Dehydrated bacon makes for a tasty and convenient snack or addition to meals But like any dehydrated food, it’s important to store it properly to maximize its shelf life So how long does dehydrated bacon actually last?
How you store it, how you package it, and how you prepare it all affect how long dehydrated bacon will last. But in general, if stored properly, it can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Read on for a full guide on how to make your homemade or store-bought dehydrated bacon last as long as possible.
Overview of Dehydrated Bacon
Dehydrated bacon is bacon that has had most of its moisture removed through the process of dehydration. This helps preserve the bacon by inhibiting bacterial growth.
There are a few ways bacon can be dehydrated:
- Using a food dehydrator
- Baking in the oven at a low temperature
- Sun drying (though this method is less common and slower)
Once dehydrated, the bacon becomes shelf-stable and crispy with an intensified smoky, salty flavor. It makes for a tasty high-protein snack or addition to various dishes when rehydrated
How Long Does Store-Bought Dehydrated Bacon Last?
When properly stored. commercially made dehydrated bacon can last
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6 to 12 months past the printed best by date.
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Up to 1 year from the purchase date if there is no best by date listed.
The intense dehydration process helps extend the shelf life of this prepared bacon product compared to fresh bacon. Always go by the date on the package and look for signs of spoilage.
How Long Does Homemade Dehydrated Bacon Last?
Since homemade dehydrated meats don’t undergo the same commercial processing, they tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought. Properly stored, homemade dehydrated bacon will generally last:
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2 to 6 months at room temperature.
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6 to 12 months refrigerated.
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1 year frozen.
Make sure to properly dehydrate the bacon to below 10% moisture content for maximum preservation. Home dehydration conditions can vary, so err on the side of caution with storage times.
How to Store Dehydrated Bacon
To help your dehydrated bacon last as long as possible:
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Store in air-tight containers or bags, squeezing out excess air. Oxygen causes oxidation.
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Keep in a cool, dry place away from light. The refrigerator or freezer further help prolong shelf life.
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Ensure bacon is thoroughly dried before storage. Higher moisture content shortens shelf life.
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Freeze any bacon not consumed within 2 months of dehydrating for maximum shelf life up to 1 year.
With optimal storage methods, you can enjoy dehydrated bacon for months beyond its fresh counterpart.
Signs Dehydrated Bacon Has Gone Bad
Monitor your dehydrated bacon over time and watch for the following signs of spoilage:
- Mold growth
- Off odors – sour, rancid, or unpleasant
- Change in texture – very limp, sticky, or mushy
- Discoloration – dull or dark spots
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s safest to discard the bacon. Do not taste or attempt to re-dry bacon that appears spoiled.
Best Practices for Dehydrating Bacon
Follow these tips to safely dehydrate bacon at home with maximum shelf life:
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Start with fresh, high-quality bacon within 2 weeks of purchase date.
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Cook bacon before dehydrating to an internal temperature of 145°F.
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Slice bacon thinly, 1/4 inch or less. Thinner slices dehydrate faster.
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Dehydrate at 145°F until brittle with no moisture, about 6-8 hours.
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Allow to fully cool before storage to avoid condensation.
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Use an oven or food dehydrator – avoid sun drying raw meats.
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Store dehydrated bacon properly in air-tight containers. Refrigerate or freeze for best results.
Properly dehydrating bacon and storing it optimally will ensure you can safely enjoy your homemade bacon jerky for up to a year.
Enjoying Dehydrated Bacon
Dehydrated bacon makes for a handy snack you can take on the go. It also conveniently rehydrates when needed for recipes like soups and casseroles. Follow safe storage guidelines, and you’ll be able to enjoy the following perks:
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Protein-rich convenient snack
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Smoky, salty flavor bomb
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Lightweight and portable for hiking or camping
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Adds flavor when rehydrated in stews, greens, etc.
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Saves money compared to constantly buying fresh bacon
With proper dehydration and storage methods, your homemade or store-bought bacon jerky can deliver delicious flavor for months to come.
The Bottom Line
So how long does dehydrated bacon last? Properly dehydrated and stored bacon jerky can safely last:
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Commercially packaged: 6-12 months unopened; 1 year once opened
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Home dehydrated: 2-6 months at room temp; 6-12 months refrigerated; 1 year frozen
Follow best practices for dehydrating, sealing out oxygen, and refrigeration or freezing for maximum bacon jerky shelf life and safety. Trust your senses, and discard any bacon that shows signs of spoilage. With optimal storage, you can safely satisfy your bacon cravings for up to a year!
Tips for Dehydrating Bacon
For optimal results when dehydrating bacon, consider the following helpful tips:
- Blot Extra Fat: Before putting the bacon in the dehydrator, use paper towels to soak up any extra fat. This will help the bacon dry out faster and keep it from leaving a greasy film.
- Rotate Trays: If your dehydrator has more than one tray, you might want to rotate them while the bacon is drying to make sure it dries evenly.
- Try Different Seasonings: To make your dehydrated bacon taste better, add seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika before you dry it.
- Use Dehydrated Bacon in Recipes: Bacon that has been dried out can be rehydrated and used in soups, stews, casseroles, and other dishes to add a tasty smoky flavor.
Using a dehydrator to dry out bacon is an easy and fun way to enjoy this tasty meat in a form that is convenient and lasts a long time. By following the steps in this article and using our helpful tips, you should be able to successfully dehydrate bacon to make tasty snacks and improve your favorite recipes. Embrace the versatility and convenience of dehydrated bacon, and elevate your culinary experiences with this delicious preserved meat. Share your experience dehydrating bacon in your dehydrator and discuss your favorite techniques in the.
How to Dehydrate Bacon in a Dehydrator
Today we know why dehydrating bacon is a good idea. Let’s look at the steps needed to prepare and dehydrate this tasty meat in a dehydrator. Follow these simple instructions to achieve perfectly dehydrated bacon:
- Choose High-Quality Bacon: Start with fresh, high-quality bacon. Choose cuts that are lean and don’t have a lot of fat on them; this will make better dehydrated bacon.
- Prepare the bacon: Cut it into thin strips or small pieces to start. This will help the bacon dehydrate more efficiently and evenly.
- Set Up on Dehydrator Trays: Place the cooked bacon pieces in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each one to allow air to flow.
- Set the Temperature: For the best bacon dehydration, set the dehydrator’s temperature to about 145°F (63°C). At this temperature, the bacon will lose its moisture while keeping its flavor.
- Keep an eye on the dehydrating process. It could take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on how thick the bacon slices are and the type of dehydrator you use. Check on the bacon often to make sure it reaches the level of crispiness you want.
- How to Store Dehydrated Bacon: Once the bacon is at the right level of dryness, let it cool down before putting it in airtight containers or bags that can be sealed again. To keep the bacon fresh for a long time, keep it in a cool, dry place.
Dehydrating bacon for longer storage. Bacon Jerky! Easy!
FAQ
How long does bacon jerky last?
How long do you dehydrate bacon for?
How long does dry cured bacon last?
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PRODUCT
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PANTRY
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FREEZER 0 °F or below
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Dry-cured sliced bacon
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10 days without refrigeration
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3 months
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Dry-cured slab bacon
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3 weeks without refrigeration
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3 months
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Bacon cured without nitrites
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N/A
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6 months
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Leftover cooked bacon, cooked by consumer
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N/A
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1 month
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Can you dehydrate pre-cooked bacon?
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.
How long does it take to dehydrate Bacon?
The total time it takes to dehydrate regular-cut bacon in a food dehydrator is 4-6 hours, or 6-8 hours for thick-cut bacon at 160°F. If you use an oven heated to 200°F instead, the drying times will be 2-3 hours for regular cuts and 3-4 hours for thick-cut pieces.
How long does Bacon take to dry?
Leave ½-inch between the slices for proper aeration. Dehydrate the bacon at 160°F for 6-8 hours until dry. Monitor the drying process every few hours and use paper towels at least twice to dab off any visible oils or fat. Turn the pieces or strips halfway during the process to dry both sides. Check the bacon for dryness after 6 hours.
How long does Bacon last?
Simply dehydrating bacon (or any type of meat for that matter) can help to extend its lifespan. While traditional bacon is likely to go bad in less than a week, dehydrated bacon can last weeks, months, and even up to a year in proper storage. Improved shelf life