Can You Freeze Packaged Bacon? The Complete Guide

Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. The savory and salty pork product makes eggs, burgers, and other foods taste great. But like most meats, bacon doesn’t last forever. Bacon that has been opened will only stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.

Freezing uncooked bacon allows you to extend its shelf life so you can enjoy it for months. But can you freeze packaged bacon? And how do you do it properly to maintain taste and texture? This complete guide has all the details on freezing packaged bacon.

Can You Freeze Unopened Packaged Bacon?

Fresh unopened packages of bacon can be frozen as-is, The original packaging helps protect the bacon from freezer burn or ice crystals forming,

An unopened package of bacon will last up to 1 month in the freezer before the fat starts to go rancid. For maximum freshness, use frozen bacon within 2 weeks.

To freeze an unopened package of bacon

• Check the “sell by” or “use by” date and make sure it hasn’t expired.
• Place the entire unopened package directly in the freezer. Lay it flat so it freezes evenly.
• For longer storage (up to 4 months), wrap the package tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This provides extra protection against freezer burn.
• Label the package with the freeze date using a permanent marker.

Can You Freeze Opened Packaged Bacon?

Once opened, bacon is more vulnerable to quality loss. But you can still freeze bacon that has already been opened to make it last longer.

Here are some tips for freezing opened packaged bacon:

• Use opened bacon within 5 days for best quality. Freeze any remaining bacon you won’t use right away.
• Divide the bacon into smaller portions by separating slices. This allows for easier thawing.
• Wrap individual bacon slices or stacks tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper. Squeeze out excess air.
• Place portions in a resealable freezer bag. Remove air and seal.
• Label the bag with the freeze date and number of servings. Use within 2 months for optimal freshness and flavor.

How Long Does Bacon Last in the Freezer?

Bacon can be frozen indefinitely, but the quality declines over time. Follow these freezer timelines based on type:

• Unopened package: 1 month, up to 4 months max
• Opened raw bacon: 2 months
• Cooked bacon: 1 month

Bacon will become rancid and unpleasant tasting if frozen too long. To extend freezer life, wrap packages tightly and keep temperature at 0°F or below.

For best flavor and texture, use frozen bacon within these timeframes:

• Unopened: Within 1 month
• Opened raw: Within 1 month
• Cooked: Within 2 weeks

Signs Your Frozen Bacon Has Gone Bad

It’s important to know how to check frozen bacon for freshness and safety. Here are some signs your frozen bacon has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Unpleasant, sour or “off” smell
• Change in color from pink to grayish or greenish
• Slimy or sticky texture
• White or yellow discoloration from freezer burn
• Mold growth anywhere on the bacon

When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When frozen bacon smells funky, toss it in the junky!”

The Best Way to Freeze Bacon

To get the most out of freezing bacon, follow these best practices:

• Freeze unopened packages flat so they freeze evenly. Wrap in plastic or foil for longer storage.
• Divide opened bacon into meal-size portions. Wrap slices individually in freezer paper or plastic wrap.
• Place bacon portions in freezer bags, press out air and seal. This prevents freezer burn.
• Label bags with contents, quantity and freeze date.
• Freeze bacon immediately at 0°F or below. Use within recommended timelines for optimal quality.
• Once thawed, do not refreeze raw bacon. Cooked bacon can be refrozen.

Thawing Frozen Bacon

Always thaw frozen bacon safely in the refrigerator or microwave before cooking. Never thaw bacon at room temperature. Here are some thawing guidelines:

• Refrigerator: Place frozen bacon in the fridge overnight or up to 2 days before use.
• Cold water: Submerge bagged bacon in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Thaw up to 2 hours max.
• Microwave: Microwave frozen bacon on medium-low in 30 second intervals. Cook immediately after thawing.

Tips for Cooking Previously Frozen Bacon

Cooking previously frozen bacon requires a little finesse. Here are some tips:

• Use a cold skillet or pan. Frozen bacon can stick if the pan is preheated.
• Cook over medium-low heat. Frozen bacon takes longer to start sizzling and cooking evenly.
• Bake bacon in the oven at 400°F for crisp results without splattering.
• Drain bacon on paper towels when done. Dab to absorb excess grease.
• Undercook slightly and finish cooking after draining for crispiest texture.

Storing Thawed Bacon

Only thaw as much bacon as you’ll use within a few days. Here’s how long thawed bacon lasts in the fridge:

• Raw bacon: 7 days
• Cooked bacon: 5-7 days

To maximize freshness, store thawed raw bacon in the coldest part of the fridge, tightly wrapped. Keep cooked bacon sealed in an airtight container.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Bacon?

Previously frozen raw bacon can be refrozen, but only if thawed properly in the fridge. According to USDA guidelines, raw bacon thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen within 1 week.

For food safety, do not refreeze raw bacon thawed at room temperature or in cold water. Cooked bacon can be refrozen safely no matter how it was thawed.

To refreeze raw bacon:

• Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. Remove as much air as possible.
• Place wrapped bacon in freezer bag or airtight container.
• Label package and return to freezer immediately.
• Use within 2 months for best quality.

Alternative Ways to Preserve Bacon

If you want to extend the shelf life of bacon without freezing, here are some options:

• Cure it: Make your own cured bacon by brining pork belly in a salt and sugar mixture. Cured, uncooked bacon lasts up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

• Can it: Fully cooked bacon canned in jars lasts up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.

• Smoke it: Smoking bacon preserves it thanks to compounds in smoke. Refrigerate smoked uncooked bacon up to 2 weeks.

• Cook it: Fully cooking bacon allows it to last 5-7 days refrigerated. Freeze leftovers in portions.

• Save the grease: Strained leftover bacon grease keeps up to 6 months refrigerated or 1 year frozen.

The Takeaway on Freezing Bacon

Freezing gives bacon a longer shelf life so none goes to waste. Unopened packages can be frozen as-is. Opened bacon should be tightly wrapped in portions before freezing.

For safety, thaw frozen bacon in the fridge or microwave only. Refreeze raw bacon within 1 week of thawing. With proper freezing and storage, you can enjoy delicious tasting bacon for many months.