Can You Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon?

Oscar Mayer is one of the most popular brands for pre-cooked, ready to eat bacon. Their fully cooked bacon comes in convenient pouches and requires no preparation before eating. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast sandwich or salad topper.

But sometimes you may not use up all the bacon before the “use by” date. Can you freeze the leftover Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon to prevent waste?

The short answer is yes. Freezing gives you more time to enjoy Oscar Mayer’s crispy bacon slices. However, proper storage is key to maintaining quality in the freezer.

Here are some tips on freezing Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon:

How To Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

To freeze Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon:

• Check the package for the “use by” date. Only freeze unopened bacon before the expiration date.

• Open the pouch and separate slices if they are stuck together Make sure there is no mold growth

• Seal the original pouch tightly and place in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal.

• For bulk packages with multiple pouches, place desired number of pouches in a large freezer bag.

• You can also wrap individual slices or small stacks in plastic wrap or foil Then place in freezer bags,

• Label bags with contents and freeze date, Flatten bags to freeze flat

• Store Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon at 0°F or below. Use within recommended timelines for best quality.

How Long Can You Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon?

Properly stored, Oscar Mayer’s pre-cooked bacon can last 6-8 months in the freezer without significant quality loss.

For best taste and texture, it’s recommended to use frozen fully cooked bacon within these time frames:

• Unopened pouches: 2-3 months
• Opened pouches: 1-2 months
• Loose slices: 1 month

Bacon will become rancid and lose flavor if kept frozen too long. Discard any bacon that smells bad or has discoloration when thawed.

Thawing Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Frozen Bacon

Always thaw frozen pre-cooked bacon safely before eating. Here are some safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator: Place pouches or wrapped slices in the fridge. Thaw 12-24 hours before using.

• Microwave: Microwave individual slices on low in 10 second intervals. Use immediately after thawing.

• Cold water: Submerge sealed pouches or bags in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes. Thaw up to 1 hour max.

• Do not thaw Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon at room temperature or in hot water. This can cause bacterial growth.

• Cooked bacon slices can also be enjoyed frozen as-is straight from the freezer.

Reheating Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

To reheat thawed or fully frozen Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon:

• Use the microwave and cook in 10 second bursts on medium power. Rotate slices and check often to prevent overcooking.

• Bake slices on a foil-lined pan at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until sizzling and heated through.

• Cook in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking.

• Eat Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon cold. It can be safely eaten straight from the fridge or freezer, though texture may be less crispy.

Storing Thawed Oscar Mayer Bacon

Only thaw as much Oscar Mayer pre-cooked bacon as you can eat within 3-5 days. Here are some storage tips:

• Keep thawed, unopened pouches and packages no more than 3-5 days refrigerated. Use immediately after opening.

• Place loose thawed slices in a sealed container lined with paper towels. Refrigerate up to one week.

• To maintain crispiness, store cooked reheated bacon slices in a 200°F oven on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

• Do not store thawed fully cooked bacon at room temperature more than 2 hours. Toss bacon if left out too long.

Can You Refreeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon?

Previously frozen Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon can be safely refrozen, provided it was thawed properly in the fridge.

According to USDA guidelines, thawed bacon that was kept at 40°F or below can be refrozen within 1 week.

To refreeze Oscar Mayer pre-cooked bacon:

• Make sure bacon was thawed in the refrigerator and was not left at room temperature longer than 2 hours.

• Re-seal opened pouches and freezer bags tightly, removing excess air.

• Use refrozen bacon within 1 month for best quality.

• Do not refreeze bacon thawed on the counter or in warm water. Cook it immediately instead.

Troubleshooting Oscar Mayer Frozen Bacon

Follow these tips if you encounter any issues freezing Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon:

• Dry or tough texture: Bacon thawed or reheated improperly. Thaw slowly in fridge and reheat gently.

• Weird flavor: Bacon was frozen too long. Use frozen pre-cooked bacon within recommended timelines.

• Slimy texture: Bacon experienced freezer burn. Use airtight packaging and minimize air exposure.

• White spots on bacon: Partial freezer burn. Cut away affected areas before eating.

• Bacon sticks together: Separate slices before freezing. Interleave with wax paper.

Other Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Meats You Can Freeze

Along with bacon, other Oscar Mayer fully cooked meats can be frozen for longer shelf life:

• Turkey bacon – Freeze up to 2 months
• Ham slices or chunks – Freeze 4-6 months
• Chicken bacon strips – Freeze 2-3 months
• Sausage patties or links – Freeze 1-2 months
• Canadian bacon – Freeze 2-3 months

Follow similar guidelines for freezing these fully cooked Oscar Mayer products. Proper storage is key to maintaining quality!

Freezing Uncooked Oscar Mayer Bacon

While this article covers freezing fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon, you can also successfully freeze uncooked Oscar Mayer bacon:

• Unopened packs can be frozen for 1-2 months. Leave original packaging intact.

• Opened packages should be tightly wrapped in freezer wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month.

• For longer freezer life, overwrap packages with heavy duty foil before freezing.

• Thaw uncooked bacon slowly in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Enjoy Oscar Mayer Bacon From Your Freezer

With proper freezing techniques, you can stock up on tasty Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon and keep it on hand for up to 8 months.

Divide packages into meal-sized portions before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer bags and remove excess air. Thaw frozen bacon slowly in the fridge or microwave before eating.

Follow recommended storage times for optimal freshness and flavor. With Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon in your freezer, you can enjoy their crispy, savory bacon anytime!