Do you want to know “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, “How to keep turkey bacon fresh?” We have the answers! The good news is that these tips will help you keep raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon fresh for a lot longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than regular pork bacon, but it’s still processed meat that goes bad after a certain amount of time.
So, you should know how to store turkey bacon so that it doesn’t grow bacteria and how long it will last. This article will teach you how to eat the crispy strips safely with your food.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon Many people enjoy the similar smoky, salty flavor but with fewer calories and fat However, like any cooked meat, leftovers need to be stored properly to maximize freshness and avoid food waste.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last in the fridge or freezer? What’s the best way to store it? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to keep your leftover cooked turkey bacon safe.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Cooked turkey bacon will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if stored properly
Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of cooked turkey bacon:
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Let the cooked bacon cool completely before refrigerating. If you put warm food right into the fridge, the temperature can rise and other food could go bad.
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Store the turkey bacon in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. This prevents it from drying out or absorbing funky fridge odors.
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Make sure your fridge temperature is 40°F or below. Higher temps allow bacteria to multiply faster.
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Cooked meats like bacon are more prone to spoiling, so use within 3 days for optimum freshness.
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If the turkey bacon develops an off smell, color, or slimy texture, it has spoiled and should be discarded. Don’t risk eating it!
Follow these fridge storage guidelines, and your cooked turkey bacon should safely last 3 to 5 days after cooking. But remember—when in doubt, throw it out!
Freezing Cooked Turkey Bacon
For longer term storage, cooked turkey bacon can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Here are some freezing tips:
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Let the cooked turkey bacon cool completely before freezing.
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Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
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Once frozen, transfer the bacon slices to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents freezer burn.
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Remove as much air from the package as possible. The less air exposure, the better.
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Label the package with the date it was cooked and frozen. This makes it easy to track shelf life.
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Store turkey bacon in the coldest part of the freezer, which is usually the back.
When ready to eat, simply thaw the frozen turkey bacon overnight in the fridge. It’s best not to thaw at room temperature.
Then, reheat the slices in a skillet or microwave until sizzling hot. Reheating restores the texture and flavor.
How to Know When Cooked Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad
It’s important to store and handle cooked turkey bacon properly to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some signs that indicate your cooked turkey bacon has spoiled and should be discarded:
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Change in color: The bacon has turned grey, brown, or develops a greenish tint.
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Slimy texture: The fat feels abnormally slimy or sticky.
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Sour or “off” smell: Cooked meats give off a distinct rotten odor when spoiled. Trust your nose!
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Mold growth: You see fuzzy mold growing on the surface.
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Expired date: It’s past the recommended 3-5 day window for fridge storage.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your turkey bacon exhibits any signs of spoilage, don’t risk eating it.
Tips for Handling and Cooking Turkey Bacon
Proper handling and preparation are key to keeping turkey bacon fresh and reducing foodborne illnesses:
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Always check expiration dates and use turkey bacon by those dates.
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Store unopened packages in the coldest part of the fridge.
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Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
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Don’t let raw turkey bacon sit at room temperature more than 2 hours.
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Cook thoroughly until crispy. Turkey bacon needs higher heat than pork.
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Turkey bacon can harbor bacteria like salmonella. Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw.
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Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw turkey bacon away from ready-to-eat foods.
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Refrigerate cooked bacon within 2 hours. Don’t leave sit out.
Follow these safe handling tips, only cook turkey bacon thoroughly, store leftovers properly, and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious turkey bacon safely!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if cooked turkey bacon is bad?
Look for changes in color, slimy texture, sour smell, or mold growth. Cooked bacon only lasts 3-5 days in the fridge, so if it’s older than that and exhibits any odd signs, it’s best to throw it out.
Can you get food poisoning from bad turkey bacon?
Yes, spoiled foods like old turkey bacon can contain toxins and bacteria that cause food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and fever. Don’t take risks with questionable meats.
Is it safe to eat turkey bacon a little pink?
No, turkey bacon should always be cooked until it’s fully browned and crispy. Any pink or undercooked spots can still harbor dangerous bacteria. Fully cook turkey bacon to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
How do you store turkey bacon long term?
For long term storage, cooked turkey bacon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze in an airtight container or bag. Defrost thawed bacon in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can you freeze cooked turkey bacon without cooking it again?
It’s not recommended. Frozen cooked meat should always be fully reheated until steaming hot before eating to kill any bacteria that may have developed during thawing. Eating partially frozen meat is risky.
The Bottom Line
Properly stored, cooked turkey bacon will last 3 to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Check for odd colors, textures, or smells before eating leftovers. Cook thoroughly, follow safe handling tips, refrigerate promptly, and freeze for longer storage. With the right techniques, you can safely enjoy delicious turkey bacon!
Cooked Turkey Bacon Shelf Life
It depends on how you like your turkey bacon cooked: in a skillet, a deep fryer, a regular oven, a microwave oven, or an air fryer? If you have extra cooked bacon, you don’t have to throw it away.
You can keep cooked bacon fresh for up to three days longer if you wrap it tightly and put it in the fridge. If you freeze it, you can maintain its flavor for up to three months.
Safe Handling Tips for Raw Bacon
- Keep raw bacon away from other food items. Use soap and hot water to clean everything it touches, including your hands and tools.
- Never serve or eat turkey bacon that isn’t fully cooked. Eating raw bacon carries high chances of food poisoning. Before eating, make sure the strips are fully cooked over medium-high heat.
- Do not store raw meat that has not been fully cooked until later use. This won’t get rid of the bacteria in the food, so it could still make you sick.