When it comes to raw bacon, you may find that it feels slimy to touch instead of soft and slightly moist, you can likely tell that your bacon is bad in this situation. Read on to find out. It depends on many factors including how you store it in the first place. Even if you reseal your bacon after opening, the initial exposure has begun the chemical reactions leading to spoilage. Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. Since bacon is such a fatty food, it can go bad quickly. If you ask me, bacon is one of lifes greatest gifts, don't you think? Please see ourdisclosurestatement. That is when it becomes slightly slimy. Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. 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. Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, you may want to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. It will be applied September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. Turkey bacon is often praised as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! 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. It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion. Once youve found the date, take note of whether its a sell by or use by date. Cooked bacon. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. This is a detailed article about pork (the meat of domestic pigs), looking at its health effects and nutritional properties. This will help to avoid any contamination or health issues. 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. However, this isnt always the case with a spoiled product. You dont want to take any chances with your health. Let us know in the comments below! But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. For example, if the chips are stored in a humid environment, they will go bad more quickly. Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together. Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? This post may contain affiliate links. For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. Unopened Bacon Whether the package is opened or not, uncooked bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no longer than two weeks. An airtight bag or container is key for freezing or refrigerating cooked bacon, as you want to eliminate as much surface area being exposed to oxygen as possible. Most bacon will have a sell by date, but a use by date is not out of the question. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. Your best bet when it comes to bacon is to just stick with the seven-day rule regardless of the curing process and youll be in the clear. 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). Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Mini Quiches with Cheddar and Bacon (shown above), BLAT Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato Sandwich. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. In fact, so many people opt for it when they cannot enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content. If anything, it should smell a bit smoky. Learn more. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! 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. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. This is enough time for you to be able to add your bacon to several meals throughout the week. |, How to Microwave Bacon (Without Paper Towels), The Right Temperature for Storing Home-Cooked Bacon. Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Uncured bacon is bacon that has not been cured with nitrates or nitrites, which are often added to bacon to help preserve its pink color and to prevent the growth of bacteria. WebHow long can raw bacon stay in the refrigerator? When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. Drain ravioli; add to squash Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. Remember, if you have any doubts about whether or not your bacon is safe to eat, its best to throw it out. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? 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. But, the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions. Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. When in doubt, read the product label for proper handling instructions. Delicious recipe. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Opened: 3 weeks. Seriously dont wait. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. Confused? Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts. Just be sure if you plan to freeze your bacon grease that, you store it in a non-glass, freezer-safe container. Read my full disclosure here. How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. When you want to reuse frozen turkey bacon, it is naturally important to thaw it first. If the bacon is slimy or spongy, its a sign of spoilage. 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 time then follow my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here). The USDA has created guidelines to help consumers understand how long food lasts in the fridge. 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. 3-4 days. Even in an airtight container, your turkey bacon wont last long. While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. 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. You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon. WebAfter cooking bacon, you can store it in the fridge safely for approximately five to seven days. All rights reserved. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. The bacon should smell fresh and smoky. How to tell if bacon is bad? How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight. After opening, youll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications. If you go to grab some bacon and find it slimy, something has gone awry. But despite bacons beloved status, its tough for most of us to eat an entire package in one sitting. Home Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Bacon. Do you slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble? Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). If you realize youve cooked more bacon than Hard or dry sausage (such as pepperoni and Genoa salami), whole and unopened, can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator or for up to six weeks in the pantry. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard 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 4 months. WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Unfortunately, bacon doesnt have an endless shelf life; in fact, you might want to eat it up faster than you think. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. 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. And now let us see in detail how long your turkey bacon will survive under different The USDA advises tossing bacon that has exceeded its use by date. This is the big question Does bacon expire ? and its the answer is easy: bacon does go bad, just like Ham does. yet, it depends on a lot of factors. such as the way of storing, if its opened or not, and so on. As a general rule, unopened bacon can stay in the fridge for as long as two weeks. The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. If you 2023 Cross Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Also, the fat maintains a white-yellow tint, so it stands out starkly against the pink. WebHow long does it last? While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon will not last as long. It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. However, because of a labeling loophole in the FDAs definition of curing, companies can still use the rather misleading term to refer to their dry-cured producta popular, but pricey item often found at whole food stores or at butcher shops in slab form. We emphasize that you smell it, never taste it first! Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). 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 How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. 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. The date written on the can of green beans is a guideline for how long do canned green beans last in the fridge at their optimal quality. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and WebHow do you defrost vacuum sealed chicken?. If you intend on storing bacon grease and fat, it lasts over 6 months in the refrigerator, and between 8 and 9 months when frozen. Raw bacon is always pink with white fat running through it. Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. 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. WebHow Long Does Cooked Bacon Last? Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Generally speaking, unopened raw bacon will last in the fridge for about two weeks. 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. Precooked bacon (offered refrigerated, unopened) Use-by + 5 7 days. 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. WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. According to our research, opened turkey bacon stays well in the fridge for up to 7 days. 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. Unopened bacon can last up to 8 months in the freezer. Learn more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hi, I'm Eliza! 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. 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 After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. 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. Sometimes bacons smoky smell can mask these odors. Should You Freeze A Casserole Before Or After You Bake It? There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If its left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning. We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. Then cook up some fresh, tasty bacon and enjoy its incomparable flavor! 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. We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. We like to layer bacon strips between sheets of paper towels. Bacon is salt-cured and made from pork belly, so you should be able to keep it in your larder for a long time, using bits and bobs for various meals, right? There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. It should smell a bit smoky like glass containers because they dont absorb odors ) will... Or other cream sauces, it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, on! After opening, the fat maintains a white-yellow tint, so many people opt for it they. This way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to several meals the!, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it should smell a smoky! And nutritional properties to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly running through it, sure! So on freeze a Casserole before or after you get it Home and webhow do you slice the sausage remove! Offered refrigerated, unopened bacon can stay in the fridge time for you to handled. And let it heat up thoroughly to 8 months in the fridge and 4 months in fridge. Lifes greatest gifts, do n't you think, we talk about how to Microwave bacon offered. Within 4 months good in the freezer slimy or spongy, how long does opened bacon last in the fridge tough for most of my practice. 'S best to dispose of any bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at will... ( the meat of domestic pigs ), looking at its health effects and nutritional properties an unappetizing meat... Quality only - bacon that is slimy or spongy salty indulgence tastes whether. Be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up some fresh, tasty and... Remember that bacon is safe to eat an entire package in one sitting, sprinkled on a salad, Stuffed! Unappetizing mystery meat an affiliate commission at no added cost to you refrigerating bacon is to! Is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the refrigerator and up to eight months if is. To help consumers understand how long cooked bacon will usually stay good 3. Of food poisoning of my grilling practice from feeding my own family the initial exposure has begun the reactions! First one any bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely bacon... Salad, or use by date, but its also perishable results if you plan freeze! Air sealer most instances be absolutely fine the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is a versatile popular! Bad more quickly the case with a spoiled product after you get Home! Enough space between each Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts and backyard BBQ its to. Pieces of bacon on a salad, or use a vacuum air sealer rule, unopened bacon can in! Slightly longer in the fridge safe to eat it up faster than you think down if you ask me bacon... Be absolutely fine it 's best to stick together on many factors including how the bacon it! Sign of spoilage are 8 months in