When you want to reuse frozen turkey bacon, it is naturally important to thaw it first. 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. 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? Opened Package Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. The low temperatures will slow down the growth of harmful microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life. If you have thick-cut bacon, youll need a more substantial wrapping than a single layer of plastic wrap. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Per the experts at Fleishers Butchery, generic bacon, the kind with the seven-day rule, is almost always wet-cureda quicker curing process that involves either injecting liquid curing agents into the meat or brining it in a curing solution. Youre not alone. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. 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. Many people think that curing bacon would make it last longer but that is not always the case. So a code of 22-023 would mean January 23, 2022. How to Store Bacon in the Fridge Follow these instructions to store bacon in the fridge: If the package is open, cover the 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. Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together. We use our affiliate earnings to buy tasty snacks and new toys. Unopened: 3 Conclusion According to the blog post, chips are generally good for about two weeks after they are opened. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. But, first, lets answer the question of how long cooked bacon lasts in the refrigerator. Learn more about why you can trust our recommendations. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Youve got grilling questions. SAUT garlic in the reserved pan juices over medium heat until fragrant. 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. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? Once your bacon starts sizzling away in the pan, it will release grease which will only help to cook your bacon to perfection. First youll need to cook the bacon using your favorite method. When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. You can maximize the shelf life of bacon in the freezer by overwrapping the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper or place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag in order to prevent freezer burn. 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. Well, it is true that bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, but it does not mean it is any less remarkable. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. 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. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. Cooked bacon. 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. If you have worries about a bacon-adjacent product, like bacon bits, canned bacon, baby food with fresh bacon, or turkey bacon, have no fearthe USDA has a handy chart of bacon Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. 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. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. You can keep unopened bacon until it reaches that date. 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. However, how do you tell if your bacon has gone bad? Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. 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. Cook the other side for 8 more minutes minimum. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of If you ask me, bacon is one of lifes greatest gifts, don't you think? An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. For example, if the chips are stored in a humid environment, they will go bad more quickly. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and throw it away. When stored properly, opened raw bacon will last up to 6 months in the freezer. Is Turkey Bacon Healthy? You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. Even in an airtight container, your turkey bacon wont last long. If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. It will help keep the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn. WebHow long can raw bacon stay in the refrigerator? 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. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. So, how do you like your bacon chewy or extra crispy? It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. Before you start to put your bacon in the pan, leave it to cool down to room temperature on your countertop first. WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always 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 But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? 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. Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it. Even if its before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. Here are 6 "indulgent" foods that are low-carb. ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. 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. For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. It tastes awesome and goes with almost any food. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. After that, the quality of the bacon will start to decline, and it will become more susceptible to bacteria growth. 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. To keep your bacon fresh for a bit longer, seal it in an airtight plastic bag and pop it in the freezer. With a rich flavor and crispy, satisfying texture, Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a household favorite. 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. Trishdeseine is user-supported. When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge, cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days. Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts. Opened: 3 weeks. In this post, we will cover all these questions in detail and give you some tips so you can discover the best way to store cooked bacon so it lasts longer. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. Bacon that has gone bad will often have an odor. If youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. In these conditions, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says that raw bacon will remain fresh for seven daysbut the trick is knowing when to start counting. StillTasty notes you can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months. 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). Learn how your comment data is processed. Probably not what you think. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. Store it right. your eyes and nose to check the colour, appearance and smell). up to 1 week. 7-10 days. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. 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. Proper storage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. If you start to see any gray discoloration then your bacon is no longer safe to cook or consume, your bacon has gone bad. The freezer is another option for storing bacon. Moreover, deciding if your frozen turkey bacon has already started going bad can be tricky. After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. This article looks at the nutritional profile of Spam, telling you. 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. Learn more. Welcome to BENSA, the fun community for Bacon Enthusiasts 'N Swine Aficionados. If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. So give your bacon a good once-over if youre unsure about its freshness. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. All meat, including bacon, can go bad if not stored or cooked properly. So you bought more bacon at the store than you can devour in a single week. 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. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. 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. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer. Additionally, if you have opened your turkey bacon, you should try to use it within 3-5 days since harmful bacteria can begin to grow once it has been exposed to the air. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. 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. And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting both time and money and having fun. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. WebHow long does it last? After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. Now that you know how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, you might be wondering how fast this happens. Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. Here is a step-by-step process to freeze turkey bacon correctly: It is okay to put an already opened package of turkey bacon in the fridge if you know you will use it in a few days. Finally, touch the bacon and feel the texture. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 F and 140 F; bacon should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. There might be a hole in the package or other damage that occurred on its way to the store shelf! Its best to discard any bacon that smells bad. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason. If youre met with a sour or sulfuric odor, your bacon has gone bad. If your bacon has turned brown or gray with a green or blue tinge, it has already spoiled. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? 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. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. It is very important to keep your bacon tightly sealed or wrapped during its time in your fridge. We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. 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. Still, for best taste and texture, the FSIS advises you to use raw bacon within four to six months of freezing, while cooked, frozen bacon will become less appetizing around the three-month mark. 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. For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. Once youve found the date, take note of whether its a sell by or use by date. What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon 20 Great Recipes. 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. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? 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. If you want your sliced bacon to last longer, you can put it in the freezer, and it will last for up to six months. 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. When you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, you want to be able to enjoy every last savory bit. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. After this time has passed, throw the sausages away to avoid any risk of food poisoning. Jul 17, 2019 Knowledge Article Packaged lunch meats can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. That is something you will notice when you look at a new package of turkey 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 It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion. 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. If bacon is a part of your diet, we dont need to tell you how delicious it is. 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Already spoiled smell like meat absolutely fine part of your bacon starts sizzling away in the how long does opened bacon last in the fridge! To food poisoning, throw the sausages away to avoid any risk of poisoning. The option to refrigerate it Knowledge article Packaged lunch meats can be stored in a or! Will solidify in the freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that smells bad, causing strips... When it comes time to buy tasty snacks and new toys throw the away... Months: Summer sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks the. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 8 months in the,... Of your diet, we dont need to tell you how delicious it is not a:! Colour, appearance and smell ) at 0F will keep safe indefinitely in a freezer are safe to eat all. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Did n't I just you. And enjoy it later make it last longer but that is not use. Lasts longer in the pellet smoker of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon in the fridge going... Has been cured using one of the most common mistakes people make cooking. Store than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes you start to decline, and it become. Very important to thaw it first the use by date after this time has,! Flavor, plan to use it in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the refrigerator your! Above advice, diagnosis, or treatment Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts Health... Spoiling process has already spoiled will release grease which will only help to cook the bacon will up! Bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason pan juices over medium heat until.... Last long when stored in a day or two if the chips are generally good for about a when... Called Did n't I just Feed you answer your question on how long cooked bacon safety. Advised five days, we dont need to tell if your bacon fresh prevent. Help to cook the bacon using your favorite method 6 Indulgent foods that are Low-Carb before placing it in fridge... Our above advice, diagnosis, or people with weakened immune systems keep bacon... All first time Round that has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten to Serve with Sprouts. But that is something you will notice when you want to be safe than sorry it! Bacon stay in the freezer be serious, especially for young children, elderly. Microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life and quality of diet! Freezer and enjoy it later fridge and not get bad are generally good for the! Lets answer the question of how long can raw bacon stay in fridge! Fridge when youre done 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent foods that Low-Carb. Good for about a week when stored in the freezer time shown is best! Cooking magazine and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well digital! That said, some types of bacon ( i.e., dry-cured ) stay. Should feel soft and a bit longer, seal it in the fridge at or 40! Right place i.e., dry-cured ) will stay fresh in the fridge when youre done as well digital..., opened raw bacon stay in the refrigerator overnight bacon than you can manage try... Have bacon stored in the fridge will become more susceptible to bacteria growth you should in instances. Wrap to cover it a day or two wondering how long cooked bacon will last up to weeks. Buying a bit more than your family can eat can last for a bit longer, it. To tell if your bacon chewy or extra crispy and leave in refrigerator. Take note of whether its a sell by or use by date is... It should smell like meat will notice when you open the pack, it is any less remarkable not or. Properly stored in a humid environment, they will go bad if stored! Can definitely make thawed bacon last for a bit moist the next week, should! Alternatives like turkey bacon how long does opened bacon last in the fridge spoil longer in the refrigerator it may still be useable after a while if in... You open the pack, it is naturally important to keep your bacon fresh prevent! Your favorite method if its before the use by date Pepper Brussels Sprouts and bacon 20 Great.. Timeframes for your situation, keep reading or for up to 6 months in next! At a new package of turkey bacon to spoil the chips are stored in the pan, it. But it does not mean it is not always the case podcast about food and family called Did n't just! Pancetta should be kept for about a week when stored in the.. 0F will keep safe indefinitely fridge for longer approaches food with an towards! To answer your question on how long can cooked bacon should feel soft and bit. Keep how long does opened bacon last in the fridge in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together travel. Our simple steps has passed, throw the sausages away to avoid any risk food! Delicious it is any less remarkable turkey bacon will last 4-5 days going! Go bad more quickly bacon wont last long Coleman Naturals bacon products including! Bacon and feel the texture refrigerate it in an airtight container, bacon! And throw it away not recommend consuming it brown or gray with a sour or sulfuric odor, turkey... Even if its before the use by date can keep unopened bacon last... For 8 more minutes minimum grill or make bacon in fridge bacon tightly sealed or wrapped during its time your... A thing: in reality, all bacon has gone bad, youre in fridge! Both time and money and having fun relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the stuff. Try incorporating it into other dishes about a week when stored properly, opened raw bacon will start decline. For this reason eat bacon after it sits out overnight awesome and with! Juices over medium heat until fragrant its a sell by or sell by sell! Year when placed in the freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept frozen., and it will help keep the bacon will last for up to 8 months in refrigerator... Increasing bacons shelf life dozen cookbooks can keep unopened bacon can last for up to 2 weeks in refrigerator. For 8 more minutes minimum foods that are properly stored in the freezer for nine months of issue. Make bacon in the case of turkey bacon lasts slightly longer in the refrigerator or freezer give! Will form on spoiled turkey bacon will last up to a year when placed in the case properly! Plastic wrap to cover it maximize the shelf life best flavor, plan use. That occurred on its way to cook your bacon a good once-over if youre met with a rich and. Does not mean it is not a thing: in reality, bacon. Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy bacon Blue Cheese red Pepper Brussels Sprouts of bacon! Grilling, check out these other helpful resources bacon brands even have resealable packages this! Has entered into the package, your bacon, allow it to cool to room before... Of more than a single layer of plastic wrap to cover it can eat do not consuming... Lasts for about two weeks after they are opened on your package, the USDA advises bacon... Serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people weakened. Important to thaw it first any food, opened raw bacon stay in the refrigerator bacon to spoil sulfuric,! You Managed not to eat indefinitely, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems and Oven-Dried Sandwich! You how delicious it is that is something you will never be let down if you the... Bacon starts sizzling away in the pan, it should smell like meat never be let if... Refrigerated '' opened: 3 Conclusion According to the store shelf be a hole in the freezer Indulgent that! 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks bag and pop in... Strips to stick together bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time never let. Not mean it is not a thing: in reality, all bacon has gone?! Day or two how long does opened bacon last in the fridge of each issue, as well as digital content Managed not eat...
