Are you wondering, “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, how to keep turkey bacon fresh? We have the definite answers! The good news is that by following these techniques for storing raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon you can keep it fresh much longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon has fewer calories and grams of fat than regular pork bacon, but it’s still a processed meat product with an expiration date.
That’s why it’s important to know how long turkey bacon will last and how to store it without causing bacterial growth. This post will help you learn just that! Read on to discover how you can enjoy the crispy strips with your meals in the safest way possible.
As a bacon lover, I always like to keep extra packages of turkey bacon in my freezer for those times when I’m craving a tasty BLT sandwich or want to add some bacon flavor to a pasta dish or salad But can you actually freeze turkey bacon without compromising quality and taste?
The short answer is yes – you can absolutely freeze turkey bacon, both raw and cooked! Properly freezing turkey bacon allows you to store it for extended periods while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about successfully freezing turkey bacon so you can enjoy this versatile ingredient anytime. Let’s dive in!
Overview of Freezing Turkey Bacon
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve turkey bacon and prevent spoilage. It suspends the food safely in a frozen state stopping bacteria growth and enzymatic reactions that can cause it to go bad.
When stored at 0°F or below, frozen turkey bacon can keep for up to 6 months before quality starts to decline. With proper preparation, packaging and freezing methods, you can stash turkey bacon in your freezer for whenever you get a craving!
Can You Freeze Raw Turkey Bacon?
Yes, absolutely! Raw, uncooked turkey bacon freezes very well. To freeze raw turkey bacon:
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Slice the bacon into portions based on desired use, Thinner slices for cooking up crispy or thicker cut for adding to recipes,
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Layer slices between sheets of wax paper, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air.
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Label package with contents and freeze date.
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Freeze for up to 6 months at 0°F.
Slicing the bacon before freezing makes for easier thawing and cooking later.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Bacon?
Cooked turkey bacon also holds up excellently in the freezer. To freeze:
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Allow cooked bacon to cool completely, then package in airtight container or freezer bag.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal.
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Label package with contents and date.
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Freeze for up to 6 months at 0°F.
The bacon may lose a bit of crispiness after freezing, but still tastes delicious!
Thawing and Cooking Frozen Turkey Bacon
Thawing
To thaw frozen turkey bacon for cooking:
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Place frozen bacon in the refrigerator and allow to thaw overnight.
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You can also thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until pliable.
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Microwave thawing is not recommended, as it can start cooking the bacon.
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Once thawed, use within 3-5 days.
Cooking
You can cook thawed frozen turkey bacon same as fresh. Fry in a skillet for crispy bacon or bake in the oven. An extra minute or two of cooking time may be needed.
To cook frozen turkey bacon directly without thawing:
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Fry over medium-low heat, increasing time by 1-2 minutes.
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Bake at 400°F on a wire rack lined sheet for 20-25 minutes.
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Microwave 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Storage Tips for Frozen Turkey Bacon
Follow these tips for safely storing frozen turkey bacon:
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Freeze in airtight packaging with all air removed.
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Use freezer-safe bags, containers or wax paper.
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Label package with contents and freeze date.
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Store flat in freezer to prevent breaking.
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Avoid freezer burn by limiting air exposure.
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Use oldest bacon first when grabbing from the freezer.
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Once thawed, use within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze.
Helpful Hints for Freezing Turkey Bacon
Here are some additional pointers to freeze turkey bacon like a pro:
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Freeze bacon in meal-size portions to avoid waste.
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Layer slices between wax paper before bagging.
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For best texture, don’t refreeze after thawing.
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If frozen longer than 6 months, inspect carefully before using.
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Rinse bacon under cold water until flexible if impatient when thawing!
Common Freezer Bacon Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing turkey bacon:
How can you tell if frozen turkey bacon is still good?
Inspect for signs of freezer burn like dry, tough bacon or ice crystals. Give it a sniff test after thawing. Discard if odor is off or unpleasant.
Can you freeze and re-freeze turkey bacon?
It’s not recommended. Thawing and refreezing makes the bacon lose quality and become soggy.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last in the freezer?
Cooked bacon frozen properly in airtight packaging will last 6 months in the freezer before drying out or suffering flavor loss.
Can you freeze opened packages of turkey bacon?
Yes! If you can’t use up a package, just slice and freeze the remainder. Remove air from package and use within 2 months for best flavor.
Is it safe to eat turkey bacon that was previously frozen?
Absolutely! As long as it was stored properly in the freezer, thawed correctly and used promptly, previously frozen turkey bacon is totally safe to eat.
Enjoy Delicious Turkey Bacon Any Time
There you have it – everything you need to know about successfully freezing turkey bacon. Now you can keep a stash in your freezer for up to 6 months and enjoy delicious turkey bacon anytime the craving strikes.
From making emergency BLT sandwiches to adding crunchy bits to salads, the uses for frozen turkey bacon are endless. Just be sure to use proper freezer storage methods. And always thaw safely in the refrigerator before cooking for maximum flavor and texture.
With this handy guide, you can confidently freeze turkey bacon and have this tasty treat on hand whenever you need it. Bacon on!
Storing Uncooked Turkey Bacon
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) shares that you can store any type of bacon raw in a refrigerator at 40 degrees F and below for a week, and in a freezer below zero degrees F for up to four months.
For the best flavor, however, we recommend tightly wrapping and storing the turkey bacon after opening the package, and planning to cook and eat it within two to three days (or freezing it).
Making Cooked Bacon Last Longer
After cooking turkey bacon, drain the grease from it on a paper towel and cool to room temperature.
Once the leftover slices are cooled and drained, the easiest way to store it is to wrap individual servings in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. (Storing the bacon in individual servings is a good idea since it’ll make it easier to reheat as needed.)
Store the tightly-wrapped portions in a heavy-duty zip-top freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.
The BEST way to freeze turkey bacon! & watch me cook it from a frozen state!
FAQ
Is it okay to freeze turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months while maintaining its best quality. After that period, it may still be safe to eat but could suffer from freezer burn or a decline in flavor and texture.
How long can I keep turkey bacon in the fridge?
Unopened turkey bacon in a sealed package can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or seven days past the expiration date, whichever comes first. Once the package is opened, it can be stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to one week.
Can I freeze bacon in its original package?
Wrap it Properly: If the bacon is still in its original packaging and it’s unopened, you can freeze it as is. If it’s opened, wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
How do you thaw frozen turkey bacon?
There are three safe ways to thaw bacon: in the refrigerator, in cold water and in the microwave. Never defrost bacon on the kitchen counter or at room temperature.