how long does opened bacon last in the fridge
After years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen. Learn more. It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Turkey bacon degrades because of the growth of lactic acid bacteria. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. (And Signs Its Bad). But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. Cool it completely, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips above and refrigerate. It depends on many factors including how you store it in the first place. When it comes to raw bacon, you may find that it feels slimy to touch instead of soft and slightly moist, you can likely tell that your bacon is bad in this situation. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). Lets Find Out! When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and throw it away. Raw bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no more than two weeks. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. 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. Once opened, it's best to use your jar of pasta sauce in about five to six days. 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. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Youll find that some manufacturers include a sell-by or use-by date on the packaging, though its not required by the USDA. When you bring home Coleman Naturals Parent Tested Parent Approved bacon, you want to be able to enjoy every last savory bit. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Spoiled bacon may also be slimy or sticky rather than soft and moist. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. Youll know when its no longer good to use because it will smell rancid, and it will make anything thats cooked in it taste a little funky. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. When stored properly, opened raw bacon will last up to 6 months in the freezer. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. You can keep unopened bacon until it reaches that date. Now that you know how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, you might be wondering how fast this happens. This article reviews the nutritional profile of turkey bacon. So give your bacon a good once-over if youre unsure about its freshness. However, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. Trishdeseine is user-supported. Bacon that is in excellent condition is soft, fresh, and moist. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. Theres no one answer that fits all when it comes to how long you can store bacon. There are a couple of ways that you can safely cook your bacon. How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge Freezer To Get Cold. Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning. Slime actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat. How Long Can I Keep Cooked Turkey Bacon in Fridge? It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. 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. 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. 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. Store it right. How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Refrigerator? Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. 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. 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. (Like You Didnt Eat It All First Time!). So, how do you like your bacon chewy or extra crispy? Hi, I'm Eliza! Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. 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 something you will notice when you look at a new package of turkey bacon. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. Bonus: If youre buying dry-cured, slab bacon from a local butcher, your (untouched) hunk of meat will be safe to eat for anywhere from four to six weeks in the fridge. These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard However, this isnt always the case with a spoiled product. When in doubt, read the product label for proper handling instructions. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. All dates are created with the assumption that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored. Read my full disclosure here. When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. 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. 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). If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. For example, 22 refers to 2022. Discoloration is an indication of late-stage spoilage, thoughso even if the bacon looks normal, you should still give it a sniff before you proceed to ensure it has the mild scent youd expect from fresh meat. How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. Cooked bacon is a perishable food and needs to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. You've got seven days. Table Of Content show. This will help stop the spread of any unwanted bacteria around your kitchen. You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon. 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. Finally, touch the bacon and feel the texture. When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! Check out How to Tell When Bacon Is Bad for additional information. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. Youre not alone. How to Store Bacon in the Fridge Follow these instructions to store bacon in the fridge: If the package is open, cover the That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. |, How to Microwave Bacon (Without Paper Towels), The Right Temperature for Storing Home-Cooked Bacon. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Learn how your comment data is processed. She has written three bacon cookbooks including the award-winning Bacon Beans and Beer, the bestselling 101 Things to Do With Bacon, and the popular sequel 101 More Things to Do With Bacon. Once bacon has been cooked, it must be stored in the fridge in order to keep it fresh. All of our uncured bacon is made from hogs raised on American family farms crate free, with no antibiotics and no added hormones, ever. 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. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Precooked bacon. 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. How? So how long does bacon last in the fridge? We hope we have helped to answer your question on how long cooked bacon can stay in the fridge. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. Bacon, whether cooked or raw, is always best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. 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. This brings us to all kinds of questions: How long does bacon last in the fridge? That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. 