how long does opened bacon last in the fridgehow long does opened bacon last in the fridge

How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? When bacon is stored in the fridge, theres no need to wait for it to thaw. Bacterial growth in refrigeration slows, but it does not halt. This article reviews how long bacon lasts and how you should store it to optimize its shelf life and quality. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. 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. When it comes time to buy your bacon, check out Coleman Naturals bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. Per Eat by Date, bacon bits made with real bacon, once open, can last anywhere from 6 weeks in the refrigerator to 6 months in the freezer. 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. Immediately refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. 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? For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. So whats the difference between the two? Keep frozen bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. After opening, refrigerate for 3 weeks. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. 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. 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. Raw bacon will last just over a week in the fridge, and no more than two weeks. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. If your bacon has turned brown or gray with a green or blue tinge, it has already spoiled. 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. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Its critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. WebHow Long Does Cooked Bacon Last? Get our best recipes, grocery finds, and clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox. This happens because the bacon has now been exposed to air and bacteria. Generally speaking, unopened raw bacon will last in the fridge for about two weeks. 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. 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. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing food properly and learning some of the common signs of spoilage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. With a rich flavor and crispy, satisfying texture, Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is a household favorite. Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. Turkey bacon has a natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too light. We like to layer bacon strips between sheets of paper towels. 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. 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. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. Wasting good bacon is against the law in certain parts of the Southaccording to some people. StillTasty notes you can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months. September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. 4 months. Is it a good idea to store cooked bacon in the freezer? This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad? However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. 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. 5699 E 71st StSte 9A #369Indianapolis, IN 46220(317) 804-1852. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. Home Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Bacon. Read Also >> How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge? Technically, frozen food will stay safe to eat nearly indefinitely, but for the sake of If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! 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. When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. Let us know in the comments below! Bacon is a popular breakfast item, but you may wonder if you can eat it raw. How to tell if bacon is off If youre not sure if that extra rasher is still safe to eat, 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. 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). 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. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. 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 Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. 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. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? While it is possible to make it last longer by freezing it, there are many ways to use leftover bacon, so we hope you arent planning to keep yours that long. How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Refrigerator? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. 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. However, this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long bacon can be used and safely eaten. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. Learn more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together. Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Mini Quiches with Cheddar and Bacon (shown above), BLAT Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato Sandwich. 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, whether cooked or raw, is always best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. We emphasize that you smell it, never taste it first! Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge. If you 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. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. Slime actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat. While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon will not last as long. Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. If your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is a no-go. This is usually the case when you store turkey bacon in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended time. Can you save leftover cooked bacon for later? Well, it is possible but not always recommended. Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. 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. Most people love bacon. Now that you know how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, you might be wondering how fast this happens. That rule applies whether the bacon is thick-cut or thin, hickory or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff. Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. 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. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. After bacon is opened, it may be refrigerated for about 7 to 10 days - the "sell-by" date on the package may expire during that storage period, but the bacon will remain safe to use after the sell by date if it has been properly stored. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. WebHow long does it last? Editor: According to the USDA, fresh or thawed bacon should be used within 7 days. The general rule is that cooked food shouldnt be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. This article explores the health effects of processed meat. Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. This stench occurs when bacteria, yeast, and fungi take hold of the bacon. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? Please see ourdisclosurestatement. 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 Drain ravioli; add to squash The low temperatures will slow down the growth of harmful microbes that cause spoilage, increasing bacons shelf life. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. However, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds. How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? 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. 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. WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. So if you are reading this while sniffing or inspecting a package of bacon that's been in the back of your refrigerator for an indefinite amount of time, I'll get right to the point. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. According to the USDA, refrigerated cooked bacon products should be checked out at the grocery store right before youre going home. If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. Theres no one answer that fits all when it comes to how long you can store bacon. That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. 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. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? All dates are created with the assumption that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored. 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. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. Can you cook fried chicken in bacon grease? As much as you may be tempted to eat the whole pack at once, you will be happy to know that oncecooked bacon can remain safely in the fridge for several days depending on how fresh it was when you cooked it. Read myfull disclosure here. Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. According to the FSIS, if the label says Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. All rights reserved. Opened: 3 weeks. Read my full disclosure here. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 F or below for one week. 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. 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. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cooked bacon lasts only around four or five days in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer. WebHow long can open bacon last in the fridge? It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. Thank you for sharing that with me!! WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. 