up to 1 week. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? This brings us to all kinds of questions: How long does bacon last in the fridge? If youre storing your bacon in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. your eyes and nose to check the colour, appearance and smell). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. One of the best things about the low-carb way of eating is all the delicious foods you can eat. Raw bacon is always pink with white fat running through it. Cooked sausages will generally last for three or four days in your refrigerator, unless they are pre-cooked in which case, you should be able to keep them for around two weeks unopened, and about a week after opening. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. It will be applied Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it. 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. After this time has passed, throw the sausages away to avoid any risk of food poisoning. Even though our bacon is cured with natural ingredients and smoked, it doesnt stay fresh forever. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. The shelf life of bacon depends on the type and thickness of bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked, and the storage conditions. That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. The cured bacon lasts for several months; If you open it, the uncured bacon will last for only several days in the refrigerator. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason. 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. 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). After years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen. If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. Cooked bacon. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). Fridge. So what does it mean if your bacon says its uncured? Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? Per Eat by Date, bacon bits made with real bacon, once open, can last anywhere from 6 weeks in the refrigerator to 6 months in the freezer. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Can you save leftover cooked bacon for later? 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. First youll need to cook the bacon using your favorite method. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. WebHow long does it last? If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. 4 months. This article explores the health effects of processed meat. 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. Uncooked bacon that has been opened should be wrapped in tin foil or stored in an airtight container to maximize freshness before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon events, new products and more. Complete Analysis. Now you can add heat! For more information about Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad. This means that you can cook up a batch of bacon and pick when you want to add it to your dishes over the next few days. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. According to the FSIS, if the label says Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. The USDA guidelines state that unopened bacon may last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, whereas bacon that has been opened may only last for seven days. Drain ravioli; add to squash This will help stop the spread of any unwanted bacteria around your kitchen. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. If your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is a no-go. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. |, How to Microwave Bacon (Without Paper Towels), The Right Temperature for Storing Home-Cooked Bacon. After bacon is opened, it may be refrigerated for about 7 to 10 days - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the bacon will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored. You can also freeze raw bacon. Learn more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. All rights reserved. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. How do you freeze bacon? Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. Excessive air exposure causes a chemical reaction on the meat, which results in color change. 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. After bacon is purchased, it may be kept refrigerated for about 1 week after the sell-by date on the package if it has been properly stored. Your bacon is still safe if it retains its natural pink color with white or yellow fat. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) Unfortunately, bacon doesnt have an endless shelf life; in fact, you might want to eat it up faster than you think. 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. Read Also >> How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge? 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 Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. After you open that package of bacon, the shelf life is shorter. 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. During this timeframe, your bacon should be fine to eat in perfect circumstances but you still need to use your own judgement (i.e. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. To help you decide whether its safe to eat your bacon, were going to cover a bit about packaging, as well as four signs its time to toss your bacon. 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? Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. 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. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. If youre looking for a premade holiday meal and wonder if Honey Baked Ham stores or websites accept EBT, the answer is no. WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. Cool it completely, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips above and refrigerate. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. 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. Let us know in the comments below! It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. Still, you should store it in the fridge only when you believe you will use it in the next couple of days. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. But if you have any leftovers, ensure that you have put them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. Generally speaking, unopened raw bacon will last in the fridge for about two weeks. WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. Paying close attention to the smell, texture, and appearance of your bacon can help indicate whether its still fresh. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Protein. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Most bacon will have a sell by date, but a use by date is not out of the question. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. 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. Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. Cooked bacon that is properly stored can also last for about 5 to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! There are some items, though, that are likely OK even when theyve been stored in a fridge over 40 degrees for longer than two hours. Is Buttered Popcorn Bad for Acid Reflux? Knowing where, when, how, and what to use to store your bacon can help you to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. WebHow Long Does a Honey Baked Ham Last in Refrigerator. When storing, you may want to consider dividing the bacon in individual portions which may be easier to wrap tightly and avoid excess air. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? If it is not stored correctly you may be at risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella. Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. Seriously dont wait. 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. Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. 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. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always Lets Find Out! 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. How Long are Chips Good for After Opening? Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Youll find that some manufacturers include a sell-by or use-by date on the packaging, though its not required by the USDA. Bacon can also be frozen at 0 F for four months (for best quality). It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. Freeze it properly. Opened: 3 weeks. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. When it comes to bacon, it depends on whether the bacon is cooked or uncooked, and refrigerated or frozen. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/bacon-and-food-safety, https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-is-the-2-Hour-Rule-with-leaving-food-out. Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. So, lets break it down. Since it is fresh meat, the texture will be a little spongy, but it will not be gooey. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass 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. thank you for sharing. After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. Turkey bacon serves as a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey bacon. 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). You can also store bacon in the freezer. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. And now let us see in detail how long your turkey bacon will survive under different Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. For more information about storing turkey bacon, be sure to check out How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last?. How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? 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. Unopened: 3 When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. In fact, it is not uncommon to see hints of blue or even green among the gray tinge. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. That means that it doesnt last forever and needs to be stored properly if you want to keep it fresh. Learn more. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. Set the bacon aside onto some paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. 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. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! Learn more about why you can trust our recommendations. There are several factors to consider when determining the shelf life of bacon, including what type it is, the storage method, and whether it has been opened or cooked. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. In fact, so many people opt for it when they cannot enjoy the regular option because of its high cholesterol content. The freezer is another option for storing bacon. Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. 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. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge Freezer To Get Cold. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. A sell by date helps grocery managers move inventory through their stores, so you receive fresh products. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked may only last around 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating bacon, its best to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. In general, if stored correctly in a sealed container, a zip-top plastic bag, or an airtight bag, cooked bacon will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator as long as its not past its original expiration date. Probably not what you think. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. Whichever you choose will work just as well. When you notice the edges of your bacon curling up, its time to flip it. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. Remove from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired crispiness. Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. Cooked bacon is a perishable food and needs to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. 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. Be prepared to discard it. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. Divide your bacon into smaller slices and spread on wax paper. We like using resealable bagsespecially if you used the sheet pan freezing method abovebecause it allows you to pull out a strip or two and toss the rest of the bag back in the freezer. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. 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. How to Store Bacon in the Fridge Follow these instructions to store bacon in the fridge: If the package is open, cover the 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. With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. 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. Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. Read on for the answers! Find out if you can eat raw bacon. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the bacon. Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. The low temperatures will slow down the growth of harmful microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life. 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. The first two numbers refer to the year. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. 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). According to our research, opened turkey bacon stays well in the fridge for up to 7 days. It will help keep the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, its definitely time to toss it. 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. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. Get our best recipes, grocery finds, and clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox. So next time you cook bacon, instead of tossing it out, place it in a jar and push it into the fridge. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. 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. If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning. Congrats!). The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. To extend bacons shelf life, you need to store it at a temperature that is low enough to prevent bacteria growth but not so low that it causes freezer burn. 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. It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion. StillTasty notes you can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. 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). So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. 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 Bacon that has a sour smell or rotting odor should also be thrown out, as this is another sign of spoilage. Its best to discard any bacon that smells bad. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. 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. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. In the case of turkey Here are 6 "indulgent" foods that are low-carb. How Turkey And Stuffing Can Make You Sick. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer.