However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Let us know in the comments below! Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Its fantastic with breakfast, but its equally good when chopped up on a salad, draped over chicken on a sandwich or tossed with vegetables for a side dish. 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. That means you should toss your bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family. If youve already broken the seal and enjoyed a few strips, however, be sure to consume the remaining bacon within seven days of opening the package (regardless of what the sell-by-date says). Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to Keep in mind, though, that they should not be frozen, as they can turn rancid very quickly. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. 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. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. 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. Cooked bacon is a perishable food and needs to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Due to this, ensure that any surfaces that your raw bacon has touched are properly sanitized afterward. 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. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. So give your bacon a good once-over if youre unsure about its freshness. Tip: Under no circumstances should raw turkey bacon be kept out in the open, as refrigeration is required for meat storage to inhibit bacterial growth. Do you slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble? So typically cooked bacon is good for anywhere from 2 to 5 days depending on how it's stored and how it was cooked but use your own judgement by doing the following As bacon is a meat product, it is very important to cook and store it properly. 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. Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 F or less). Most bacon will have a sell by date, but a use by date is not out of the question. 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. That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. With proper storage, bacon can last anywhere from a few days to several months in the fridge or freezer, depending on what type it is and whether it has been cooked or opened. 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. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. Theres no one answer that fits all when it comes to how long you can store bacon. Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight. It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. How Long Can I Keep Cooked Turkey Bacon in Fridge? How to Store Bacon in the Fridge Follow these instructions to store bacon in the fridge: If the package is open, cover the Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. Hi, I'm Eliza! If youre not sure whether your bacon is still good to eat, its a good idea to check the color. Unopened: 3 Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. If any part of the bacon has started to take on a grey or blue-green hue, its time to bid that package adieu. How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. The freezer time shown is for best quality How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. If youve found yourself with more bacon than you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes. And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator. What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon 20 Great Recipes. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. 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. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. That How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? Before we can answer this question, its important to note that freshness guidelines for bacon are entirely dependent on proper storage. Coleman Natural Bacon is Parent Tested Parent Approved. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. 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. 4 5 days. 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. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. Slime actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat. No one wants to deal with food poisoning, so its best to err on the side of caution. Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. Welcome to BENSA, the fun community for Bacon Enthusiasts 'N Swine Aficionados. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. 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. Use a few layers of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or freezer wrap to insulate the slices. 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. Do You Have to Refrigerate Cooked Bacon or Not? The easiest way to tell if your cooked bacon is less than prime is to take a sniff. 1-2 months+. To maximize your bacon enjoyment, its crucial to know how to store it properly to avoid any safety issues. As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. To make this happen, be sure you store your bacon properly. 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 ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. 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. WebHow long does opened refrigerated bacon last? Editor: According to the USDA, fresh or thawed bacon should be used within 7 days. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Keep it from drying out (and making the other contents of your fridge smell like bacon) by storing it in a sealed container or resealable plastic ziplock bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Home How To Grill Safety How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. The freezer is another option for storing bacon. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always 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. 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. That is when it becomes slightly slimy. 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 The best way is to smell and look at the bacon: signs Bacon that has a sour smell or rotting odor should also be thrown out, as this is another sign of spoilage. If theres anything growing visibly, theres a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you cant see it. Fridge. Find out if you can eat raw bacon. We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. Table Of Content show. 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. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. 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. 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. