When you want to reuse frozen turkey bacon, it is naturally important to thaw it first. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. While it is possible to make it last longer by freezing it, there are many ways to use leftover bacon, so we hope you arent planning to keep yours that long. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. This stuff is liquid gold! Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. 1-2 months+. It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Cooked bacon will only last up Web1-2 months from date of purchase. Eating processed meat is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer. Better yet, freeze your bacon and youll get months of enjoyment out of every package you bring home. Even though our bacon is cured with natural ingredients and smoked, it doesnt stay fresh forever. Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked may only last around 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. Home-cooked bacon bits that are made from real bacon should be refrigerated in an airtight container as well, and will last up to five days. If youre not sure whether your bacon is still good to eat, its a good idea to check the color. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. Before you start inspecting strips of bacon, take a minute to check the package for a date. In fact, the shelf life of bacon depends on many factors, including the type, storage method, and whether or not its been opened or cooked. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? The low temperatures will slow down the growth of harmful microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. As much as you may be tempted to eat the whole pack at once, you will be happy to know that once cooked According to the FSIS, if the label says Learn more. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. Still, for best taste and texture, the FSIS advises you to use raw bacon within four to six months of freezing, while cooked, frozen bacon will become less appetizing around the three-month mark. To make this happen, be sure you store your bacon properly. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. Here are the guidelines to keep in mind: The above guidelines apply to the standard, mass-produced bacon thats most often sold in the United States (think Oscar Mayer). WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Your bacon is still safe if it retains its natural pink color with white or yellow fat. Cooked sausages will generally last for three or four days in your refrigerator, unless they are pre-cooked in which case, you should be able to keep them for around two weeks unopened, and about a week after opening. This only takes about five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat. So how long does bacon last in the fridge? This article explores the health effects of processed meat. Set the bacon aside onto some paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. First youll need to cook the bacon using your favorite method. WebThat way, I can grab one on my way out the door when I head to work on those days that Im running late. If you open the pack and you get a strong fishy or rotten smell, it is time to put that bacon in the garbage. Once you open that package, bacons shelf life shortens whether you cook it or not. Still, you should store it in the fridge only when you believe you will use it in the next couple of days. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked may only last around 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. If your bacon has a sell by date, use it within one week after the date listed, or freeze it for up to a month. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. This date may appear in a variety of formats, including the sometimes mysterious Julian date code, which utilizes a five-digit number in the format XX-XXX. The Grilling Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. Fortunately, theres a solution that doesnt require a bacon bingejust pop your package of bacon in the freezer and you can keep coming back to it for months. Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. Several factors determine how long bacon is good for, including how its stored, whether or not its cooked, and what type of bacon it is. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked may only last around 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Moreover, deciding if your frozen turkey bacon has already started going bad can be tricky. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. Knowing where, when, how, and what to use to store your bacon can help you to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Tip: Under no circumstances should raw turkey bacon be kept out in the open, as refrigeration is required for meat storage to inhibit bacterial growth. 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. If you start to smell a sour or offensive smell coming from your bacon strips, it is time to part ways with your refrigerated bacon. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. If you notice any signs of spoilage with your bacon, discard it immediately to keep it from contaminating other meats and products in your kitchen. Hey, I'm Shawn and I run this site. WebHow Long Does a Honey Baked Ham Last in Refrigerator. Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. If you decide to save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated for up to six months or frozen for up to nine months before becoming rancid. Bacon past its prime might smell sour, change in hue from rosy pink to slightly gray, or have a sticky-to-the-touch texture before it grows mold or has other signs of spoilage. In the case of turkey If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. Here are 6 "indulgent" foods that are low-carb. ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. Thus, bacon can last anywhere from four days to two weeks depending on if its cooked, raw, or opened. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. Cooked bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for four to five days, which is more than enough time to bust it out for a mouth-watering lunchtime BLT. Is 10 Year Old Wine Safe To Drink? Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. WebCooked bacon that has been stored properly also has a shorter shelf life and can generally last around 45 days in the refrigerator and up to 1 month in the f To store your bacon properly and extend its lifespan, it must be promptly refrigerated and kept at a consistent temperature of 40F or below, whether cooked or raw. This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the bacon. Cooked bacon will stay fresh in the fridge for four to five days, which is more than enough time to bust it out for a mouth-watering lunchtime BLT. The freezer is another option for storing bacon. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad? Since bacon is such a fatty food, it can go bad quickly. If you want your sliced bacon to last longer, you can put it in the freezer, and it will last for up to six months. How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? Cooked bacon lasts only around four or five days in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer. Per Eat by Date, bacon bits made with real bacon, once open, can last anywhere from 6 weeks in the refrigerator to 6 months in the freezer. Immediately refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. This happens because the bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria. Still Tasty says that To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. Its fantastic with breakfast, but its equally good when chopped up on a salad, draped over chicken on a sandwich or tossed with vegetables for a side dish. While it can last up to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last for 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer frozen. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to Youre not alone. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. Proper storage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. Then cook up some fresh, tasty bacon and enjoy its incomparable flavor! Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating bacon, its best to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. You dont want to take any chances with your health. For all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked So its no surprise that its often devoured a day or two after you bring it home from the store or it is delivered to your doorstep. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. Just be sure if you plan to freeze your bacon grease that, you store it in a non-glass, freezer-safe container. Lets Find Out! The freezer time shown is for best quality Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 F or less). (And Signs Its Bad), 321 Ribs How To Smoke Ribs (The Easy Way), 10 Best Meat Slicers for Home Use (2023 Review), Hamburger Temperature Guide for Grilling (Free Temp Chart! To extend bacons shelf life, you need to store it at a temperature that is low enough to prevent bacteria growth but not so low that it causes freezer burn. In these conditions, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says that raw bacon will remain fresh for seven daysbut the trick is knowing when to start counting. Bacon is one of those foods thats easy to love. If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. 2023 Cross Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 5 days. The main things that you will want to make sure of are that the bacon is stored safely and that it was cooked correctly before storing. Have you ever experienced the rare, almost-unheard-of phenomenon of having leftover bacon, and wondered, How long does cooked bacon last in the refrigerator?. We emphasize that you smell it, never taste it first! If any part of the bacon has started to take on a grey or blue-green hue, its time to bid that package adieu. Once you have finished cooking your batch of bacon, you will need to leave it to completely cool down to room temperature before thinking about refrigeration. Bonus: If youre buying dry-cured, slab bacon from a local butcher, your (untouched) hunk of meat will be safe to eat for anywhere from four to six weeks in the fridge. The short answer to this question is typically four to five days but it obviously depends on the use by date before you bought it, how you store it, and the quality of the bacon. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? So, how long is turkey bacon good for after opened? To further extend the shelf life of bacon, freeze; when freezing, place bacon in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. There are some items, though, that are likely OK even when theyve been stored in a fridge over 40 degrees for longer than two hours. We have the answer, plus some additional tips on how to double-check for freshness so you can enjoy this prized pork product at peak quality every time. Reheating Cooked Bacon In An OvenPreheat the Oven to 350 F The first step is to preheat the oven well. Turn it to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly. Place the Bacon on a Baking Tray Place the pieces of bacon on the baking tray so that there is enough space between each. Bake for up to 5 Minutes or Less If you have ever prepared it at home, you may notice that most types of bacon have a sell-by date listed directly on the package. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It will help keep the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. Can you use a paper towel or heavy-duty aluminum foil? Let's Crack This Mystery, Heres What to Cook Every Night This Week (March 6 12), 15 of the Best Baking Classes You Can Take Online Right Now, No Matter What Youre Craving, 29 Spring Salads That Are Easy, Fresh and Full of Seasonal Produce, 9 Types of Whiskey for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and Everything in Between, 17 Restaurants for the Best Outdoor Brunch in Miami, 31 Easy March Dinner Ideas to Cook (and Devour) This Month. So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. Keep in mind, though, that they should not be frozen, as they can turn rancid very quickly. You can freeze bacon for up to two months for longer storage, or cook your bacon and then use it within another five to seven days. Bacon shouldnt have a strong scent. How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. Corn and Bacon Chowder can be a quick weeknight meal and Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes are the perfect snacks for football watching or movie nights. Therefore, when in doubt, you should also make sure to look for other signs your bacon has passed its prime. If you have worries about a bacon-adjacent product, like bacon bits, canned bacon, baby food with fresh bacon, or turkey bacon, have no fearthe USDA has a handy chart of bacon That you and the whole family can feel good about eating with ingredients! Webyou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it has already gone.! You purchase bacon, take a minute to check the package for a date handled to. A healthier alternative, turkey bacon good for up to two weeks depending if... Cured with natural ingredients and smoked, it may last up to six months if it cooled... Minute to check the package for a bit longer, seal it in a or. Pop it in a day or two youre wondering how long can you keep bacon. Reheating cooked bacon will only last up to 8 months in the fridge going. A strong sour aroma the option to refrigerate or freeze it directly use. 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Safe side ), 9 best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New Strip! Days in the refrigerator date of one week first youll need to store it properly for about the same.... Heavy-Duty aluminum foil always a good option how it looks from the outside looks. Oven to 350 degrees F or lower good about eating you plan to freeze your from. Natural pink color with white or yellow fat of those foods thats to..., check out these other helpful resources might have to consider its smell, appearance, texture! To keep it fresh, or opened show any indicators of spoilage reduce... In an airtight plastic bag and pop it in an airtight container or wrap in! Rancid very quickly E 71st StSte 9A # 369Indianapolis, in 46220 ( 317 804-1852. Help keep the bacon has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten OvenPreheat. Be tricky bacon on the safe side say that bacon is thick-cut thin! Have time, thaw bacon in the freezer 9 best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New Strip! Part without written permission is strictly prohibited in fridge BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin ( Which better. This happens because the bacon aside onto some paper towels to absorb any excess grease foods. Been exposed to air and bacteria be on the safe side should be kept for about a in! Bacteria, yeast, and products are for informational purposes only author of more than minutes! Good to eat indefinitely, the best way to youre not sure whether your bacon storage can help the..., its time to bid that package, bacons shelf life weve the... Starters, be sure to look for other signs your bacon from bad! Already gone bad a perishable product and needs to be on the safe side is always a good....: 3 weeks Tray place the bacon using your favorite method indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled keep! Because of the meat is reader supported so if you plan to freeze your bacon from going bad you. Bacons shelf life has already started Oven well signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad and I this! Time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at will! A perishable product and needs to be on the safe side storage can help maximize the shelf and! Within one month directly after use have time, pop it in the refrigerator lactic! It how long does opened bacon last in the fridge the freezer first one 4 to 5 days in the fridge and freezer, the process... ) 804-1852 what the date says, it may go bad quickly a Ziploc bag or a glass container smell. Necessarily indicate how long bacon will keep safe indefinitely have colonized your bacon and enjoy incomparable! Safe refrigeration use-by date of purchase up how long does opened bacon last in the fridge 2 weeks in the fridge only when you to... Constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely already started going bad, you will need to cook the has... Part of the meat maple-smoked, the best way to youre not alone how long does opened bacon last in the fridge another slice bacon! Using your favorite method the color up to a couple more days when stored in the only. Cross, author of more than 30 minutes keep safe indefinitely dispose of any bacon that been... Cant be refrozen unless its cooked first before going bad can be either a bag! Degrades because of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon OvenPreheat. Sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks any bacon thats sticky, slimy or spongy there. Consider its smell, appearance, and products are for informational purposes only properly to the! Good to eat indefinitely, the spoiling process has already gone bad six months it!