Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. 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. WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. If you open the pack and you get a strong fishy or rotten smell, it is time to put that bacon in the garbage. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. 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. Then cook up some fresh, tasty bacon and enjoy its incomparable flavor! 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. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. First youll need to cook the bacon using your favorite method. Is Buttered Popcorn Bad for Acid Reflux? Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. Delicious recipe. The easiest way to tell if your cooked bacon is less than prime is to take a sniff. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. 4 months. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? Thank you for sharing that with me!! With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. Immediately refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below. If you prefer crispy bacon, then cook a little longer in the pan. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. 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. How to tell if bacon is bad? When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. TheGrillingDad.com is reader-supported. So a code of 22-023 would mean January 23, 2022. But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. The sell by date of bacon, like many other proteins, is not the use by date or expiration date. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. 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. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. Shelf-stable, cooked bacon should be stored in a cool cupboard that is 85 degrees F or lower, and used by the package expiration date or within 3 months of purchase, whichever is sooner. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. 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. This article explores the health effects of processed meat. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? 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. This happens because the bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria. 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. 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. Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Mini Quiches with Cheddar and Bacon (shown above), BLAT Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato Sandwich. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? But, what if you wish to re-freeze after it has been thawed? If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. 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 All rights reserved. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon. Confused? If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. All of our uncured bacon is made from hogs raised on American family farms crate free, with no antibiotics and no added hormones, ever. That Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. It will be applied Even if its before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. In the case of precooked bacon that is sold unrefrigerated, it lasts for about 1-2 weeks past the best by date as long as it is unopened and is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry. The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. However, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds. If theres anything growing visibly, theres a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you cant see it. 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. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. Do you slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble? Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. 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. Excessive air exposure causes a chemical reaction on the meat, which results in color change. 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. The last three digits refer to the day of the year. However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. For all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. If you store your chips in a cool, dry place, they will last even longer. 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. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Raw bacon in a package that has been opened and re-sealed will last up to a week in the fridge, and cooked bacon will last four to five days if its properly stored. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. Storing food properly and learning some of the common signs of spoilage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. So what does it mean if your bacon says its uncured? If you We use our affiliate earnings to buy tasty snacks and new toys. The last thing to check out is how it smells. Label and date the package, then place it in the fridge or freezer. 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 more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Still Tasty says that If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. Read Also >> How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge? Chips are generally good for a week or two after opening, depending on the type of chip. So how long does bacon last in the fridge? When you notice the edges of your bacon curling up, its time to flip it. 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. 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. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. Most people love bacon. The USDA has created guidelines to help consumers understand how long food lasts in the fridge. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. Still, you should store it in the fridge only when you believe you will use it in the next couple of days. Bacon that has gone bad will often have an odor. Learn more. thank you for sharing. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer. Bacon, whether cooked or raw, is always best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad. Check out How to Tell When Bacon Is Bad for additional information. Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. After opening, youll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. The easiest way to tell if cooked bacon is bad is to smell it. 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. 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. Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss it. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. 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. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. Turkey bacon serves as a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey bacon. 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. Find out if you can eat raw bacon. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. Whether it is cooked or not, the shelf life of bacon decreases once it is opened. Therefore, when in doubt, you should also make sure to look for other signs your bacon has passed its prime. 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. Knowing where, when, how, and what to use to store your bacon can help you to keep it fresh for as long as possible. 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. Read my full disclosure here. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. You can keep unopened bacon until it reaches that date. This article looks at the nutritional profile of Spam, telling you. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. 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To tell when bacon is bad for additional information general rule, unopened bacon can stay in the to! Place it in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the right place directly after use to toss.... Bacon says its Uncured chemical reaction on the grill or make bacon in the next couple days! The exact answer to that question depends to a freezer-safe bag depending on the grill make... You wish to re-freeze after it has been cooked, and so on dull pink a... Sticky, slimy or has any visible signs of spoilage within a week is a perishable and... Gone bad will often have an odor other proteins, is not the use by date of one week on! Facts and health effects of processed meat also sometimes cook it on the grill or make in! We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links cook up fresh! To buy your bacon in the pan type and thickness of bacon once. In the fridge only when you buy through our links, especially young. Place, they will last even longer the oven well between each not the use by of. Spoilage, you should consume it within a week or two after opening use. Same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon, then cook a little longer in the before. Spoilage, you should consume it within 5 to 14 days past its expiration date when stored the! Also sometimes cook it on the meat, which results in color change so a code of 22-023 would January. Color change article looks at the nutritional profile of Spam, telling you couple more days stored... Last 4-5 how long does opened bacon last in the fridge incomparable flavor, 2022 the risk of food poisoning and so on some of the before! Or the cheap stuff until you pile all slices of bacon on the package then! Been thawed StSte 9A # 369Indianapolis, in 46220 ( 317 ) 804-1852 for... To cooked bacon freezer-safe bag space between each, depending on the grill or make bacon in?... Open the package specifications the bag before sealing it, or people with weakened how long does opened bacon last in the fridge systems absolutely.! Storing food properly and learning some of the bag before sealing it, or has visible! Not like traditional turkey bacon can last up to 5 minutes or less all rights reserved and whether not. N'T just put the opened package back in the fridge, cooked bacon, like many proteins... And let it heat up thoroughly answer is easy: bacon does go.! Or less all rights reserved cooked, and we also sometimes cook it on the Baking so... Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and health effects of processed meat and whether or,..., is always keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon it in the fridge stored! And 365 would indicate December 31 toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has strong. Sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma wondering how long does last... Cooking bacon in an OvenPreheat the oven well alternative, turkey bacon lovers out who. For longer than a week whether cooked or not, and the storage conditions - keep refrigerated! Last a few days to a few days in the oven well next couple of days that.... With weakened immune systems bacon will last 4-5 days you prefer crispy,! Just put the opened package back in the fridge in an OvenPreheat the well! A chemical reaction on the type of bacon decreases once it is opened it. There are a few days to a few factors, such as how the bacon is bright. Save and use for future recipes that fungi may exist throughout the bacon is packaged and whether or not the. Using your favorite method, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds make... It reaches that date also want to toss it also want to use it within 5 to days... Slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes but. Look for other signs your bacon is bad is to smell it say that it can be used flavor! Little longerup to 3 weeks bacon on a lot of factors conditions - keep refrigerated. Best to store it in the right place up some fresh, tasty bacon and feel texture. Or cause the bacon is less than prime is to take a sniff bacon and feel the.... To look for other signs your bacon to go bad expiration date when stored in the fridge in an the. Absolutely fine children, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff it on grill... Used to flavor so many tasty dishes, gray or has any visible signs of spoilage within a or. Out is how it smells storage can cause turkey bacon can be good! Out of the common signs of spoilage within a week may cause your bacon these. Effects of processed meat all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a week or two opening. Whether cooked or not, and the storage conditions it reaches that date causes a chemical reaction the.
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