How Long Does Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Last? The Complete Guide

Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is a delicious, smokey barbecue treat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. But if you’ve got leftovers, you may be wondering – how long does Jack Daniels pulled pork last in the fridge or freezer?

As a tasty but perishable cooked meat, Jack Daniels pulled pork needs to be stored properly to keep it safe to eat. Follow this complete guide to learn how long Jack Daniels pulled pork lasts, how to store it, and how to reheat it safely.

How Long Does Leftover Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Last In The Fridge?

Leftover Jack Daniels pulled pork that has been refrigerated will keep for 3 to 4 days

To make the pulled pork last longer, store it in airtight containers or plastic bags that can be closed again and again. Make sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. The cooler temperature slows down bacterial growth that causes spoilage and foodborne illness.

Properly stored in the fridge, Jack Daniels pulled pork that still looks and smells normal can be safely eaten within 3 to 4 days. But for best quality, try to eat it within 3 days.

How To Store Jack Daniels Pulled Pork In The Fridge

Follow these tips for safe storage in the refrigerator:

• Let leftover pulled pork cool to room temperature, then divide it into shallow containers for quick cooling in the fridge.

• Put pulled pork in containers or zip-top bags that don’t let air in and store them in a cool, dry place. This prevents drying.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave pulled pork at room temperature longer than this.

• Label containers with the date and any recipe/cooking notes. Use the older leftovers first.

• Store Jack Daniels pulled pork in the back of the fridge (the coldest area).

Does Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Go Bad After 4 Days?

Jack Daniels pulled pork can go bad after 4 days in the fridge when stored improperly. Signs that it has spoiled and may cause food poisoning include:

• Strange odor – spoiled pork smells rancid, rotten, or sour

• Mold growth – fuzzy spots or slimy residue on the pork

• Unusual texture – very slimy, sticky, or mushy meat

• Change in color – green, gray, or brown discoloration

• Sour taste

Don’t taste test questionable pulled pork! Even a small bite of spoiled food can make you sick. Play it safe and throw away Jack Daniels pulled pork past 4 days.

How Long Does Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Last In The Freezer?

For long term storage, Jack Daniels pulled pork can be frozen for optimal freshness. Properly frozen, it will maintain quality for 4 to 6 months.

Here are some freezer storage tips:

• Let pulled pork cool completely before freezing so it freezes faster.

• Divide into meal-sized portions in resealable bags or airtight containers. Remove air pockets.

• Label bags/containers with contents, quantity, and freeze date.

• Freeze pork immediately at 0°F or below. Use the back of the freezer, not the door.

• Once frozen, Jack Daniels pulled pork can be moved for long term storage if needed.

How To Thaw Jack Daniels Pulled Pork

Never thaw Jack Daniels pulled pork at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow.

Instead, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, place bags of frozen pork in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Or, thaw in the microwave using the defrost setting. Cook immediately after microwaving to destroy bacteria.

Once thawed, use Jack Daniels pulled pork within 3 to 4 days. Do not refreeze thawed pork. Reheating during cooking will kill any bacteria.

How To Reheat Jack Daniels Pulled Pork

Reheating will make leftover pulled pork safe and delicious again. These are safe reheating methods:

• Microwave: Heat pork in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. Cover dish to prevent splatter.

• Oven: Bake pulled pork in a shallow baking dish, covered with foil, at 375°F until hot, about 20 minutes.

• Saucepan: Heat pork over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until hot throughout. Add barbecue sauce or broth to moisten.

• Slow cooker: Combine pork with barbecue sauce in a slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until fully heated.

Heat Jack Daniels pulled pork to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer for food safety. Bring sauces and broth to a boil when reheating.

Let sit for a few minutes after reheating for the temperature to evenly distribute. Now your leftover pulled pork is ready to enjoy again!

How Many Days After Thawing Can You Eat Pulled Pork?

Jack Daniels pulled pork that was properly thawed in the fridge can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days before spoiling.

Be sure to check for signs of spoilage before eating it, like an off smell, sticky or slimy texture, or discoloration. As long as the thawed pork looks and smells normal, it is safe to cook and eat within 3 to 4 days.

Discard any thawed Jack Daniels pulled pork that is older than 4 days for food safety. Do not refreeze thawed pork. Cook thawed pork immediately to destroy harmful bacteria.

Can You Eat Expired Jack Daniels Pulled Pork?

It’s not recommended to eat expired pulled pork. Jack Daniels pulled pork can harbor harmful bacteria when past its prime. Consuming expired pork that contains toxins can cause food poisoning or serious illness.

Even when refrigerated and frozen properly, Jack Daniels pulled pork should not be eaten past these time limits:

• Refrigerated: 3 to 4 days

• Frozen: 4 to 6 months

Look for signs of spoilage like changes in odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, remember the old adage – when expired, throw it out! Don’t take risks with old pulled pork.

Signs Your Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Has Gone Bad

Here are the red flags that Jack Daniels pulled pork has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:

• Slimy or sticky texture

• Unpleasant sour, rancid, or rotten smell

• Mold growth – fuzzy spots or slimy residue

• Dull or unappetizing grey/brown/green color

• Off tastes when sampled

• Dry, crusty, or tacky pork pieces

Don’t taste expired pulled pork or rely on smell alone to check for safety. Discard Jack Daniels pulled pork at the first sign of spoilage, no matter how it was stored. Don’t risk getting sick from eating bad pork!

How To Use Up Leftover Jack Daniels Pulled Pork

Try these tasty ways to use up Jack Daniels pulled pork before it expires:

• Pulled pork sandwiches – pile onto buns with your favorite toppings

• Pulled pork tacos or burritos – add to warm tortillas or wraps

• Pulled pork pizza – sprinkle on pizza and drizzle with barbecue sauce

• Pulled pork omelets or breakfast burritos – great way to start the day!

• Pulled pork salad – toss with greens, veggies, and dressing

• Pulled pork nachos – load onto chips and finish with cheese

Get creative with leftover pulled pork while it’s still fresh! Freezing individual portions helps avoid waste and stretch your Jack Daniels pulled pork to the max.

Can You Freeze Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Twice?

It’s best not to refreeze Jack Daniels pulled pork once it has been thawed. Refreezing thawed pork allows ice crystals to form again, damaging the cell structure. This affects the pork’s texture, making it mushy or dry when reheated.

Refreezing also increases the risk of bacteria growth in the thawed pork. While cooking kills bacteria, the quality decline from refreezing may make the Jack Daniels pulled pork unpalatable.

For best quality and food safety, thaw frozen pulled pork once in the refrigerator or microwave on defrost. Cook within 3 to 4 days and don’t refreeze any leftovers. With proper single use freezing and refrigeration, Jack Daniels pulled pork stays fresh for many meals!

How Should I Store Jack Daniels Pulled Pork For Cooking Later?

To save your homemade Jack Daniels pulled pork for cooking later in the week:

• Let the pork cool to room temp within 2 hours of cooking.

• Divide into meal-sized portions in freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove air.

• Date bags/containers and freeze at 0°F or below for up to 4 to 6 months.

• Thaw needed portions in the fridge 1-2 days before use.

• Cook thawed pork within 3 to 4 days. Discard any expired pork.

• Reheat thawed pork thoroughly to 165°F until piping hot before serving.

Proper freezing preserves the flavor and texture of your fresh cooked pulled pork for convenient meals all month long. Now you can enjoy Jack Daniels pulled pork whenever the craving strikes!

Getting the most out of your Jack Daniels pulled pork while keeping it safe requires proper refrigeration and freezing. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 4 to 6 months for best quality. Thaw frozen pork safely in the fridge, never at room temperature. Reheat thawed pork within 3 to 4 days to 165°F until piping hot. Following these guidelines, you can keep enjoying delicious pulled pork worry-free!