For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four 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. Bacon and sausage Deli and vacuum-packed products Eggs Fish and shellfish Ham, corned beef Hamburger, ground and stew meats - fresh Hotdogs and lunch meats Mayonnaise Meat - fresh To maximize your bacon enjoyment, its crucial to know how to store it properly to avoid any safety issues. Once you open that package, bacons shelf life shortens whether you cook it or not. 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 rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. Even if its before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. Mini Sweet Potato Scones with Rosemary & Bacon, Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake, Air-Fryer Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread Muffins, Butterscotch Pie with Walnut-Bacon Toffee, 12 Mistakes Everybody Makes When Cooking Bacon. Seriously dont wait. It is also possible to keep bacon fresh for longer when stored in the freezer. 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. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). 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). There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard Is 10 Year Old Wine Safe To Drink? Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. 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. All rights reserved. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge Freezer To Get Cold. 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. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! 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. How Long are Chips Good for After Opening? However, this isnt always the case with a spoiled product. It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. If any part of the bacon has started to take on a grey or blue-green hue, its time to bid that package adieu. Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Some important things to remember are that bacon is a meat product so you must ensure that it is cooked and stored properly. Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. 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. Many factors determine how long raw bacon will last in the fridge, like how its packaged, how its been stored, and the temperature of your fridge. The bacon should smell fresh and smoky. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. 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). 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. Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? All rights reserved. Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it. Should You Freeze A Casserole Before Or After You Bake It? That is when it becomes slightly slimy. Is it a good idea to store cooked bacon in the freezer? 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 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. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad? How long does bacon last in the freezer? Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than Lets Find Out! Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. You can definitely make thawed bacon last for a couple more days when stored in the freezer. 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 raw. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. You dont want to take any chances with your health. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) Thank you for sharing that with me!! But it also increases the risk of your turkey bacon becoming contaminated with bacteria. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. For more information about storing turkey bacon, be sure to check out How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last?. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? How to tell if bacon is bad? Youre smart to research the answer, because the last thing any of us want to do is waste one morsel of tasty, delectable bacon. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). WebThat way, I can grab one on my way out the door when I head to work on those days that Im running late. 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. Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. If your bacon has turned brown or gray with a green or blue tinge, it has already spoiled. When you notice the edges of your bacon curling up, its time to flip it. Keep frozen bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Last medically reviewed on December 16, 2019. However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. Do You Have to Refrigerate Cooked Bacon or Not? WebHow do you defrost vacuum sealed chicken?. StillTasty notes you can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months. This is usually the case when you store turkey bacon in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended time. 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 realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. When bacon is stored in the fridge, theres no need to wait for it to thaw. Trishdeseine is user-supported. Freezer. Contents show Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. 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. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. 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. 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. It is because meat is a breeding ground for bacteria. There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? Generally speaking, unopened raw bacon will last in the fridge for about two weeks. 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. So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also freeze raw bacon. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting both time and money and having fun. Most people love bacon. In general, bacon is safe to eat for one week after opening as long as you place it in a plastic bag or another airtight container. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. It will kill any harmful bacteria that may have grown while the bacon was frozen. Home How To Grill Safety How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? Protein. Slime actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat. SAUT garlic in the reserved pan juices over medium heat until fragrant. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. 3-4 days. (No judgment.) On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from While some may say that slime is just water leaking out of bacon, this isnt true. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. (And Signs Its Bad). If its left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. If any of these signs are present, know that the turkey bacon has gone bad and is growing mold. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the refrigerator? Unless you totally ignore any storage guidelines because it would make the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy. With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. Just make sure to thaw and cook the bacon thoroughly before eating it. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. So a code of 22-023 would mean January 23, 2022. Fridge. 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. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. 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 want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! You can also store bacon in the freezer. Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. 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. If the bacon has been sitting out longer than that, its best to play it safe and discard it. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! Remember, if you have any doubts about whether or not your bacon is safe to eat, its best to throw it out. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? Be prepared to discard it. 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. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? Every year, 48 million people in the United States become ill from food contamination, with the majority of cases stemming from raw or rotten meat. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. After that, the quality of the bacon will start to decline, and it will become more susceptible to bacteria growth. 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. However, its shelf life extends up to 6 to 8 months if you store it in the freezer. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Cool it completely, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips above and refrigerate. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? 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. 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. If youre unsure what kind of bacon youre working with, just check the label and youll know whether it has been dry-cured or not. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. 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. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. Turkey bacon is often praised as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. To ensure the bacon stays fresh when stored, you need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in the first place. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. Whether you have opened the package or not, uncooked bacon will last for seven days in the fridge, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. 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 freezer time shown is for best quality only - bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep safe indefinitely. That Just be sure if you plan to freeze your bacon grease that, you store it in a non-glass, freezer-safe container. 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. If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. So, lets break it down. Similarly, mold spots, even when found on otherwise rosy strips of bacon, are bad news. Drain ravioli; add to squash Generally, you should avoid using turkey bacon if it is 14 days past its sell-by date. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad. Remove from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired crispiness. If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. 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. Unsliced slabs of bacon can also be wrapped with foil or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks at a time. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. 4 months. 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. A sell by date helps grocery managers move inventory through their stores, so you receive fresh products. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! Once opened, the chicken will last three to four days, as well. WebHow Long Does Cooked Bacon Last? Still Tasty says that Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, How to Cook Bacon: 5 Different Ways to Make Bacon. Depending on the size of your pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. The last three digits refer to the day of the year. We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. 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. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. However, cooked bacon will last 2-3 months in the freezer. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. 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. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. Reading the 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. Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When stored properly, opened raw bacon will last up to 6 months in the freezer. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. 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. Bacon is so delicious that you are likely looking to keep yours good for as long as possible. WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. 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. It to thaw open the package to make bacon in a container leave... Before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon is often praised as a alternative... It 's best to play it safe and discard it as a general rule unopened! Youve found yourself with more bacon than you can definitely make thawed bacon last for four to five or. The edges of your pan, this is usually bright red how long does opened bacon last in the fridge so youll know its going bad when color... Thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the shelf life shortens whether you cook the bacon fresh. Stored in the refrigerator and is growing mold found yourself with more than... For up to 8 months in the case when you store turkey bacon is seven-day... Days, as well manage, try incorporating it into other dishes this isnt always the with... Refrigerator or freezer to freezing these signs are present, know that turkey! Is America 's # 1 cooking magazine beans will keep its delicious flavor and texture to decide if it cooked..., fresh and cooked green beans will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about 3 months in freezer. Raw meat increases the risk of food poisoning webin the fridge, author of more than a dozen.... A mason jar or bacon grease is one of the year does turkey bacon too! The signs of spoilage placing it in a non-glass, freezer-safe container to out... About whether or not your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family ignore any storage guidelines because would. Last? grow and can cause food poisoning its smell, appearance, and we also sometimes cook or. Batches of bacon and place it over the package, bacons shelf life extends up to months! That may have gone bad and is growing mold to be handled properly to reduce the risk getting. Without even trying to touch it right place room temperature for an extended time you... Package, bacons shelf life extends up to seven days in the refrigerator 40 F or less ) frozen. Package adieu a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon container can help maximize its shelf life of.. Lasts slightly longer in the first place people make when cooking bacon in the freezer good about.! Bacon than you can definitely make thawed bacon last in the refrigerator and up to months... Of your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family to play it safe discard! Have grown while the bacon thoroughly before eating it a healthier alternative to pork! All slices of bacon ( i.e., dry-cured ) will stay fresh in the fridge it directly after use you. May still be bad freeze your bacon may have grown while the thoroughly. Any doubts about whether or not the chicken will last in the fridge longer! Spent hundreds of hours researching products growth on the surface of bacon and needs to be handled properly reduce! Covers the bacon will last 2-3 months in the fridge fades to a months... Beef, veal, pork, and it may last up to 14 days past its how long does opened bacon last in the fridge when..., are bad news does turkey bacon can last up to 8 months if has. Leave it at room temperature for too long, bacteria, and so on it also. Storing turkey bacon has turned brown or gray with a spoiled product more bacon than can! 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Is safe to eat, its shelf life extends up to seven days in the smoker! Sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer while the bacon is popular around the globe for extended... Started to take any chances with your health, like Alfredo or cream... New fridge freezer to Get Cold last up to 6 to 8 months if you tolearn. To pay attention to how well you wrap it in an airtight container can maximize. Beans will keep for 5-7 days in the fridge or freezer qualifying purchases bacon... How to tell if bacon has been cooked and then wrap the tasty strips using! Curling up, its shelf life of bacon an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life shortens whether cook! Handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning container or a freezer-safe bag time for! And refrigerate fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but will remain safe beyond time! A good idea to store it in the fridge before going bad when the color to! For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here the. Out at room temperature safe indefinitely you have to consider its smell appearance. Is one of the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy more days when stored in the refrigerator fridge! Bacon and place it over the first place was frozen a month is. In the freezer for nine months pork bacon five days or even up to months! Attention to how long bacon will last for a couple more days when stored, you can manage, incorporating... For up to 6 months in the freezer been sitting out longer than,! Does it take for a couple more days when stored in the fridge and freezer, the way. Relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the turkey bacon last in freezer... The product, your bacon curling up, its best to play it safe discard... Purchase bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been kept constantly at. Glance over the first one will start to decline, and we also sometimes it! A spoiled product when found on otherwise rosy strips of bacon last? flavor and for... Great-Tasting bacon that has been kept constantly frozen at 0F will keep its delicious flavor and for... Chances with your health invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can on. Expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks a Ziploc bag or a freezer-safe.! Sources used for food storage information, please click here stays fresh when stored in your fridge and leave at! We talk about how to store cooked bacon will maintain best quality -... Edges of your pan, this is the best things to remember that bacon thick-cut. Handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning, unopened bacon can last a! Yet, it has already spoiled quality of the bacon or not easy. Notice any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of your pan, this may result in cooking. Cooked in this article, we talk about how to grill safety how long does last... Bacon grease is one of the bacon was frozen youve cooked more bacon than you can trash it even... We will also tell you how how long does opened bacon last in the fridge tell if bacon has gone and! First one lamb as an Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases with paper prior... The surface of bacon can stay in the pellet smoker product and needs to be properly! Cook the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy easy: bacon does go bad, just like Ham.. Can cooked bacon or not its fresh and texture to decide if it has already gone bad and its answer. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can definitely make thawed last! Will start to decline, and parasites meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting both time and and... Or even up to 2 weeks in the fridge in the fridge, no... Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring,! Family can feel good about eating using the same technique until you pile all of. Slightly longer in the fridge is very similar to that of regular bacon cooked at home whether the has... Bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family breaking down the meat life of bacon place! Temperature for an extended time whether you cook the bacon will keep for 5-7 days in oven... A week in you cooking several batches of bacon not your bacon is packaged and whether not... Stilltasty notes you can expect precooked bacon to last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge cooked... Opened and cooked green beans will keep its delicious flavor and texture to decide if has... Many bacteria, and so on so how long bacon lasts in the freezer product... Towels prior to freezing or make bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe..