Enjoy your bacon! Here are some great tips on how to store it in your pantry and for a long time. You can eat bacon even when zombies attack!
My husband lives in a world where bacon is in everything. Me, not so much. Because of this, it was hard to always have bacon on hand for him to add to his food or to things I made that needed bacony goodness. (I blame the bacon, it just doesn’t like me).
I looked into it some more and came up with some good ways to store bacon all year without filling up my fridge.
Homemade bacon bits are so flavorful and crunchy – far superior to store-bought versions. But to enjoy their goodness whenever you want, proper storage is key. With a few simple tips, you can keep your homemade bacon crumbles fresh, crunchy and ready to eat for days.
Why Make Your Own Bacon Bits?
Bacon bits bought at the store often have preservatives and artificial flavors. Making your own allows control over ingredients. Homemade bits pack much more bacon flavor. You can customize spice additions to suit any recipe. Plus it takes just minutes to prepare a batch for pennies compared to store prices.
Tips for Preparing Bacon Bits
Start with good quality, thick-sliced bacon. Thinner slices overcook too fast. Partially freeze bacon first for easier slicing. Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Fry in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often until uniformly crispy. Drain on paper towels before cooling completely.
Storage Timeline for Freshness
Proper storage preserves freshness and crunch. Here’s a timeline for how long homemade bacon bits stay optimal:
- Countertop: 1-2 hours
- Refrigerator: 5-7 days
- Freezer: 2-3 months
Always let bacon bits cool completely before storing. Avoid moisture and air exposure. Use oldest bits first when grabbing from storage.
Refrigerator Storage
The refrigerator keeps bacon bits fresh for a week or more. Here are tips:
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Store in airtight container like mason jar or zip-top bag. Press out air before sealing
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Line container with paper towel to absorb grease, changing it out as needed.
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Place container on lower shelf away from high humidity areas like produce drawers
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If bacon smells stale or is soggy, it’s time to discard.
The fridge maintains crunch while slowing fat oxidation that causes rancid flavors. Just limit air and moisture.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage up to a few months, the freezer preserves freshness. Follow these guidelines:
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Spread bits in single layer on baking sheet first. Freeze until hard.
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Transfer to zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air.
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Press bag flat before freezing to minimize air pockets.
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Avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing as this destroys texture.
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Label bag with contents and date for easy identification.
The freezer stops spoilage in its tracks. Just beware condensation and freezer burn which degrade crispness.
Storage Containers to Use
The right containers make all the difference for maintaining crispy texture and fresh taste.
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Glass jars with rubber sealed lids block moisture and aromas.
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Heavy duty resealable plastic bags are affordable and stack efficiently. Double bag for extra protection.
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Vacuum seal bags remove oxygen and prevent freezer burn. They can be washed and reused.
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Metal tins make attractive countertop storage but are prone to denting.
Choose materials that are durable, air-tight and won’t impart flavors.
Additives to Extend Life
You can add ingredients while cooking to prolong freshness:
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Salt and sugar both preserve, inhibiting bacterial growth.
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Black pepper, red pepper, smoked paprika or cayenne pepper all add antioxidant power.
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Adding a touch of oil helps repel moisture.
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Smoking the bacon first gives natural antibacterial benefits.
Boost shelf life without compromising taste by incorporating select seasonings.
Signs Your Bits Have Spoiled
Check leftovers for these indicators it’s time to discard bacon bits:
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Strong rancid or sour smell
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Slippery, mushy texture
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Mottled gray and brown colors
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Mold growth
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Migrating grease stains through packaging
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Highly dried out, powdery bits
Trust your senses. Off odors, poor texture and unappetizing appearances all signal to toss.
Reviving Stale Bacon Bits
If bacon bits lose their pleasing crunch, you can refresh them. Place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Or sauté in an oiled skillet for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. For extreme stale cases, just use them to add flavor in simmering soups or stews. The moisture will rehydrate any residual salt and smoky notes.
Don’t waste less-than-crispy bits. Find ways to infuse their flavor into dishes.
Creative Ways to Use Bacon Bits
Enjoy handy bacon crumbles in so many recipes:
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Salads – Both green and pasta
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Baked potatoes – A classic topping
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Burgers – For added crunch
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Pizza – Savory sprinkled goodness
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Omelets – Mix into the eggs
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Mac and cheese – Extra smoky bacon taste
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Snack mixes – Salty, crunchy addition
With proper storage, you can create these quick bacon-infused treats anytime.
