The short answer is that cooked turkey bacon will last for three to five days in the fridge. But read on for MORE information. Prepare your turkey bacon in the air fryer to get it crispy. It’s a quick and easy way to make a breakfast side dish.
If you have extra turkey bacon, you can put it in the fridge for three to five days or the freezer for up to three months. If you want to freeze turkey bacon slices, put them in a single layer in shallow containers that keep air out or a heavy-duty freezer bag (stasher bags also work!). For the best results, put parchment paper between the bacon strips and freeze for up to three months. Flavor and texture will start to decrease after 3-4 months.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. But like any type of cooked meat, it requires safe handling to avoid foodborne illness. So how long can cooked turkey bacon be left out unrefrigerated before bacteria start to multiply? This article provides comprehensive guidelines to maximize food safety for cooked turkey bacon.
Overview of the 2-Hour Rule
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that all cooked meats should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours before being refrigerated or frozen This includes cooked turkey bacon
If turkey bacon is left out between 40°F and 140°F for more than two hours, bacteria on it can quickly grow and release poisons that make you sick. So it’s crucial to remember the 2-hour limit when handling cooked turkey bacon.
How Other Factors Can Shorten the Time Frame
While 2 hours is the maximum safe timeframe, certain conditions may require refrigerating turkey bacon even sooner:
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High temperatures – Bacteria multiply faster in summer’s heat and humidity. Refrigerate cooked turkey bacon within 1 hour.
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Large quantities – Large batches take longer to cool, allowing more bacterial growth. Refrigerate within 1 hour.
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Outdoor settings – Ambient warmth speeds up bacterial activity. Refrigerate cooked turkey bacon within 1 hour.
So consider 2 hours the absolute max, and be extra vigilant if these risky conditions exist.
Properly Storing Cooked Turkey Bacon in the Fridge
Once cooked turkey bacon is refrigerated, how long does it stay safe to eat?
- Raw turkey bacon lasts 1 week beyond the sell-by date.
- Cooked turkey bacon lasts 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- For maximum freshness and quality, try to eat refrigerated cooked turkey bacon within 3-4 days.
Make sure to store cooked turkey bacon in a sealed container or bag before refrigerating. This prevents meat juices from contaminating other foods.
How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad
Relying on your senses is the best way to check if cooked turkey bacon has spoiled. Look for these signs:
- Slimy texture or sticky coating
- Unusual dull or grey coloring
- Dryness or hardening
- Strange odors – sour, rancid, ammonia-like
- Any mold spots – fuzzy or discolored patches
If you notice any of these red flags, play it safe and throw away the turkey bacon. Don’t take risks with food poisoning.
Is Reheating Turkey Bacon After 2 Hours Safe?
No, reheating turkey bacon that has sat out for longer than 2 hours does not make it safe to eat again. Dangerous bacteria may have already produced heat-resistant toxins. Don’t count on reheating to resuscitate spoiled turkey bacon.
Freezing and Thawing Cooked Turkey Bacon
Freezing is a safe long-term storage method for cooked turkey bacon. Follow these tips:
- Allow cooked turkey bacon to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags, removing excess air.
- Label bags with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To safely thaw frozen cooked turkey bacon:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight – this is the safest method.
- Microwave thawing is quicker, but cook immediately after thawing.
- Never thaw turkey bacon at room temperature – bacteria can grow rapidly.
Quick Reference Food Safety Guide
For easy recall, here are the key storage time limits for cooked turkey bacon:
- Room temperature – 2 hours maximum
- Refrigerator – 3-5 days in sealed container
- Freezer – 2-3 months in freezer wrap/bags
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t take risks with foodborne illnesses.
FAQs – Your Turkey Bacon Questions Answered
Let’s review some frequently asked questions about how long cooked turkey bacon can be left out unrefrigerated:
Can I leave cooked turkey bacon at room temp all day?
No. It must be refrigerated within 2 hours, no exceptions. Leaving it out all day risks food poisoning.
Can cooked turkey bacon go straight from pan to plate?
Yes, but it should be eaten right away within 2 hours. Do not let it linger at room temp.
How long can cooked turkey bacon stay out if it’s cold outside?
Still only 2 hours maximum. Cold external temperatures do not make food safety guidelines obsolete.
Is overnight on the counter okay for cooked turkey bacon?
Absolutely not. Never leave cooked turkey bacon out overnight. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
Can I recook turkey bacon left on the counter to make it safe?
No, bacteria may have formed heat-resistant toxins, so reheating does not make turkey bacon safe after sitting out overnight.
Can I freeze and reheat turkey bacon multiple times?
It’s best to limit freezer storage and reheating to one time only. Multiple reheats increase safety risks.
Can I eat turkey bacon that smells funny but looks normal?
No. An off or rancid odor indicates spoilage, even if the visual appearance seems fine. When in doubt, throw it out.
Does microwaving extend the 2-hour window for cooked turkey bacon?
No, microwaving does not allow cooked turkey bacon to sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours safely.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this detailed guide has provided readers with a thorough understanding of safe storage times and proper handling guidelines for cooked turkey bacon. While it requires resisting temptation and extra diligence, following food safety best practices will help you continue enjoying delicious turkey bacon worry-free.
Remember – refrigerate or freeze cooked turkey bacon within 2 hours. Monitor for any signs of spoilage and never take risks with foodborne illness. By being knowledgeable and proactive, you can feel confident that your tasty turkey bacon breakfasts will always leave you feeling healthy and satisfied!
How to Reheat Cooked Turkey Bacon
You can warm up turkey bacon (or regular bacon) in a few different ways. The best way for you will depend on your personal taste:
- For an air fry, put bacon in the machine and cook for one minute, until hot.
- Microwave: Put turkey bacon slices in a paper towel-lined microwave safe dish and heat for 30 to 60 seconds, or until hot. (Cooking time will vary greatly, depending on microwave. ) This is probably the easiest way.
- Iron Pan—Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook for one to two minutes on each side, or until hot.
How to Tell if Turkey Bacon is Bad
To be safe (and because getting sick from food is never fun!), throw away any uncooked turkey bacon that has been out at room temperature for too long or has passed its sell-by or use-by date. Turkey bacon that has been opened and has changed colors, smells bad, or has mold that can be seen is obviously bad and should be thrown away. Bad turkey bacon will usually be pretty obvious, but use common sense. .
If you won’t use turkey bacon before it goes bad, you can freeze a package that hasn’t been opened.
Round out your turkey bacon with a few of these sides for a nutritious, balanced meal: