Dehydrating meat prolongs its shelf life, allowing you to rehydrate it later or enjoy as a dried food. Cooked bacon works well in a dehydrator and makes a protein-packed snack, salad topping or soup ingredient. Dehydrated bacon is also a good item to pack for extended hikes or camping trips. Look for a dehydrator at home supply stores.
To properly dry cooked bacon, an electric dehydrator is ideal. This product removes the moisture from the meat using electricity, which reduces the effort required to dry bacon. Use a skillet to cook the bacon and a fork for turning it. Before and while the bacon is drying, a roll of paper towels can be used to wipe off and soak up the grease. A plastic container or zip-top bag that doesn’t let air in is needed to store the dried bacon and keep it from going bad.
Before dehydrating bacon, cook the slices in a skillet until each is crisp and cooked through. Drain the bacon very well on paper towels. Fat that remains on the meat during dehydration may become rancid. Place the bacon strips in the drying tray of the dehydrator and put the tray into the machine. Cover it and turn the power on. Allow the bacon to dehydrate for about six to eight hours. Remove and store the dried bacon in a sealed container or bag.
Since there are different brands of dehydrators, it’s important to read the directions for the one you want to use before you start. Cooking times may be different depending on the brand. It’s best to use mesh sheets in your dehydrator to dry the bacon. Just put them in the drying trays. This helps drain the fat. Check the bacon every couple of hours. If needed, remove the lid and wipe any visible fat from the bacon before continuing the drying process. To create different flavors, try seasoning the bacon before drying it. Some things that go well with cooked bacon are cracked black pepper, maple syrup, and onion powder.
Drying cooked bacon reduces its weight and volume. One pound of cooked bacon typically results in only about 2 or 3 ounces of dried bacon. Choosing high-quality cuts of bacon produces better tasting dried bacon and less is lost due to fat content. Try using dried bacon as a seasoning for vegetable salads, bean soup or as a pizza topping.
Crispy, smoky bacon is a staple ingredient that can instantly elevate sandwiches burgers salads and more. But raw bacon only keeps for about a week in the fridge. Dehydrating it can extend the shelf life for months while intensifying the flavor. But can you safely dehydrate raw bacon at home?
While it may seem easier to skip cooking bacon before dehydrating, there are risks involved with drying raw pork This guide covers everything you need to know about dehydrating raw bacon, including
- Is it safe to dehydrate raw bacon?
- Why you should always cook bacon first
- Step-by-step instructions
- How long to dehydrate
- Storage guidelines
- Recipes for enjoying dehydrated bacon
Let’s look at the do’s and don’ts of making delicious bacon jerky and bits from raw pork belly
Is It Safe to Dehydrate Raw Bacon?
In short, no – you should never dehydrate raw, uncooked bacon. Pork can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and parasites that cause trichinosis. These pathogens are destroyed by proper cooking to 160°F internal temperature.
Dried bacon doesn’t get cooked or reach temperatures high enough to kill harmful germs when it’s dried alone. Also, drying doesn’t go deep enough into thick cuts to get rid of bacteria that are buried inside them.
For food safety, raw bacon must be cooked thoroughly before dehydrating. Pre-cooking guarantees any lurking pathogens are destroyed.
Why You Should Always Cook Bacon Before Dehydrating
Here are some of the biggest risks associated with dehydrating raw bacon:
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Pathogens like salmonella and E. coli survive drying and cause food poisoning.
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Parasites such as trichinella spiralis can infest pork and lead to trichinosis when consumed.
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Intact fat can quickly go rancid at room temperature after drying.
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Raw pork flavor and texture is inferior to cooked.
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Food safety is compromised without achieving 160°F internal temperature.
Proper cooking before dehydrating eliminates these hazards for safe bacon jerky you can enjoy.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Dehydrating Cooked Bacon
Follow these simple steps for safe, delicious dehydrated bacon every time:
1. Select High-Quality Bacon
Choose high-quality pork belly bacon free of flaws and blemishes. Thicker slices work better than thin. Avoid pre-cooked or ready-to-eat bacon.
2. Cook the Raw Bacon Thoroughly
Fry on the stovetop or bake in the oven until crispy all the way through. Cooking to 160°F kills pathogens. Let cool completely.
3. Slice Bacon Into Jerky Strips
For jerky, slice the cooked bacon strips width-wise into long 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide pieces. Other cuts will work too.
4. Arrange Evenly on Dehydrator Trays
Distribute bacon slices/pieces evenly on mesh dehydrator trays without overlapping.
5. Dehydrate at 145-155°F
Dry at a temperature between 145-155°F for best texture and flavor. Higher temps risk case hardening.
6. Rotate Trays and Check Dryness
Rotate trays and check dryness every 2-3 hours until bacon fractures when bent. Total time is around 6-10 hours.
Be sure to only dehydrate previously cooked bacon for the safest and best results. Raw pork poses too many risks if dried without cooking first.
Testing Bacon Jerky for Doneness
Look for the following signs to determine when your cooked bacon is fully dehydrated:
- Pork fractures instead of bending
- Lighter weight with 75%+ moisture loss
- Slightly stiff but not brittle
- No moist spots inside when cut
At the same time, avoid over-drying which makes the bacon excessively hard. Test a piece after 6 hours to judge dryness before continuing.
How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Bacon?
- Oven drying – Around 8-12 hours dried at 200°F
- Dehydrator – Approximately 6-10 hours dried at 145-155°F
Thinner bacon pieces will dry faster than thick slices. Hotter temperatures speed up drying time but risks cooking the bacon. Monitor doneness closely by texture and moisture loss.
Storing Dehydrated Bacon Properly
To maximize shelf life, store dried bacon properly:
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Completely cool before packing.
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Store in airtight containers or bags.
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Refrigerate for 1-2 months shelf life.
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For longer storage, freeze for 6-12 months.
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If saving at room temp, vacuum seal jars for 2-3 weeks max.
Keep dehydrated bacon stored away from heat, light, air exposure and moisture to retain best quality. Check for visible mold growth before consuming.
Rehydrating Bacon for Maximum Flavor
Before eating dehydrated bacon jerky, rehydrate by:
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Soaking in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
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Simmering gently in soups, beans or stews.
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Sauteing briefly in a skillet with water.
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Microwaving with a small amount of water.
Rehydrating reconstitutes the texture while allowing the intensified bacon essence to permeate your dish or final preparation.
Recipes and Uses for Dehydrated Bacon
The smoky, concentrated flavor and crispy texture of bacon jerky lends itself to both snacking and cooking. Here are some ideas:
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Crumble over salads and baked potatoes
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Make candied bacon jerky with brown sugar
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Mix into bean dishes like pork and beans
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Use in place of bacon bits on nachos and tacos
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Enjoy as a salty, protein-packed snack
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Add to hearty soups and stews
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Crumble over cooked vegetables
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Sprinkle on top of casseroles before baking
With your new dehydrating skills, you can stock up on deliciously intense bacon jerky to enjoy anytime. Just be sure to always cook raw bacon thoroughly before drying.
Follow proper food safety guidelines, and you’ll be ready to start making flavorful bacon creations that will take any dish to the next level.
Dehydrating bacon for longer storage. Bacon Jerky! Easy!
How do you dehydrate raw bacon?
The following steps will need to be completed after you have cooked the original raw bacon you intend to dehydrate: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit before starting. Do not place the bacon in a cold oven to begin the dehydration process. Allow the oven to warm entirely. 1) Use a wire rack
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Can You dehydrate bacon without a dehydrator?
2. Oven: If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use your oven to dehydrate bacon. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit). After cooking and draining the bacon, place the strips in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Can Bacon be rehydrated?
Use Dehydrated Bacon in Recipes: Once dehydrated, bacon can be rehydrated and used in various recipes, including soups, stews, and casseroles, adding a delicious smoky flavor to your dishes. Dehydrating bacon in a dehydrator is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy this beloved meat in a convenient and long-lasting form.