There’s nothing better than the smell of bacon on a lazy Sunday morning, whether it’s by itself, with eggs poached just right, or on toast with smashed avocado. However, it’s simple to overdo it when cooking bacon and end up with a lot more than you need. But how long can you keep bacon in the fridge?.
Here, we look at how to store bacon correctly and how long cooked and raw bacon will last in the fridge.
Bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many. Its savory, smoky flavor takes eggs, sandwiches, burgers, and more to the next level. While fresh bacon should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of purchasing, freezing extends its shelf life significantly.
But how long exactly is frozen bacon good for? Here is a complete guide to freezing bacon properly and maximizing its freshness.
Overview: How Long Does Frozen Bacon Last?
When stored in the freezer using proper techniques, bacon can last for 4-6 months before losing quality. However, frozen bacon remains safe to eat beyond this time. Always inspect thawed bacon carefully before cooking
The shelf life of frozen bacon depends on several factors:
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Initial Freshness: Fresher bacon freezes better. Freeze it before the “sell by” date.
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Freezer Temperature Maintain a temperature of 0°F or below
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Packaging: Use airtight packaging like freezer bags.
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Freezer Burn Minimize exposure to air to prevent freezer burn
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Defrosting: Never refreeze thawed bacon.
By following the proper guidelines, you can enjoy frozen bacon for months with minimal loss of flavor or texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Bacon
Follow these simple steps for freezing bacon correctly:
1. Choose Fresh Bacon
Pick bacon well before its “sell by” date. The fresher it is, the better it freezes. Avoid packages with tears or openings.
2. Portion the Bacon
Separate bacon into usable portions so you can thaw only what you need. Portions of 2-4 slices are ideal.
3. Package Airtightly
Place portions in airtight freezer bags or plastic wrap. Remove all excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and Date
Label each package with the type and date of freezing. First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation is key.
5. Freeze Rapidly
Place packs flat in a single layer on a freezer shelf. Rapid freezing maintains quality.
6. Store at 0°F or Below
Monitor your freezer temperature. 0°F or below prevents bacteria growth.
7. Maximize Shelf Life
Let frozen bacon thaw in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temperature or refreeze after thawing.
Storage Times for Frozen Bacon
Here are the recommended maximum storage times for frozen bacon:
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Unopened bacon in its original packaging – 1 month
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Bacon properly wrapped for freezing – 4-6 months
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Bacon with signs of freezer burn – 3-4 months
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Pre-cooked bacon – 1-2 months
As a general rule, use frozen bacon within 4 months for best quality. Discard any bacon over 6 months old to be safe.
Signs Your Frozen Bacon Has Spoiled
Bacon that looks or smells bad should not be eaten. Here are signs that indicate spoilage:
- Unpleasant odor
- Discoloration or graying
- Drying or whitening from freezer burn
- Weird, slimy texture
- Mold growth
- Significantly past expiration date
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled bacon.
Tips for Safely Thawing Frozen Bacon
Always thaw frozen bacon properly before cooking:
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Refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Safest method.
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Cold Water: Submerge sealed pack in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Microwave: Use “Defrost” setting and cook immediately.
Never thaw bacon at room temperature or re-freeze after thawing. This increases risk of bacteria growth.
Storing Unused Bacon After Defrosting
You shouldn’t refreeze thawed bacon, but cooked bacon can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Here are some options:
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Cook the leftover bacon and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Make bacon bits and keep them refrigerated.
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Add to baked dishes or recipes that use cooked bacon.
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Wrap very tightly and return to fridge crisper drawer for 2-3 days max.
Cooking bacon destroys bacteria but doesn’t make it last longer. Eat defrosted bacon within a few days and don’t refreeze it.
Freezing Bacon Grease
The flavorful bacon fat left over after cooking bacon can also be frozen for later use:
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Allow the grease to cool to room temperature.
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Strain out any food particles.
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Pour into an airtight freezer-safe container.
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Store for up to 6 months.
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Thaw in the refrigerator before using again.
Bacon grease adds tons of flavor to dishes! Freeze it instead of throwing it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if frozen bacon is safe to eat?
Inspect thawed bacon closely. It should look normal, not show signs of freezer burn, and have no foul odor. Never taste meat to determine if it’s safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can you cook bacon without thawing it first?
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon straight from the freezer. It will take about 50% longer to cook. Adjust your cooking method and temps accordingly.
Is it safe to eat bacon that has been frozen for a year?
Bacon stored constantly at 0°F for up to 1 year is safe, but the quality declines over time. Bacon kept for over 6 months likely won’t taste very good. For best flavor and texture, use frozen bacon within 4-6 months.
Why does my thawed bacon smell bad?
An off smell means the bacon is spoiled and should be discarded. This occurs when bacon has been stored too long or experienced temperature fluctuations during freezing.
Can you freeze raw bacon after opening the package?
Yes, you can safely re-freeze raw bacon if you open a pack but don’t use it all. Just make sure to repackage it properly in an airtight container or freezer bag before returning to the freezer.
The Takeaway
Bacon stays fresh and tasty in the freezer for 4-6 months when stored properly at 0°F. Allow it to thaw safely in the fridge before cooking. Be sure to look for any signs of spoilage before eating previously frozen bacon.
With the right freezing and storage methods, you can enjoy delicious bacon for months. So go ahead and stock up while it’s on sale! Just follow these guidelines to keep frozen bacon safe and appetizing.
How long does cooked bacon last?
After cooking bacon, you can store it in the fridge safely for approximately five to seven days.
How to tell if bacon is off
Here are some general rules that can help you figure out right away if that extra rasher is still safe to eat:
- Your bacon smells a bit sour. This olfactory clue is most apparent with raw bacon. It’s likely that bacteria are already growing on the meat if it smells sour or sharp. If it smells funny, throw it away.
- The bacon has small mouldy flecks. If you leave cooked meat in the fridge for too long, it can grow mold. If you see fuzzy white or blue spots on your bacon, it’s not safe to eat.
- The bacon is sticky. You can eat raw bacon as long as it’s still soft and a little wet. That being said, bacon that is slimy is a sign of lactic acid bacteria, which can make meat slimy and mean it’s gone bad.
- The bacon is already grey. Meat that is too old turns gray instead of pink, and bacon that has turned dark is already bad.
When you’re sure that bacon has gone bad, you should always throw it away right away because it could spread germs to other food in your fridge. Getty.