The Shelf Life of Cooked Bacon: Your Guide to Storing & Enjoying Leftovers

Bacon is one of those versatile ingredients that adds savory depth to everything from breakfast plates to burgers. But like many cooked meats, leftovers need proper storage for food safety. So how long does cooked bacon last in the fridge or freezer?

This guide covers bacon storage methods signs of spoiled bacon and answers common questions on enjoying cooked bacon leftovers without waste.

How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last Refrigerated?

The shelf life of cooked bacon depends on how it’s handled after cooking Follow these refrigerator storage guidelines

• Let cooked bacon cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Don’t overload the fridge with steaming hot bacon.

• Store cooled bacon in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. Push out excess air before sealing.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Leave bacon at room temperature no longer than 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F.

Properly stored in the fridge, cooked bacon will last:

• 3 to 5 days – For best quality and freshness, use within this timeframe.

• 5 to 7 days – Cooked bacon will remain safe up to 1 week, but may start drying out.

• 1 to 2 weeks – Bacon keeps for 2 weeks maximum, but will lose flavor and texture quality. Discard if odor, color, or sliminess develops.

The fridge temperature makes a difference too. Cooked bacon keeps longer at colder fridge settings around 34-36°F versus warmer 40°F temperatures. Monitor your refrigerator with a thermometer for accuracy.

For maximum freshness, use cooked bacon within 3 to 5 days. But with proper refrigeration, the shelf life extends up to 1 week before bacon quality suffers. Discard any bacon that smells bad or feels excessively slimy.

Freezing and Thawing Cooked Bacon

Freezing lets you store leftover cooked bacon longer term. Here are some freezer storage tips:

• Allow cooked bacon to cool fully before freezing for food safety. Chill in the fridge before freezing if cooked recently.

• Portion bacon in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.

• Label bags with weight or amount plus date frozen. Use oldest portions first when cooking.

• Frozen cooked bacon keeps well for 1 to 2 months at 0°F. For longer freezer life up to 3 months, freeze at -10°F.

• Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave defrost setting if cooking immediately after.

Avoid repeated freezing as this can lead to texture changes. For best quality bacon, thaw in the refrigerator then use immediately.

How To Tell If Cooked Bacon Is Bad

Bacon has a fairly short shelf life once cooked, so it’s important to watch for signs of spoilage. Do not eat cooked bacon that shows the following:

• Mold growth – Toss bacon at first signs of fuzzy mold. Don’t try removing the mold and eating the remaining parts.

• Greenish tints – A greenish grey hue indicates spoiled bacon. Fresh cooked bacon is pink or reddish brown.

• Sliminess – Excessively slippery, shiny, or glistening bacon has bacteria growth. Discard immediately.

• Rancid smell – Cooked bacon gives off a distinctive foul, sour, or “off” odor when spoiled. Trust your nose.

• Dryness or cracks – Bacon that looks dried out, shriveled, brittle, or cracked around the edges is past its prime. Better to be safe than sorry if bacon looks questionable.

When reheating or tasting bacon that’s been in the fridge awhile, inspect carefully first. Signs like slimy textures or unpleasant odors mean the bacon needs to be discarded. Don’t risk eating it.

Safe Handling of Cooked Bacon

Practicing food safety is crucial when dealing with perishable cooked meats like bacon. Here are some key tips:

• Never leave cooked bacon or other cooked meats sitting out for over 2 hours. Toss bacon if left out longer at room temperature.

• Load the refrigerator with small containers of bacon to chill rapidly. Don’t overstuff the fridge.

• When reheating cooked bacon, reheat thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F measured by a food thermometer.

• Bring bacon-containing dishes like soups, pasta, and baked goods to 165°F before serving.

• Discard any cooked bacon that has been mishandled, such as left on a countertop overnight. Don’t risk getting sick.

Following safe refrigeration and handling practices will minimize the risk of foodborne bacteria on cooked bacon. Take care to avoid cross-contamination as well when working with raw meats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooked Bacon Storage

Here are answers to some common questions about how to store leftovers and enjoy cooked bacon safely:

How long is bacon good for after opening package?

An opened package of raw bacon will last 5-7 days in the fridge. Cook or freeze raw bacon within 1 week of opening for best freshness.

Can you freeze and reheat cooked bacon?

Yes, it’s safe to freeze cooked bacon for 1-3 months and reheat it later. Thaw first in the fridge then reheat fully to 165°F until hot and steaming.

What happens if you eat bad bacon?

Consuming spoiled bacon can cause foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Seek medical treatment if symptoms are severe.

Can you microwave cooked bacon?

It’s safe to reheat previously cooked bacon in the microwave using 30 second intervals until hot. But microwaving doesn’t crisp up bacon, so for a crispy result, reheat bacon in a skillet.

Is it OK to eat turkey or beef bacon when pregnant?

Yes, fully cooked turkey bacon and beef bacon are considered safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as they are fresh and properly reheated to 165°F.

The Takeaway

Knowing how to store cooked bacon correctly lets you enjoy leftovers for up to a week. Refrigerate bacon within 2 hours of cooking, store in sealed containers, and watch for signs of spoilage. Frozen cooked bacon stays fresh 1-3 months. With proper handling, you can keep tasty bacon on hand for recipes and sandwiches with no worries.