Homemade bacon bits are incredibly versatile and convenient with the right preservation. Follow these guidelines to maximize their storage life in the refrigerator or freezer:
- Let cool completely before storing
- Use airtight containers
- Absorb excess grease
- Freeze on baking sheets first
- Avoid moisture and air exposure
Proper techniques will deliver delicious crispy, bacon-y crumbles whenever you crave them. Fresher and cheaper than store-bought, homemade bits are worth the minimal storage effort. Simply whip up a big batch and you’ll have a tasty bacon hack ready for recipes or snacking anytime.
CAN I FREEZE BACON?
Yes, in fact, you can! Here’s how I do it.
- Make a cooling rack and put the bacon strips on it. Then, freeze the bacon in single layers. I use these Amazon trays and racks. With this flash freezing method, each slice can freeze on its own, so pieces are less likely to stick together and form bacon bricks. My grandmother always put the bags straight into the freezer, but it was annoying to have to take out just a few pieces.
- Store in airtight freezer-safe containers. For short-term storage (which I know we’ll be talking about in about a month or so), I use freezer zip-top bags. For long-term storage, I use vacuum-sealed bags.
- Cook it to a little under your desired doneness.
- Dab off any excess grease.
- Flash freeze on cookie sheets.
- Throw into freezer-safe, airtight containers.
- Finish by putting it in the microwave, the oven, on cookie sheets, or even a skillet (I let it warm up first before putting frozen bacon in a hot pan).
Storage for each is typically “six months” from the experts, but you can stretch that
How to Store Bacon in the Pantry
Yes, you can store bacon for a long time. Here are some options for bacon lovers who want to store food.
This is a way you can make shelf-stable bacon with a little preparation. This would be for some serious bacon devotion or if you received a pig portion, or if you just want to add another homesteading skill to your repertoire.
You’ve probably seen the pre-cooked bacon in a box, sitting near your meat section. It’s quick, convenient, microwaves in a hot minute, and will sit on your shelf for quite a while. The USDA says to only store food until the “use by” date, but we all know that dates don’t mean the food has gone bad; they just mean that it may have reached its best quality.
Bacon fans won’t like this kind of bacon because it’s just shaved bacon (can those pieces get any thinner?) and has even more preservatives than regular bacon from the store. You can’t go wrong with having a package ready and able to pull it out in an emergency, though.
You’re probably familiar with the bacon crumbles available in the grocery store or other favorite online retailers. Bacon bits in a jar or resealable bag can be reopened numerous times (throw a silica pack in to help with moisture control after opening to help extend the shelf-life), and used to add some flavor to bland dishes.
Just be aware – most bacon bits that you’re familiar with are actually bacon-flavored TVP – Texturized Vegetable Protein – a soy product. They’re actually vegetarian! They do add flavor you’re used to with the smokiness, but they aren’t real bacon bits. If you’re wanting to stay in the real meat world, know that those 100% real bacon bits are full of a lot of preservatives to cure, flavor and preserve for shelf-stable storage. It’s really a toss-up. But it’s bacon! Or at least tastes like bacon!
► READ MORE – HOW TO BOIL GROUND BEEF FOR THE FREEZER
What’s the Best Way to Store Bacon? – CHOW Tip
FAQ
How to store bacon bits long term?
Do homemade bacon bits need to be refrigerated?
How do you store fried bacon bits?
How do you store homemade bacon bits?
Store in the refrigerator: Place the container of bacon bits in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature will help prolong their shelf life and maintain their delicious flavor. That’s it! You have successfully stored your homemade bacon bits.
Can bacon bits be frozen?
Remove homemade bacon bits from pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Allow crispy bacon bits to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar or container and store in the fridge for up to a week. Or, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. How much bacon bits equal a slice of bacon?
Do bacon bits need to be refrigerated?
This will help maintain the crispness and flavor of the bacon bits. Store in the refrigerator: Bacon bits should always be stored in the refrigerator, as they are prone to spoilage at room temperature. The cold temperature will help to inhibit bacterial growth and extend their shelf life.
How do you store bacon crumbles?
Process: If you want, keep the bacon in the baton or strip style. Or, if you want something resembling bacon bits, chop coarsely on a cutting board until the desired consistency has been reached. Bacon Bits: Store the bacon crumbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.