Its not worth the risk of getting sick. Coil the slices of bacon up so they look like snailsFreeze in a single layer on a baking sheetOnce the bacon coils are solid, store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. 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. Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. Storing food properly and learning some of the common signs of spoilage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? Turkey bacon has a natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too light. She has written three bacon cookbooks including the award-winning Bacon Beans and Beer, the bestselling 101 Things to Do With Bacon, and the popular sequel 101 More Things to Do With Bacon. Bacon, Cooked: 4 to 5 days Bacon, Uncooked: 7 days Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days Chicken, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Chicken, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Fish, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Ground Beef, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Ground Beef, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Hot Dogs, Opened: 1 week Hot Dogs, thank you for sharing. Depending on the size of your pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon. 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 However, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). USDA guidelines say that cooked bacon can be refrigerated up to 7 days, but in our experience the flavor and texture are best when the tasty strips are eaten within a day or two after cooking. After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. WebHow long does it last? If youre guessing this means its time to toss your bacon, youre right! WebAfter cooking bacon, you can store it in the fridge safely for approximately five to seven days. But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. Still, you should store it in the fridge only when you believe you will use it in the next couple of days. Other varieties like pancetta, turkey bacon, and beef bacon all last approximately the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer as regular bacon (1). Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. How? Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. You've got seven days. Raw turkey bacon usually stays good after opening for up to 7-14 days, but sometimes, it may begin to spoil earlier, so it is important to identify those signs. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. Just be sure if you plan to freeze your bacon grease that, you store it in a non-glass, freezer-safe container. Precooked bacon (offered refrigerated, unopened) Use-by + 5 7 days. Bacon can be cooked from frozen, so you dont need to thaw it. Seriously dont wait. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer. If youre looking for a tasty and healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner option thats quick to make and easy on the budget, then bacon may be your answer. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. Next, its time to get cooking. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. If any of these signs are present, know that the turkey bacon has gone bad and is growing mold. It is very important to keep your bacon tightly sealed or wrapped during its time in your fridge. For example, 22 refers to 2022. The best way is to smell and look at the bacon: signs of bad bacon are a sour smell, dull color and slimy texture; discard any bacon with an off smell or appearance. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) Opened bacon may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of opened bacon, place the opened package inside a resealable plastic bag or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. Additionally, if you have opened your turkey bacon, you should try to use it within 3-5 days since harmful bacteria can begin to grow once it has been exposed to the air. Now that you know how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, you might be wondering how fast this happens. Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss it. This article explores the health effects of processed meat. So whats the difference between the two? There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. If you prefer crispy bacon, then cook a little longer in the pan. While its great as a stand-alone snack, it also shines in baked goods like Savory Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones and Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Click on any of these headings to jump ahead: If you happen to have a windfall of leftover bacon, you may be wondering how long it will last in the refrigerator. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. Once bacon has been cooked, its best to store it in an airtight container. Here are three of the most common types of cooked bacon and how long they will last in the fridge: The first step is to allow the bacon strips to cool completely on a wire rack. Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Cooked bacon lasts only around four or five days in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer. If cooked and the packaging is unopened, it will last roughly three to four days. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? The tastiest way is on the stovetop. It will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, though. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package in a layer of aluminum foil (and label it with the date). We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. How to tell if bacon is off If youre not sure if that extra rasher is still safe to eat, Whether you have opened the package or not, uncooked bacon will last for seven days in the fridge, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Do you slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble? And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Cooked bacon can be kept in the fridge for four to five days; raw bacon can be kept in the fridge for one to a week after opening and re-sealing. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. Want to get right to the good stuff? Unless you buy from a local butcher, you will likely buy bacon in packs of six or eight rashers from the supermarket (if you buy it frozen and forget to defrost before breakfast time then follow my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here). Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. Every year, 48 million people in the United States become ill from food contamination, with the majority of cases stemming from raw or rotten meat. Often, a fishy odor, or even just a rotting stench, will be a telltale sign of deterioration. Trust your senses when it comes to deciding whether or not your bacon has taken a turn for the worse. 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. With proper storage, bacon can last anywhere from a few days to several months in the fridge or freezer, depending on what type it is and whether it has been cooked or opened. When you notice the edges of your bacon curling up, its time to flip it. Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. We prefer the Ziploc bag method because you are able to squeeze all the air out of the bag before placing it in the freezer. Read on for the answers! If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. How to tell if bacon is bad? That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. If the bacon has been sitting out longer than that, its best to play it safe and discard it. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. Editor: According to the USDA, fresh or thawed bacon should be used within 7 days. Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. Keep it from drying out (and making the other contents of your fridge smell like bacon) by storing it in a sealed container or resealable plastic ziplock bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. If you want to freeze individual bacon strips, lay the bacon pieces on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper, making sure the strips dont overlap, and place 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. A Summary my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here, five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat, How Long Can Cookie Dough Last in the Fridge? While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon will not last as long. If you can't eat enough BLT Salads and Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon to finish a package of bacon in a week, your best bet is to freeze it. If you have a busy lifestyle or live alone, it is also very convenient to cook bacon in batches to keep aside for use throughout the week. 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 youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. If the dry-cured bacon comes in a slabthe kind you slice yourselfit can last up to three weeks without the fridge, and four to six weeks in the fridge. You can maximize the shelf life of bacon in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn. Slime actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat. 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. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning. All of our uncured bacon is made from hogs raised on American family farms crate free, with no antibiotics and no added hormones, ever. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Use a few layers of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or freezer wrap to insulate the slices. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad. Uncooked bacon can be stored for up to a week in the fridge, but cooked bacon will keep for no more than 4-5 days, even if stored properly. We also recommend that if you plan to store your bacon in the fridge that you place layers of wax paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking to one another. Add your strips of bacon into a cool frying pan. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. This article has given some helpful tips about how long bacon lasts in the fridge, how to tell if bacon is bad, and how you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. 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. That is something you will notice when you look at a new package of turkey bacon. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. If theres anything growing visibly, theres a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you cant see it. Conclusion According to the blog post, chips are generally good for about two weeks after they are opened. Discoloration is an indication of late-stage spoilage, thoughso even if the bacon looks normal, you should still give it a sniff before you proceed to ensure it has the mild scent youd expect from fresh meat. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. We use our affiliate earnings to buy tasty snacks and new toys. Wasting good bacon is against the law in certain parts of the Southaccording to some people. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. The time frame for how long pre-cooked bacon will last in the fridge is very similar to that of regular bacon cooked at home. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? In fact, it is not uncommon to see hints of blue or even green among the gray tinge. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. So, how long is turkey bacon good for after opened? WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. 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 WebRead the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. Some important things to remember are that bacon is a meat product so you must ensure that it is cooked and stored properly. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. Precooked bacon. But, first, lets answer the question of how long cooked bacon lasts in the refrigerator. This may be a hard pill to swallow if youre looking at a plate of delicious bacon, but its not worth gambling with your health. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). When you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, you want to be able to enjoy every last savory bit. Find out how long How to Store Bacon in the Fridge Follow these instructions to store bacon in the fridge: If the package is open, cover the Opened Package Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. 3-4 days. It will be applied If you go to grab some bacon and find it slimy, something has gone awry. If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. Drain ravioli; add to squash While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. Dry-curing, on the other hand, is a more time-consuming process in which the pork is rubbed with a combination of dry curing agents (often celery salt) and hung to dry. You dont want to take any chances with your health. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. All rights reserved. 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. When stored in an airtight container at 0F or below (i.e., standard freezer temperature) bacon, raw or cooked, will stay fresh until the end of time. The easiest way to tell if cooked bacon is bad is to smell it. Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of While the USDA doesnt require manufacturers to label bacon with a date, many companies choose to add a use by or a sell by date. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. Many people think that curing bacon would make it last longer but that is not always the case. Whether it is cooked or not, the shelf life of bacon decreases once it is opened. Contents show Immediately refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. Before you start to put your bacon in the pan, leave it to cool down to room temperature on your countertop first. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you tend to cook bacon in smaller amounts, flash-freeze individual strips so that they don't harden into a single slab and you can easily defrost as much as you need. There is nothing better than a bacon sandwich with lots of butter on a Sunday morning, eating bacon cheese burgers, or sprucing up a meal like pasta with some crispy & salty bacon, in my opinion. According to the USDA, refrigerated cooked bacon products should be checked out at the grocery store right before youre going home. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. Raw bacon is always pink with white fat running through it. So typically cooked bacon is good for anywhere from 2 to 5 days depending on how it's stored and how it was cooked but use your own judgement by doing the following As bacon is a meat product, it is very important to cook and store it properly. How do you freeze bacon? Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator. So if you are reading this while sniffing or inspecting a package of bacon that's been in the back of your refrigerator for an indefinite amount of time, I'll get right to the point. If youve already broken the seal and enjoyed a few strips, however, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening the package (regardless of what the sell-by-date says). The shelf life of bacon depends on the type and thickness of bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked, and the storage conditions. But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. Opened: 3 weeks. How to tell if bacon is bad? And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. That means that it doesnt last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Technically, frozen food will stay safe to eat nearly indefinitely, but for the sake of A sell by date helps grocery managers move inventory through their stores, so you receive fresh products. up to 1 week. 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. (Note: Bacon bits freeze well, and can last up to six months if you wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer.). With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. Be prepared to discard it. Home Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Bacon. 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. Most people love bacon. In fact, so many people opt for it when they cannot enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content. To do this, follow our super-simple steps above which will guide you through the perfect steps to cook delicious, crispy bacon. It might be safer to eat once cured with salt and sugar mix, but it can sometimes be risky if you leave it for long enough. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Yes! Spoiled bacon may also be slimy or sticky rather than soft and moist. (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! Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. For all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. Read my full disclosure here. How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. When storing, you may want to consider dividing the bacon in individual portions which may be easier to wrap tightly and avoid excess air. So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad? It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. Confused? WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. Should You Freeze A Casserole Before Or After You Bake It? It depends on many factors including how you store it in the first place. Per the experts at Fleishers Butchery, generic bacon, the kind with the seven-day rule, is almost always wet-cureda quicker curing process that involves either injecting liquid curing agents into the meat or brining it in a curing solution. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. But, what if you wish to re-freeze after it has been thawed? Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? Probably not what you think. To maximize your bacon enjoyment, its crucial to know how to store it properly to avoid any safety issues. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? Thanks for reading! WebUnless you buy from a local butcher, you will likely buy bacon in packs of six or eight rashers from the supermarket (if you buy it frozen and forget to defrost before breakfast Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. Thank you for sharing that with me!! 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. 3-4 days. Even if you reseal your bacon after opening, the initial exposure has begun the chemical reactions leading to spoilage. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. Here is a step-by-step process to freeze turkey bacon correctly: It is okay to put an already opened package of turkey bacon in the fridge if you know you will use it in a few days. Since it is fresh meat, the texture will be a little spongy, but it will not be gooey. Chips are generally good for a week or two after opening, depending on the type of chip. When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. By Food and Life Lover February 27, 2023. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. It tastes awesome and goes with almost any food. 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 One of the best things about the low-carb way of eating is all the delicious foods you can eat. 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. In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. If youre not sure whether your bacon is still good to eat, its a good idea to check the color. Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. Youll know when its no longer good to use because it will smell rancid, and it will make anything thats cooked in it taste a little funky. WebStorage times for food in the refrigerator and freezer Read the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. At the very least, place your bacon in a sealed storage container. There are also plenty of ways to use leftover cooked bacon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team.