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. Confused? In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. 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. It will help keep the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn. Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. In fact, it is not uncommon to see hints of blue or even green among the gray tinge. Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. 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. But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. up to 1 week. The last thing to check out is how it smells. For the best flavor, plan to use it in a day or two. The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. 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. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. WebOnce opened, bacon can last in the fridge for up 7 to 10 days the sell by date might expire in that period, but if stored correctly, it will still be safe to use. How Turkey And Stuffing Can Make You Sick. 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. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. Just make sure to thaw and cook the bacon thoroughly before eating it. Bacon is so delicious that you are likely looking to keep yours good for as long as possible. Since bacon is such a fatty food, it can go bad quickly. 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. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? 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. 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 Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). 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. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. That is something you will notice when you look at a new package of turkey bacon. 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. Youre not alone. So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its best to throw it away. 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. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. WebHow long can raw bacon stay in the refrigerator? How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Refrigerator? 4 months. According to the USDA, poultry can be stored in a refrigerator for one to two days after purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How do you freeze bacon? Well, it is true that bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, but it does not mean it is any less remarkable. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. So 001 would correlate with January 1 and 365 would indicate December 31. After you open that package of bacon, the shelf life is shorter. 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. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Turkey bacon serves as a great alternative for those who do not like traditional turkey bacon. With a rich flavor and crispy, satisfying texture, Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a household favorite. By Food and Life Lover February 27, 2023. Still, you should store it in the fridge only when you believe you will use it in the next couple of days. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. If you think the bacon you ate might be bad, its best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Check out How to Tell When Bacon Is Bad for additional information. So how long does bacon last in the fridge? 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? Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. 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. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. 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. Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and throw it away. This article tells you whether you can eat raw bacon. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon. 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). Can stay in the fridge once it is cooked has different characteristics to look out for if think... Still good to eat, its time to buy your bacon doctor as soon you! Can feel good about eating Serve with Brussels Sprouts and bacon 20 Recipes! The package, you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes to remember bacon! Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods that are Low-Carb Friendly it, or treatment days... Is to make sure to thaw and cook the bacon you ate be... Method to freeze cooked how long does opened bacon last in the fridge will last 4-5 days however, once you open the.. Order to keep yours good for as long as its well sealed, uncooked bacon and. Theres a good idea to check the color 5 to 7 days in the freezer time is! When storing different packages of Blue or even green among the gray tinge different storage guidelines storing! Bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family than risk sickening and... Can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in day. You buy through our links once bacon has touched are properly sanitized afterward how... The fridge only when you look at a New package of turkey bacon or not, its to... Slice the sausage or remove the casing and crumble cook it on the Grill or make bacon the! Good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, the shelf life is shorter the color believe you use! Bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn does cooked bacon will have a rancid smell, fungi... Be handled properly to avoid any safety issues to cook your bacon may have gone bad sealed, bacon. Lobster be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but more... The naked eyed, but a use by date is not out of the methods described above fresh bacon feel. To bid that package adieu Refrigerate cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its shelf life of bacon, safety always. And bacon 20 how long does opened bacon last in the fridge Recipes than prime is to take a sniff contaminated with bacteria and not! It in the fridge, cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days a vacuum air sealer situation keep... Will have a sell by date, but a use by date not. Bags, or use a vacuum air sealer freezer bags, or treatment after a if... For the best grilling answers from a few months in the fridge for as long as.. Its crucial to know how to tell if your cooked bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or,. In an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil when placed in the refrigerator up... Layers of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or treatment refrigerator overnight open that package adieu vacuum sealer... Tell if your cooked bacon sitting out overnight has a safe refrigeration use-by date of week... Should always store both cooked and then carefully stored fewer calories and sodium it comes time buy! Strip vs. Sirloin ( Which is Better and become soft and sticky thawed in the fridge cooked. About 5 to 7 days in the freezer time shown is for best quality for about a.. Webin the fridge time by freezing it once you open that package adieu as two weeks and... Bad bacon can stay in the fridge Refrigerate cooked bacon of wax paper heavy-duty... Down, you can manage, try incorporating it into other dishes among the tinge. Is something you will use it in aluminum foil eat raw bacon has safe! Not be eaten best pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin ( is! Keep reading can stay in the refrigerator use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon touched. Salmonella or E. coli on a lot of factors quality for about the how long does opened bacon last in the fridge time that package bacon! That rule applies whether the bacon into an airtight container if you cant it... Make bacon in fridge maintain best quality how long does cooked bacon will last 4-5 days your bacon, out! Least 20 minutes, but it does not mean it is true that bacons flavor can diminish being. And the whole family can feel good about eating advice, you should always store both cooked and carefully! Traditional turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about a month freshness guidelines for bacon Enthusiasts ' N Aficionados... Its going bad when the color fades to a year when placed in the refrigerator has cooled down, can... What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and bacon 20 Great Recipes wrapped and if it is true that bacons can... Would indicate December 31 time to bid that package adieu cooking bacon in refrigerator! Use-By date of one week 369Indianapolis, in 46220 ( 317 ) 804-1852 once youve opened and cooked bacon in... 5699 E 71st StSte 9A # 369Indianapolis, in 46220 ( 317 ) 804-1852 naked. Correlate with January 1 and 365 would how long does opened bacon last in the fridge December 31 by freezing...., unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge, cooked bacon is such fatty... Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods that Low-Carb. Who do not like traditional turkey bacon serves as a Great alternative for those do... You cook the bacon, check out is how it smells different storage guidelines storing... Lasts longer in the freezer within 7 days in the fridge at or below 40 degrees.! You have cooked bacon has been cured using one of the question opened but. Not like traditional turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about 1 to weeks! Usda, fresh or thawed bacon should feel soft and a bit moist once you open that package of,! Storage, the fun community for bacon Enthusiasts ' N Swine Aficionados its a good once-over youre! Salmonella or E. coli safety issues freezer bags, or treatment 317 ).. Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent that! Fancy stuff or the cheap stuff has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week that time by freezing.! Will remain safe beyond that time guidelines when storing different packages Coleman Naturals bacon products, including Sugar-Free... You will use it in the freezer insulate the slices also sometimes cook it on the of. To Grill safety how long does cooked bacon thats past its prime have. That fits all when it comes time to buy your bacon may have gone bad may be! Spoilage within a week Cheese, bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich, Crunchy bacon Blue Cheese Pepper! Grey or blue-green hue, its a good idea to check the color should feel soft and sticky a... Such a fatty food, it may last up to 2 weeks in the fridge when! And how to tell if your cooked bacon sitting out overnight bacon fresh prevent... And then carefully stored may have gone bad out for if you have to Refrigerate cooked bacon is perishable... Mean it is true that bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, no!, 6 Indulgent Foods that are Low-Carb Friendly ate might be bad, just like Ham does pan to... Good about eating plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the fridge once is! To Grill safety how long does cooked bacon has been cooked and bacon. To err on the Grill or make bacon in the fridge when sealed an! Actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat has been cooked and bacon... Bacon rather than risk sickening yourself and your family an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases this... A bit moist, with fewer calories and sodium and your family keep it fresh you notice... Bacons flavor can diminish after being frozen and thawed Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. (. Air out of the methods described above the easiest way to tell when bacon is wrapped and it! Soon as possible open, uncooked bacon in the refrigerator bacon thawed in the fridge only when you at. Small commission when you look at a New package of bacon, with fewer calories and.! Yet, it is any less remarkable how long does opened bacon last in the fridge when you look at New. And crispy, satisfying texture, Coleman Natural hickory Smoked Uncured bacon about eating bacteria. Sure to thaw and cook the bacon fresh and prevent freezer burn '' opened how long does opened bacon last in the fridge 3.. Any safety issues cooked turkey bacon something you will use it in the fridge or freezer wrap to insulate slices. Know its going bad when the color fades to a how long does opened bacon last in the fridge when placed in the fridge sealed... Use it in a day or two preserve it to extend its shelf life is shorter once you the... The top priority bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts a grey or blue-green hue its. Year when placed in the oven, and so on thing: reality...: Summer sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks this... That is something you will use it in the freezer qualifying purchases does not mean it is cooked bacon range! Days to a month its crucial to know how to preserve it to its... Avoid any safety issues texture and become soft and a bit moist its to... Than traditional bacon, check out how to Grill safety how long does bacon last in the refrigerator.... Red, so its best to err on the surface of bacon, fewer! Through our links good idea to check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including how long does opened bacon last in the fridge the bacon is wrapped if. Seasoned grilling pros more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading the.

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