The food storage experts at Pac Food answer the question “Can you vacuum seal meat?” in this blog post. If you want to stock up and store protein at home, read it now.
Yes, you can vacuum seal meat! A lot of different kinds of meat can be sealed and frozen raw, and some can be sealed after they’ve been cooked.
Here is our Meat Vacuum Sealing Guide, which tells you what to do and what not to do when vacuum sealing meat correctly and safely.
We also tell you which of our high-quality vacuum sealers, bags, and rolls will work best for your meat needs!
Bacon is a breakfast staple that brings smoky, salty flavor to everything it touches Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon? But like many cooked meats, leftover bacon has a short fridge life To keep that precious pork belly from going bad, many cooks turn to vacuum sealing. But can you really vacuum seal previously cooked bacon?
The short answer is yes – with some caveats. Vacuum sealing is a good way to store cooked bacon that will help it last longer. However, proper handling is key to prevent food safety issues. Read on for a complete guide to vacuum sealing leftover cooked bacon.
Why Vacuum Seal Bacon?
Vacuum sealing removes air from the storage bag, creating an airtight environment. This protects food in several ways:
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Prevents freezer burn which can dry bacon out
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Slows down oxidation that makes food deteriorate
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Hinders microbial growth by limiting oxygen
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Locks in moisture so bacon stays tender
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Contains smells so bacon doesn’t absorb odors
By keeping air away from cooked bacon, vacuum sealing can prolong freshness and quality for weeks or months The vacuum-sealed bacon can then be conveniently popped into recipes straight from the freezer.
Tips for Vacuum Sealing Cooked Bacon
While vacuum sealing cooked bacon can extend its shelf life, some care must be taken to do it properly. Here are some tips:
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Let bacon cool completely before sealing. Seal it within 2 hours of cooking.
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Place cooled bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Blot gently.
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Cut bacon strips in half or thirds so they’re easier to seal and thaw later.
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Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap before bagging. This prevents them sticking together.
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Carefully arrange bacon flat in a single layer in the vacuum bag.
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Seal on the lowest vacuum setting to avoid crushing the bacon slices.
Following these simple guidelines will result in cleanly sealed cooked bacon that freezes well.
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Bacon Last?
One of the top benefits of vacuum sealing is extended shelf life. How long properly sealed cooked bacon lasts depends on where it’s stored.
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Refrigerator: About 1 week
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Freezer: Approximately 1-2 months for best quality. Up to 6 months maximum.
Make sure to label vacuum sealed bags with the date before freezing. Use the oldest ones first when cooking. Discard any with an off smell or discoloration.
Can You Vacuum Seal Partially Cooked Bacon?
It’s best to only vacuum seal fully cooked bacon rather than partially cooked. Raw or undercooked bacon poses a greater risk for bacteria. Cook bacon until it’s crispy before vacuum sealing.
If you want to partially cook bacon to finish later, lay it flat on a baking sheet and freeze it first. Then vacuum seal the frozen partially cooked bacon. This locks in freshness until you’re ready to complete cooking.
Serving Vacuum Sealed Bacon
One of the perks of having cooked bacon on hand is how easily it can be incorporated into recipes. Here are some tasty ways to use thawed vacuum sealed bacon:
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Crumble on top of soups, salads, and baked potatoes
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Chop and add to omelets, frittatas, and quiches
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Layer on sandwiches and burgers
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Mix into dips, spreads, pasta, rice or casseroles
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Create candied bacon by baking with brown sugar or maple glaze
With a little creativity, the uses for cooked bacon stored via vacuum sealing are practically endless!
Vacuum Sealing Raw Bacon
While this article focuses on cooked bacon, many people also vacuum seal uncooked raw bacon. This allows for convenient storage from bulk buys. Here are some tips:
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Make sure raw bacon is very cold before sealing. Even partially frozen is ideal.
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Interleave strips with wax paper to prevent them fully sticking together.
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Double seal if possible – vacuum seal strips first, then seal packs together.
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Store for 2-3 months maximum for best quality.
Always thaw sealed raw bacon fully and cook it thoroughly before eating for food safety.
Can You Freeze Bacon Without Vacuum Sealing?
While vacuum sealing cooked bacon is ideal, you can freeze it withoutvacuum sealing in a pinch:
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Place cooled, dry bacon between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container.
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Wrap stacks of bacon tightly in plastic wrap, removing as much air as possible.
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Put bacon slices in freezer zip-top bags, removing excess air.
Without vacuum sealing, frozen bacon will likely get freezer burn after about 1 month. But it’s fine for short term storage.
Vacuum sealing gives leftover cooked bacon longer shelf life by preventing premature spoilage. Follow proper cooling, portioning and packing methods for best results. Store refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 1-2 months maximum. With vacuum sealed cooked bacon on hand, you’ll always be ready for that BLT craving!
Vacuum sealing meat: Raw and cooked
Do you buy in bulk, portion out, vacuum seal and store your meat?
If not, you might be surprised at how easy it is to do and how much better your grocery budget will be because you’ll save money and waste less food.
- Can you vacuum seal raw meat?
Yes. Uncooked you can vacuum seal:
- Smallgoods, such as ham or pepperoni
- Large cuts of meat, including poultry, pork, beef and lamb
- Ground meat, including beef, poultry, lamb and pork
- Some seafood
Some other favourites:
- Can you vacuum seal sausages? Yes
- Can you vacuum seal bacon? Yes
Here’s an idea of how you can improve the shelf life for some meat products with vacuum sealing:
| Food | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Large cuts of meat: beef, poultry, lamb and pork | Freezer | 6 months | 2-3 years |
| Ground meat: beef, poultry, lamb and pork | Freezer | 4 months | 1 year |
| Fish | Freezer | 6 months | 2 years |
Sous Vide is another way to cook. Food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag and cooked in a water bath at a specific temperature for a certain amount of time. It’s a great way to achieve a juicy texture and preserve flavour.
Learn more about Sous Vide in our blog where Masterchef Adam Liaw revealed his tops tips.
- Can you vacuum seal cooked meat?
Yes. Prepare your meals ahead of time, cook them, and then vacuum seal them when they’re cool enough to freeze. Finally, reheat when ready.
Generally, your leftovers can be vacuum sealed, so they don’t go to waste.
- Do I need to freeze meat before vacuum sealing?
Not at all. Meat is more solid than fruit or vegetables, so you don’t have to worry about flash freezing it. You could also leave it out for too long, which could cause the meat to get frost bite, which is exactly what you want to avoid by vacuum sealing!
Best way to store bacon!
FAQ
What’s the best way to store cooked bacon?
Is it OK to vacuum seal cooked meat?
Can you vacuum seal already cooked food?
Is vacuum sealing Bacon a good idea?
Vacuum sealing is a great way to extend the shelf life of your bacon and reduce food waste, but it’s not a magic solution. If your bacon is already close to its expiration date when you vacuum seal it, it may not last as long as if you had sealed it when it was fresher. Vacuum sealing bacon is a good idea for a few reasons.
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.
Why should Bacon be vacuum packed?
When bacon is vacuum packed, it prevents the bacon from becoming stale and gives it a longer shelf life. Additionally, the absence of oxygen means the bacon is less likely to be contaminated by bacteria and mold, further extending its shelf life.
How long does vacuum-sealed Bacon last?
Raw bacon should be used within 7 days of being vacuum-sealed and cooked bacon should be consumed within 4-5 days. 4. Plan ahead: If you’re planning to use your vacuum-sealed bacon in a recipe, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator ahead of time instead of using the microwave or hot water.