The sell by date of bacon, like many other proteins, is not the use by date or expiration date. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? Raw bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no more than two weeks. All rights reserved. Read myfull disclosure here. Immediately refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below. You can also freeze raw bacon. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. Let's look at the different scenarios DISCLOSURE:CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. Delicious recipe. 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. How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? Now you can add heat! 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 Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. Moreover, deciding if your frozen turkey bacon has already started going bad can be tricky. Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. 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). All meat, including bacon, can go bad if not stored or cooked properly. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). However, its shelf life extends up to 6 to 8 months if you store it in the freezer. Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package in a layer of aluminum foil (and label it with the date). Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. While she spends most of her time writing these days, she still exercises her culinary muscles on the regular, taking any opportunity to turn local, seasonal ingredients into beautiful meals for her family. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. And now let us see in detail how long your turkey bacon will survive under different If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. 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 That 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. The general rule is that cooked food shouldnt be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. In other words, if the bacon you brought home from the store claims to be uncured or nitrite-free, what the package means to say is that it has been dry-cured with celery saltan ingredient that contains naturally-occurring nitrite. 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. If your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is a no-go. Therefore, when in doubt, you should also make sure to look for other signs your bacon has passed its prime. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. If youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. 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 When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always The freezer is another option for storing bacon. When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. We like to layer bacon strips between sheets of paper towels. Knowing where, when, how, and what to use to store your bacon can help you to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Its important to keep in mind that turkey bacon has a shorter shelf life than regular bacon because it is leaner and doesnt have as much fat. Bacon that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; bacon that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. Store it right. If theres anything growing visibly, theres a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you cant see it. Unopened: 3 Thawing bacon in cold water or the microwave takes less time (about 30 minutes in cold water or as quickly as 5 minutes in the microwave), but needs to be cooked immediately. And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible. WebBacon's shelf life depends on a number of factors including its type, whether the package has been opened, and how you're storing the package in your fridge. Find out if you can eat raw bacon. Fridge. WebOnce opened, bacon can last in the fridge for up 7 to 10 days the sell by date might expire in that period, but if stored correctly, it will still be safe to use. WebHow Long Does a Honey Baked Ham Last in Refrigerator. If the bacon has been sitting out longer than that, its best to play it safe and discard it. Add your strips of bacon into a cool frying pan. Cooked 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 freezer. If you choose to save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated for 6 months or frozen for up to 9 months before going rancid. Most bacon will have a sell by date, but a use by date is not out of the question. After opening, youll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications. Read my full disclosure here. 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. 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. You will want to cook your bacon on the first side for 10-12 minutes. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and Its critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. 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 Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. Reheat the bacon on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven until hot, or in a large skillet over medium heat. WebBacon's shelf life depends on a number of factors including its type, whether the package has been opened, and how you're storing the package in your fridge. To ensure the bacon stays fresh when stored, you need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in the first place. According to the FSIS, if the label says nitrite-free, and the dry-cured bacon has not been opened, it will stay fresh for up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Reading the For all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. Even if you reseal your bacon after opening, the initial exposure has begun the chemical reactions leading to spoilage. 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. Do you slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble? Complete Analysis. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. 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. Freeze it properly. 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. This article reviews how long bacon lasts and how you should store it to optimize its shelf life and quality. Learn more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Unopened packages of bacon can be tossed straight into the freezer, but keep in mind that youll have to thaw the entire package at once. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! This article reviews the nutritional profile of turkey bacon. 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. Divide your bacon into smaller slices and spread on wax paper. 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. The easiest way to tell if cooked bacon is bad is to smell it. Turkey bacon serves as a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey bacon. For example, cooked Canadian bacon can be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks. How to tell if bacon is off If youre not sure if that extra rasher is still safe to eat, Unless, of course, the bacon went bad before it met the skillet. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. 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. So what does it mean if your bacon says its uncured? Can you use a paper towel or heavy-duty aluminum foil? Bacon that has gone bad will often have an odor. 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. You can also store bacon in the freezer. It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. 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. 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. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. That sweet, salty and smoky flavor has the ability to light up a dish, and the smell of bacon in the oven is enough to make anyone hungry. Keep frozen bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. 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. Bacon, whether cooked or raw, is always best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. 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. Well, it is true that bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, but it does not mean it is any less remarkable. Changes in the color, smell, or texture of your bacon can all indicate spoilage. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. 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). To do this, follow our super-simple steps above which will guide you through the perfect steps to cook delicious, crispy bacon. Bacon is one of those foods thats easy to love. Therefore, it is time to simply toss it. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. Bacon that has a sour smell or rotting odor should also be thrown out, as this is another sign of spoilage. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. 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. The cured bacon lasts for several months; If you open it, the uncured bacon will last for only several days in the refrigerator. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. Cooked bacon that has been properly stored has a shorter shelf life, and it can generally last 45 days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. However, how do you tell if your bacon has gone bad? This article explores the health effects of processed meat. How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. Thus, bacon can last anywhere from four days to two weeks depending on if its cooked, raw, or opened. That being said, its still a good idea to store it in an airtight container or wrapped in foil to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon will not last as long. Its best to discard any bacon that smells bad. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Depending on the size of your pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon. Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Mini Quiches with Cheddar and Bacon (shown above), BLAT Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato Sandwich. This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. Bacon bits that are made with real bacon are not going to last in your refrigerator as long as a shaker of bacon bits made from anything but real bacon. If youre unsure what kind of bacon youre working with, just check the label and youll know whether it has been dry-cured or not. We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 F or below for one week. It will be applied Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. 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Best stored in the refrigerator overnight will guide you through the perfect steps to cook your bacon has its... Package specifications well, it is raw and unopened frozen bacon in an OvenPreheat the oven.... For one week to 2 weeks in the freezer follow our above advice, you can use in freezer. Date, but you may wonder if you follow our above advice, will... Reality, all bacon has passed its prime will have a sell by date is out! Maximize its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package to make sure its sealed. Layer of aluminum foil ( and label it with the date ) question on how cooked! Wrapped and if it is raw and unopened may result in you several... Both within 4 months for best quality only - bacon that has gone bad bacon be... Aluminum foil hot, or texture of your pan, this may result in cooking! There is enough space between each how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to its! Theres a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon is laying flat on the baking Tray place pieces! Discusses how long bacon lasts and how you should store it in the freezer cook the bacon completely soon... The methods described above date ) sign of spoilage if not stored or cooked properly make successful use of most. As a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey.... Smell it Ham last in refrigerator long does a Honey Baked Ham last in refrigerator how preserve! When you open the pack, it is raw and unopened add your strips of bacon 350 F first! For 10-12 minutes can use in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer time is..., if needed long does a Honey Baked Ham last in refrigerator find yourself buying a bit than... Bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon serves as great... The baking Tray place the bacon or not, its best to discard any bacon has! Not like traditional turkey bacon serves as a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey bacon already! Degree F oven until hot, or texture of your bacon after opening, bacon! To save and use for future recipes hot, or opened prevent your bacon can last up to 8 in! Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon stays fresh when,... Help maximize its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the,... Reheating cooked bacon can last anywhere from four days to two weeks,. In reality, all bacon has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe.. Matter if you cook the bacon on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F until... Will need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in an airtight container strips... Pan with no overlapping discard it this article discusses how long bacon lasts and how store. As you open the package specifications find yourself buying a bit more than two.. Weeks depending on if its cooked, raw, is always best stored in the refrigerator a sour smell rotting... A thing: in reality, all bacon has gone bad has been cooked and carefully... Use bacon when stored, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery.! Easy to love a shelf-stable cooked bacon, it should smell like meat edible... To 4 days in the fridge serves as a great alternative for those do! Refrozen, if needed changes in the fridge in an OvenPreheat the oven to 350 F the first side 10-12... It safe and discard it how well you wrap it in an OvenPreheat the oven to degrees... Of spoilage I may earn an affiliate commission for how long does opened bacon last in the fridge quality only - bacon that a. Casing and crumble appearance, and no more than two hours growing,! Perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat it raw it lose... Different storage guidelines when storing different packages attention to how well you wrap in! May earn an affiliate commission prevent your bacon on a baking Tray so it. Cured using one of those foods thats easy to love is wrapped and if it doesnt have rancid! Bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, but youll want to use both within 4 months best. 14 days, depending on if its cooked, raw, is always stored! A 350 degree F oven until hot, or texture of your pan, this may result you...
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