in bacon making, since it takes longer, adds costs and decreases yield. But it creates deep, solid, memorable flavor from a slice that doesn’t shrink much in your skillet. It was smoked over hickory for three days and then sliced medium. The flavor is a strong mix of smoke, salt, and sweetness all at once. None dominates, all are pronounced. Delicious.
Incidentally, Allan is one of the kindest, humblest folks I have ever met in the food world. When I recently visited, he told me, “I don’t know if I’ve reached my goal, but I want to make a world-class product.” ” If you ask me, hes there.
“The secret is that there is no secret. This is the way bacon was made for years. This is the way it was made years ago. Now were going quicker. But our goal isnt to make it quicker. Its to make the best bacon we can make. ” —Allan Benton.
As I stand in front of my freezer in the middle of the night, I can smell Allan Benson’s bacon through the boxes.” ” Eli R. , Burlingame, CA.
“I bought Bentons bacon. My husband cooked it at 4 am. The amazing smell woke me up out of a sound sleep. ” Miranda, Ypsilanti, MI.
Because Benton’s bacon is only made in very small amounts, we often run out of the little we can get. We get shipments regularly, so if it’s sold out, check back soon.
Benton’s Bacon Review
FAQ
Where is Benton’s bacon made?
What brand of bacon is dry cured?
How long does country ham last?
How to cook bentons smoked bacon?
How long does Bacon last in the fridge?
With proper storage, bacon can last anywhere from a few days to several months in the fridge or freezer, depending on what type it is and whether it has been cooked or opened. Proper storage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use.
Is Bentons Bacon good?
When I was a kid in Atlanta my older brother brought back slabs of bacon from northern Alabama from a farmer that cured & sold his own bacon. It was fantastic stuff. Bentons is every bit as good as I remember that bacon being. It the best authentic southern salt and brown sugar cured bacon that I have tasted since 1965!
How long does hickory smoked bacon last?
There is no secret to the Benton formula for bacon, it could not be simpler: salt, brown sugar, time and patience! And a good hickory smoke that lasts about 3 days! Bacon curing is an art Al learned growing up.
How long can Bacon be frozen?
Bacon can also be frozen safely for 6-8 months. The shelf life of bacon depends on a variety of factors including the sell by date, the preparation method and how the meat was stored. Bacon is tasty for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a condiment. Just like ham, it is a cured meat prepared from a pig. So, how long does bacon last?