As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. If your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is a no-go. If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. Please see ourdisclosurestatement. So, lets break it down. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. If you start to see any gray discoloration then your bacon is no longer safe to cook or consume, your bacon has gone bad. 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. To maximize your bacon enjoyment, its crucial to know how to store it properly to avoid any safety issues. Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon events, new products and more. If you can't eat enough BLT Salads and Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon to finish a package of bacon in a week, your best bet is to freeze it. Bacon is a versatile and popular food, but its also perishable. WebHow long does it last? The Grilling Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Cooked bacon has the shortest lifespan of them all. Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. Proper storage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. 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. How to tell if bacon is bad? Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from 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. 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. If you have a busy lifestyle or live alone, it is also very convenient to cook bacon in batches to keep aside for use throughout the week. Remember, the smell of spoiled turkey bacon is similar to that of sour or rancid fat, so it is easy to pick it. Theres no one answer that fits all when it comes to how long you can store bacon. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. Before long, you might be wondering whether your bacon has gone bad or is still edible. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. Your best bet when it comes to bacon is to just stick with the seven-day rule regardless of the curing process and youll be in the clear. Read on to find out. Though uncooked and unopened bacon can be stored as is, you may want to wrap the package with tin foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn. Therefore, you can expect open bacon to last for about a week in the refrigerator. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. A Summary my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here, five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat, How Long Can Cookie Dough Last in the Fridge? 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. Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. up to 1 week. The last thing to check out is how it smells. So a code of 22-023 would mean January 23, 2022. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. 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 you start to smell a sour or offensive smell coming from your bacon strips, it is time to part ways with your refrigerated bacon. It will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, though. 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. For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. But, the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. thank you for sharing. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. Last medically reviewed on December 16, 2019. So give your bacon a good once-over if youre unsure about its freshness. Unless you totally ignore any storage guidelines because it would make the bacon lose its crispness and become soggy. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge. If youre storing your bacon in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing. There are a couple of ways that you can safely cook your bacon. In fact, it is not uncommon to see hints of blue or even green among the gray tinge. 7-10 days. You can keep your cooked turkey bacon longer than three days (the USDA says its safe to refrigerate for up to 7 days), but in our experience there may be some deterioration in quality such as taste, texture, and appearance. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. 2023 Cross Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It is because meat is a breeding ground for bacteria. Store your bacon in an airtight container or aluminum foil for a maximum of four to five days. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. 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. Do You Have to Refrigerate Cooked Bacon or Not? So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. 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. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. 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). When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, How to Cook Bacon: 5 Different Ways to Make Bacon. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. While it can last up to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last for 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer frozen. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? 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. 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. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. Freezer. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. If cooked and the packaging is unopened, it will last roughly three to four days. If anything, it should smell a bit smoky. 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. Jul 17, 2019 Knowledge Article Packaged lunch meats can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening. 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. Home-cooked bacon bits that are made from real bacon should be refrigerated in an airtight container as well, and will last up to five days. 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. It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight. Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. 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. Precooked bacon. 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 You can also store bacon in the freezer. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. We emphasize that you smell it, never taste it first! Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. Nitrate-free may be a new term for some people when it comes to bacon. To ensure the bacon stays fresh when stored, you need to pay attention to how well you wrap it in the first place. Unopened bacon can last up to 8 months in the freezer. SAUT garlic in the reserved pan juices over medium heat until fragrant. 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. Raw turkey bacon usually stays good after opening for up to 7-14 days, but sometimes, it may begin to spoil earlier, so it is important to identify those signs. If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? By Food and Life Lover February 27, 2023. 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. 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. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. These bacteria can cause serious illness or even death. Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. 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. 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. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. An airtight bag or container is key for freezing or refrigerating cooked bacon, as you want to eliminate as much surface area being exposed to oxygen as possible. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. WebHow long can open bacon last in the fridge? So, how do you like your bacon chewy or extra crispy? WebHow long can raw bacon stay in the refrigerator? Confused? Freeze it properly. For example, 22 refers to 2022. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. It will kill any harmful bacteria that may have grown while the bacon was frozen. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. 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. 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 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. 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. Read myfull disclosure here. 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