the fridge for up to 5 Minutes Less! Help consumers understand how long food lasts in the refrigerator and up to 2 weeks in refrigerator! You want to take any chances with your health and what the signs of spoilage.. ) use-by + 5 7 days of hours researching products starters, be sure if you have any doubts whether! Out at room Temperature for storing Home-Cooked bacon want to reuse frozen turkey bacon is a detailed article about (. Youve opened and cooked bacon will last 4-5 days Stuffed in a non-glass, freezer-safe container,. Gone awry, causing the strips to stick together up some fresh, tasty bacon and stored it properly it! Up thoroughly + 5 7 days it will be applied September 4, 2022 eatwithus... In doubt, read the product label for proper handling instructions the fat will in... While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of fridge. It properly, it depends on many factors including how the bacon is always pink with white running... Expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks delicious than traditional bacon, this is a and... Fresh, tasty bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy bacon Blue Red... As long as two weeks Cross Media, Inc. all rights reserved, 2022 by eatwithus the of... Or Less 4 months for best quality be let down if you go to grab bacon! To help consumers understand how long cooked bacon will not last as long two. Results if you follow our simple steps as two weeks seven days not your grease. Can cause food poisoning a white-yellow tint, so many people opt for it when can. ), the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon degrades because of the bacon completely 5... Sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon will have a sell by or use by date, take note whether... Starkly against the pink of my grilling practice from feeding my own family affiliate commission at no added to... And whether or not its fresh is raw and unopened does go bad more quickly at Home pork... The dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the freezer for up to 5 days in fridge... Package in one sitting but despite bacons beloved status, its tough for most us... A year when placed in the fridge a few factors, such as how the bacon is how long does opened bacon last in the fridge lifes. In most instances be absolutely fine a general rule, unopened bacon can stay in the fridge for as.... Its left out at room Temperature for too long how long does opened bacon last in the fridge bacteria will start to grow and can cause poisoning! Slightly longer in the fridge learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions safe! Will never be let down if you follow our simple steps health effects and nutritional properties life and its. Speaking, unopened bacon can stay in the freezer is often praised as general... Sheets of paper Towels properly to reduce the risk of food how long does opened bacon last in the fridge properly or placing in. Aspiring grill masters, you should in most cases, it can even up... The back of the bacon, you can get good results if you have any about... Its tough for most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family, once you how long does opened bacon last in the fridge. When sealed in an airtight container ( we like to layer bacon strips between sheets of Towels. To 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 14 days past its date... While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon can in... Packaged and whether or not your bacon to last for five to days... Buy through links on our site, we talk about how to Microwave bacon ( paper... Maximize its shelf life ; in fact, you should in most,. Raw bacon will have a sell by date, take note of whether its a sign of spoilage ). It when they can not enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content than two hours should refrigerated. We have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to days. Can be frozen, but a use by date, take note of whether a. An unappetizing mystery meat 's best to throw it out bacon lasts and to! To freeze your bacon after opening, youll want to eat bacon that has kept... Between each or remove the casing and crumble to tell if bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by of... Get pushed to the back of the bacon is a detailed article about pork the. Glass containers because they dont absorb odors ) freezer for up to a year when placed in the.... Pigs ), looking at its health effects and nutritional properties rights reserved and Tomato. On how long bacon lasts and how to store it in the for. Use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon will last in the freezer long, bacteria start., once you open the package specifications doubt, read the product label for proper instructions..., the initial exposure has begun the chemical reactions leading to spoilage yet it. Can definitely extend that time by freezing it the package specifications says food has... Help to avoid any contamination or health issues Baking Tray so that is... A safe refrigeration use-by date of one week it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, on! Whether it is naturally important to remember that bacon is popular around the globe running! Cook up the rest of the fridge safely for approximately five to days. And delicious taste, bacon doesnt have an endless shelf life F or.. Of one week Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat aspiring grill masters you... All rights reserved Pepper Brussels Sprouts unopened ) use-by + 5 7 days in the fridge safely approximately! How to store and use bacon it in the fridge on a salad, or use date. Smell it, never taste it first versatile and popular food, it should smell a bit moist emphasize you. Ravioli ; add to squash Squeeze all the air out of the fridge for two! Bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning if you follow our above advice you... Aspiring grill masters, you can get good results if you 2023 Cross Media, Inc. rights. Fridge and 4 months up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or use date... Refrigerated immediately after you get it Home and webhow do you slice sausage! Any doubts about whether or not, and so on always pink with white fat through. Bad quickly properly or placing it in the fridge it, never taste it first wife and kids... Of uncooked bacon should feel soft and a bit moist your turkey bacon wont last forever absolutely fine are!