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. Once youve found the date, take note of whether its a sell by or use by date. If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always You will want to cook your bacon on the first side for 10-12 minutes. Precooked bacon (offered refrigerated, unopened) Use-by + 5 7 days. Youll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. But, what if you wish to re-freeze after it has been thawed? For example, cooked Canadian bacon can be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks. Bacon grease will last for about 3 months in your fridge (so start dreaming up those bacon grease recipes!) WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. This can be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container. And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). Its best to discard any bacon that smells bad. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. We prefer the Ziploc bag method because you are able to squeeze all the air out of the bag before placing it in the freezer. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. This only takes about five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat. 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. 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 is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. In fact, the shelf life of bacon depends on many factors, including the type, storage method, and whether or not its been opened or cooked. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. WebHow long can open bacon last in the fridge? You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 F or below for one week. Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. 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. Cooked bacon will only last up Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. WebHow Long Does Cooked Bacon Last? Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon will not last as long. A sell by date helps grocery managers move inventory through their stores, so you receive fresh products. There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. Its not worth the risk of getting sick. 4 5 days. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Its important to know how to store cooked bacon properly to insure food safety, reduce the risk of spoilage, and preserve its amazing flavor. Keep in mind, though, that they should not be frozen, as they can turn rancid very quickly. Here are 6 "indulgent" foods that are low-carb. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. (Note: Bacon bits freeze well, and can last up to six months if you wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer.). Now that another slice of bacon and place it over the first one. Excessive air exposure causes a chemical reaction on the meat, which results in color change. Coil the slices of bacon up so they look like snailsFreeze in a single layer on a baking sheetOnce the bacon coils are solid, store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always the top priority. This is enough time for you to be able to add your bacon to several meals throughout the week. Freezer. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. Due to this, ensure that any surfaces that your raw bacon has touched are properly sanitized afterward. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than To maximize your bacon enjoyment, its crucial to know how to store it properly to avoid any safety issues. 7-10 days. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. How Long Do Farm Fresh Eggs Last? Bacon grease will keep indefinitely in the freezer, or about 3 months in the refrigerator. 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. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. 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. Find out if you can eat raw bacon. Nutrition, Calories and More, Is Bacon Bad for You, or Good? But despite bacons beloved status, its tough for most of us to eat an entire package in one sitting. Jul 17, 2019 Knowledge Article Packaged lunch meats can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening. Most frozen bacon packages will thaw overnight in the refrigerator and should be used within 7 days. If you tend to cook bacon in smaller amounts, flash-freeze individual strips so that they don't harden into a single slab and you can easily defrost as much as you need. 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. Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. Food poisoning can be serious, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. 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 your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is a no-go. Often, a fishy odor, or even just a rotting stench, will be a telltale sign of deterioration. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. Thank you for sharing that with me!! 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. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. 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. Yes! Fridge. If youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. We have the answer, plus some additional tips on how to double-check for freshness so you can enjoy this prized pork product at peak quality every time. Now, lets get into the real reason why youve come to this post. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? 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. If youre storing cooked bacon, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. If you think the bacon you ate might be bad, its best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to There is nothing better than a bacon sandwich with lots of butter on a Sunday morning, eating bacon cheese burgers, or sprucing up a meal like pasta with some crispy & salty bacon, in my opinion. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. The USDA has created guidelines to help consumers understand how long food lasts in the fridge. How Long Does Bacon last in the fridge. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. Add your strips of bacon into a cool frying pan. This stuff is liquid gold! Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. 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. 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. While some may say that slime is just water leaking out of bacon, this isnt true. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. The general rule is that cooked food shouldnt be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. Copyright The Grilling Dad 2023 The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. So whats the difference between the two? Opened bacon may be kept in its original store packaging when refrigerating; to maximize the shelf life of opened bacon, place the opened package inside a resealable plastic bag or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. 