Bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many. Its savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavor takes eggs, sandwiches, burgers, and so many other dishes to the next level. While fresh bacon should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of purchasing, the freezer can extend its shelf life significantly.

But how long exactly is bacon good for in the freezer? How should you store it for maximum freshness? And how can you tell if frozen bacon has gone bad? This complete guide will give you all the tips and tricks for freezing bacon properly.

Factors That Affect How Long Bacon Lasts In The Freezer

Several key factors impact how long bacon stays fresh and safe in the freezer

• Type of bacon – Regular sliced bacon lasts longer than specialty bacon with more natural ingredients.

• Packaging – Bacon sealed in an airtight package or container lasts longer than bacon loosely wrapped.

• Freezer temperature – Bacon keeps longer when stored constantly at 0°F or below.

• Freezer door openings – Opening the door frequently causes temperature fluctuations that shorten shelf life.

• Freeze date – Bacon frozen at or near its “sell by” date won’t last as long as freshly-purchased bacon

Following proper storage methods and being mindful of these factors will help your bacon last longer

Proper Storage for Freezing Bacon

To maximize bacon’s shelf life in the freezer, use these proper storage steps:

• Seal tightly – Wrap bacon strips or pieces tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or place in resealable freezer bags.

• Exclude air – Remove as much air as possible from packaging to prevent freezer burn.

• Portion packs – Freeze bacon in serving size portions to avoid thawing more than needed.

• Use within date – Freeze bacon before the expiration or “use by” date on the package.

• Cool before freezing – Don’t freeze warm leftover bacon; cool it completely first.

• Label – Mark packages with content, amount, and freeze date.

Proper freezer storage stops moisture loss, oxidation, and freezer burn that can cause bacon to spoil quickly.

How Long Does Bacon Last In The Freezer?

Bacon can safely stay frozen for extended periods of time. Here are the freezer timelines based on bacon type and preparation:

• Uncooked bacon – 6 to 12 months

• Cooked bacon pieces – 1 to 2 months

• Cooked bacon slices – 1 month

• Commercial frozen uncooked bacon – 6 to 9 months (don’t exceed “use by” date)

• Homemade bacon – 4 months

Bacon will still be safe to eat beyond these timeframes, but the taste and texture quality will deteriorate. For best results, use frozen bacon within 3-4 months.

Signs Bacon Has Spoiled In The Freezer

Check frozen bacon carefully before cooking and consuming. Signs that bacon has spoiled include:

• Unpleasant or off odors

• Change in color – grayish, greenish or dark areas

• Slimy or sticky texture

• Dry, frosty appearance signaling freezer burn

• Weeping of liquid or an overly soft texture when thawing

Bacon developing these characteristics should be discarded right away. Don’t taste or cook spoiled bacon.

Tips For Using Frozen Bacon

Here are some useful tips for handling and cooking frozen bacon:

• Thaw overnight – Move frozen bacon to the refrigerator 1-2 days before use. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Use defrost setting – Microwave frozen bacon on 50% power using the defrost setting if in a rush.

• Cook completely – Always cook thawed bacon thoroughly until crispy.

• Avoid refreezing – Don’t refreeze bacon after it’s thawed.

• Adjust cooking time – Expect slightly longer cooking times from frozen state.

• Watch carefully – Frozen bacon is more prone to burning when cooked.

• Store cooked bacon properly – Cool completely before freezing.

With proper freezing, storage and handling, you can enjoy bacon’s full flavor and texture when cooking it straight from the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about freezing bacon? These commonly asked questions have your answers:

How long can you keep unopened bacon in the freezer?
Unopened packages of bacon can be frozen for up to 8 months if the “sell by” date hasn’t passed yet.

Can you freeze bacon grease?
Yes. Cool grease completely then store in sealed containers up to 6 months.

Can you freeze cooked bacon?
Cooked bacon pieces and slices can be frozen for 1-2 months. Cool completely before freezing.

Is it safe to eat bacon that’s been frozen for a year?
Bacon stored for over a year will likely suffer from freezer burn and dryness. Inspect it closely and use your best judgment.

Can I refreeze thawed bacon?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing bacon affects the taste and texture.

What happens if bacon gets freezer burned?
Severe freezer burn causes dryness and rancid flavors. Small areas can be trimmed off before cooking.

How do I thaw bacon quickly?
Use the defrost setting to microwave frozen bacon for 2-5 minutes based on amount until pliable.

Can you cook bacon directly from frozen?
Yes, cook frozen bacon straight from the freezer. Just expect it to take slightly longer to reach your desired crispness and doneness.

Should you rinse bacon after thawing?
Rinsing is unnecessary. Simply pat down thawed bacon with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture.

In Conclusion

With proper freezer storage and handling, bacon can safely stay fresh 6 months or longer. Make sure to seal it thoroughly, label packages with dates, monitor for spoilage signs, and follow defrosting and cooking tips.

Freezing gives you the flexibility to buy bacon in bulk when it’s on sale without worrying about waste. So stock up on bacon bargains, fill your freezer, and enjoy convenient access to this tasty meat anytime!