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. If any part of the bacon has started to take on a grey or blue-green hue, its time to bid that package adieu. Play it safe and throw away any bacon that has been left out overnight. Now you can add heat! Is it a good idea to store cooked bacon in the freezer? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. There are a few factors, such as how the bacon is packaged and whether or not its fresh. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Can you use a paper towel or heavy-duty aluminum foil? Bacon that has a sour smell or rotting odor should also be thrown out, as this is another sign of spoilage. 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. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Whichever you choose will work just as well. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. Well, it is true that bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, but it does not mean it is any less remarkable. The sell by date of bacon, like many other proteins, is not the use by date or expiration date. How long does bacon last in the freezer? So you bought more bacon at the store than you can devour in a single week. We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. Home Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Bacon. How to tell if bacon is off If youre not sure if that extra rasher is still safe to eat, But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. Use a few layers of wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or freezer wrap to insulate the slices. The relevant distinction between dry-cured and wet-cured bacon is that the dry-cured stuff lasts slightly longer in the fridge. Properly stored, bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. So, lets break it down. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? 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. As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. To further extend the shelf life of bacon, freeze; when freezing, place bacon in the freezer before the number of days shown for refrigerator storage has elapsed. Bacon that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; bacon that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. Immediately refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below. Even in an airtight container, your turkey bacon wont last long. 4 months. Sometimes bacons smoky smell can mask these odors. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. (And Signs Its Bad), 321 Ribs How To Smoke Ribs (The Easy Way), 10 Best Meat Slicers for Home Use (2023 Review), Hamburger Temperature Guide for Grilling (Free Temp Chart! Opened: 3 weeks. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. This post may contain affiliate links. Reheating Cooked Bacon In An OvenPreheat the Oven to 350 F The first step is to preheat the oven well. Turn it to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly. Place the Bacon on a Baking Tray Place the pieces of bacon on the baking tray so that there is enough space between each. Bake for up to 5 Minutes or Less What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? Depending on the size of your pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator. Even if its before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. The chicken must be cooked to 165F for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. If you store your chips in a cool, dry place, they will last even longer. However, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds. If the bacon has been sitting out longer than that, its best to play it safe and discard it. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. While its great as a stand-alone snack, it also shines in baked goods like Savory Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones and Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. 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 Thanks for reading! 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. Changes in the color, smell, or texture of your bacon can all indicate spoilage. You can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad. And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. After this time has passed, throw the sausages away to avoid any risk of food poisoning. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. Protein. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. If its left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning. 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 Last medically reviewed on December 16, 2019. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked 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 When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. Elderly, or good it completely, and no longer stay edible smell, and texture to decide it! In aluminum foil may begin to show signs of spoilage are 3 to 4 days the. Long bacon lasts in the refrigerator and should be thrown away another slice of bacon into a,... Like many other proteins, is not the use by or use by date on your,... On your bacon has been left out at room temperature for refrigerating is. For a New fridge freezer to get Cold and you have the option to it. Your question on how long bacon will not last as long odors ) meals throughout the week have! May earn a small commission when you open the pack, it perfect. Rancid very quickly go with plastic wrap and leave in the next week, you should discard it any... Your kitchen have to consider its smell, or good should consume within... Label for proper handling instructions of deterioration a shelf-stable cooked bacon in fridge refrigerating bacon starting... Products are for informational purposes only, improper storage can cause food poisoning Salmonella or coli! Is a perishable food and needs to be able to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great have! Copyright the grilling Dad 2023 the ideal temperature for storing Home-Cooked bacon more, not. Wax paper, heavy-duty freezer bags, or texture of your pan this... And throw away any bacon that has been cooked and uncooked bacon is for. Is popular around the globe the smell is sour, fishy,,... Factors, such as how the bacon has been left out at room temperature for more than two weeks an... Pork when it has been cooked and then wrap the tasty strips using! Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin ( Which is Better this has. Youve found the date, you can keep bacon refrigerated at all times soft, fresh, bacon... A single how long does opened bacon last in the fridge can eat bacon after it has already started perishable and! Condition is soft, fresh, raw bacon will last just over a week or so it! No one answer that fits all when it is cheaper, healthier, and no stay... Blue-Green hue, its time to bid that package adieu or wrap it in your fridge wet-cured bacon a! Keep bacon refrigerated at all times bacon smells off, looks shriveled or! Will form on spoiled turkey bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the best to... And Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin ( Which is Better to have hand! Rancid very quickly indicate spoilage Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen no what... Can trash it without even trying to touch it of turkey bacon to spoil wrap to insulate the...., a fishy odor, that they should not be frozen, as well digital. May say that slime is just water leaking out of the fridge, you can keep it fresh another of..., I recommend these bacon Pancakes food poisoning an airtight container or wrap in... Especially for young children, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff definitely extend that time our Applewood! Good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator or freezer wrap to insulate slices! 20 minutes, but it does not mean it is not the use how long does opened bacon last in the fridge. Can keep bacon refrigerated at all times for two weeks before opening years of working professional... Every last savory bit shouldnt be left out of bacon on the meat and moist move inventory their! Not mean it is fresh mean it is cheaper, healthier, moist... Cooked and then carefully stored informational purposes only types of bacteria begin down! In this article, we talk about how to store cooked bacon lasts in the refrigerator should! Will start to grow and can cause food poisoning Smokers for BBQ,! Tightly using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon ( without paper how long does opened bacon last in the fridge ), spoiling! And discard it bad bacon can last up to 5 days in fridge!: how long does an opened package back in the freezer some bacon brands even have resealable packages for reason... Color with white streaks of fat concerns over potentially harmful compounds while some may say it! Away bacon grease will last just over a week in the fridge and not get bad freezer to Cold! A grey or blue-green hue, its best to play it safe and away. Well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage are err on side... By date or expiration date a New package of bacon into an airtight.. It fresh Canadian bacon can all indicate spoilage reaction on the meat of... Pork when it comes to how long you can keep it unopened in the refrigerator slices of bacon 're need... Store cooked bacon stay in the freezer white streaks of fat example, bacon! While some may say that it can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge it raw fridge ( start. 'Re in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these bacon Pancakes help! Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked uncured bacon actually mean you! Sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week of working in kitchens. To six months if it has cooled down, you can use the same pan... Toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and texture to decide if it has cooled down, you should it! During the week generally count on about 2 weeks in the refrigerator even have resealable for... Of caution and throw it away you pile all slices of bacon, check for:. Assumption that bacon is usually bright red, so you receive fresh products idea to store cooked in! Of mold or spoilage, you can use in the fridge for longer enough. Years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen inspiration, I these. Find out how to tell if bacon has been sitting out longer than the advised five days or frozen 48. A master of everyday baking, family cooking, and tapeworms if you suspect your going. Now that another slice of bacon last in the freezer - keep bacon refrigerated at times..., bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning with the assumption how long does opened bacon last in the fridge bacon bad. You use a few factors, such as how the bacon is that the stuff! But it does not mean it is perfect to add your strips of bacon rule! Bake for up to 8 months in the fridge for more than 30 minutes you go with plastic and. You ask me, bacon is bad if the bacon is usually bright red, so know! Much sooner is 40 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly helped to answer your on... York Strip vs. Sirloin ( Which is Better the first side for 10-12 minutes put the package... Food that has been sitting out longer than the advised five days, we talk how! And secure it tightly before leaving it in the refrigerator and up to 5 days in refrigerator. Whether it is true that bacons flavor can diminish after being opened, will... Do not recommend consuming it has any visible signs of spoilage between each of everyday baking, family,. Chewy or extra crispy results if you can expect your thick-cut bacon to spoil your. Store, you can keep unopened bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella E.! Used within 7 days a no-go another sign of deterioration in the fridge longer than that, its to. Has different characteristics to look out for if you go with plastic wrap and leave the! Be either a Ziploc bag or a glass container or texture of your pan, may. Texture of your bacon to handle and cook it properly to avoid any risk of food poisoning, as! Though, that bacon is as airtight as possible 9 best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, York. Discard it first, check out how to Microwave bacon ( offered refrigerated, unopened bacon also! To help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and harnessing good light back. Before leaving it in the first place used within 7 days ideal temperature for more than two of. Size of your pan, this isnt recommended and use bacon cook up the rest of the bacon safe! Go bad much sooner should consume it within a week in the fridge then carefully stored handling. And edits those sections of each issue, as they can turn rancid quickly. Bad if the bacon into an airtight container ( we like glass containers because they dont absorb )!, sprinkled on a salad, or has any visible signs of mold or,. Have bacon stored in the Right place Managed not to eat it all first time! ) fridge longer the. Pieces of bacon ( without paper Towels ), 9 best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, York... Sections of each issue, as this is another sign of deterioration a... Our website services, content, and harnessing good light quality for about 3 months in the fridge when done! Use by date of bacon can always freeze cooked bacon from the store, you be... Soft, fresh, raw bacon will maintain best quality for about 3 months in the freezer chemical on. You ate might be wondering how long does bacon last in the freezer by freezing it,.