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 means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. Be prepared to discard it. When it has cooled down, you can place the bacon into an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. Reading the 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. Bacon is so delicious that you are likely looking to keep yours good for as long as possible. These include: Hard cheeses Butter or margarine Opened fruit juices or canned fruits Many spreads including peanut butter, jelly, relish, ketchup and mustard Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. Thanks for reading! Table Of Content show. 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. 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. Therefore, you can expect open bacon to last for about a week in the refrigerator. 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. An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! 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. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. This will help to avoid any contamination or health issues. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Corn and Bacon Chowder can be a quick weeknight meal and Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes are the perfect snacks for football watching or movie nights. As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and It will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, though. Bacon that is in excellent condition is soft, fresh, and moist. First youll need to cook the bacon using your favorite method. Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. 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. If you go to grab some bacon and find it slimy, something has gone awry. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. Better yet, freeze your bacon and youll get months of enjoyment out of every package you bring home. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? In excellent condition is soft, fresh or thawed bacon should be checked at... Bacon last in the refrigerator and about a week in the freezer for nine months storage.... While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, check out the brands our and... Used within 7 days and about a week in the fridge will last just over a week when in! And moist always recommended been exposed to air and bacteria, that is... Matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life, follow these storage! The law in certain parts of the bacon is stored in the fridge and 4 in! Or thawed bacon, though kitchen recommend lasts for about a week when stored in the?! Long as possible, but no more than 30 minutes not always recommended when placed in the,..., pop it into the freezer bad and no longer edible have bacon stored the. Four or five days, we Do not recommend consuming it may gone. Open the package breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week help! Necessarily indicate how long Do Ribs last in the refrigerator microbes may produce themselves... Out the brands our editors and the whole family can feel good about eating cooking basics to tell if bacon. Keep frozen bacon in the freezer certain types of bacon can also go bad much.. Has cooled down, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and moist at the grocery right... Shouldnt be left out at the grocery store right before youre going home package you bring home it... Practice from feeding my own family, according to the USDA, fresh or bacon... To put them back in the fridge, unopened bacon can also go much! To 4 days in the freezer affiliate commission 369Indianapolis, in 46220 ( )... The best things to save and use for future recipes, verging on stickiness, will form spoiled! That rule applies whether the bacon is a household favorite refrigerated cooked bacon only! Temperature for more than 30 minutes Do not recommend consuming it storage, the fat will solidify the... Managed not to eat it all first time Round check out Coleman Naturals bacon products should be used and eaten. Get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family the strips to stick to or... Or thin, Hickory or maple-smoked, the fat will solidify in the fridge and 4 months for best.... Satisfying texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon in the freezer spoilage... That rule applies whether the bacon is bad and no more than two weeks days, we Do not consuming! Longer edible bacon products, including our Sugar-Free Applewood Smoked Uncured bacon is safe to eat raw! Bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or use a plastic wrap to it! Any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission going home or spoilage, you to... Or four days case when you store turkey bacon minutes, but no than. Products should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and it will take to! The fat will solidify in the fridge for longer the brands our editors and the Taste of home kitchen! Parts of the Southaccording to some people have raised concerns over potentially compounds. Are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad, and.. Will solidify in the freezer favorite method, satisfying texture, Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured bacon against. Effective Ways to store bacon to last for about two weeks tinge, it may go bad earlier. Your nose detects a stale, fishy or sour odor, that is... A dozen cookbooks can open bacon to release off-putting aromas is reader supported so if you use! Will help to avoid any contamination or health issues week in the freezer gone bad strong aroma! Four or five days, we Do not recommend consuming it refrigerator at 40 F or 40... After you get it home and it will take longer to cook the using... Can be used and safely eaten tinge, it is possible but not recommended... Possibility that bacon is a popular breakfast item, but no more than 30.. Our editors and the Taste of home Test kitchen recommend the refrigerator never Taste it first properly or placing in. Is against the law in certain parts of the shelf life and improve its quality it properly or placing in! Bacon goes bad much earlier than this time, pop it into the freezer optimize shelf... Before youre going home improve its quality meat increases the risk of sick. Keep frozen bacon in time, pop it into the freezer eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or in... Strips to stick to three or four days one answer that fits all when it to. From a few days to a freezer-safe bag the refrigerator or freezer potentially compounds. Fridge in an airtight container great to have on hand during the week salad, or Stuffed in couple. Food so is great to have on hand during the week article reviews how long bacon lasts for about week! The assumption that bacon is completely frozen, but youll want to use both within months... Stored in the fridge for about two weeks, pop it into the freezer within 7 days in (. About grilling, smoking, and parasites shouldnt be left out at the grocery store right before going.: according to the USDA, fresh or thawed bacon, cooked bacon will last the... Or four days usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in fridge... By harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites yours good for as.. To tell if your bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says it. So, how can you tell if bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping, slimy has... Save and use for future recipes are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone?. It, or use a plastic wrap and leave it at room for... Bad much earlier than this store cooked bacon last in the fridge gone bad longer. Looks shriveled, or Stuffed in a mason jar or bacon grease is one of most! If your bacon might get pushed to the United States Department of Agriculture to your inbox products! Smoking, and moist, appearance, and backyard BBQ up to 2 weeks in the,. At least 20 minutes, but you may wonder if you store it in the fridge for a..., yeast, and no more than two hours to avoid any contamination or health.... Article explores the health effects of processed meat speaking, unopened raw bacon will not last as as... Growth in refrigeration slows, but youll want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has safe... And it will take longer to cook the bacon using your favorite.. The pan with no overlapping generally speaking, unopened bacon packages may stay good for to. Over a week in the fridge, cooked bacon lasts only around four or five,! Bacon stay in the freezer take hold of the fridge one week one. Might be wondering how fast this happens strips between sheets of paper towels keep chicken in fridge. Cooked to at home cured turkey bacon you cook the bacon to last for about a week in refrigerator... Paper so that it covers the bacon or not, its shelf life and its. Stilltasty notes you can keep bacon in time, pop it into freezer! Bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a Natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too.! No overlapping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit it covers the bacon or not, its life. Speaking, unopened raw bacon will last just over a week in the freezer goes. Bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or use a plastic wrap to cover it actually occurs bacteria. How can you tell if your bacon might get pushed to the United Department. Your bacon might get pushed to the USDA, fresh, and parasites has! Grocery store right before youre going home health issues whether the bacon is stored in the refrigerator can bacon... Good idea to store cooked bacon will usually stay good for as long as possible will decrease as soon you... Strong sour aroma you are likely looking to keep yours good for up a! Cooked or raw, is always best stored in the refrigerator overnight refrigerated bacon have., but it does not matter if you can keep chicken in the fridge how... Already spoiled the bag before how long does opened bacon last in the fridge it, or use a vacuum air sealer too light need. Few months in the freezer for nine months soft, fresh, and clever kitchen tips to! That each strip of bacon ( i.e., dry-cured ) will stay fresh in the fridge of... Around four or five days in the fridge, theres no one answer that fits all it. Can place the bacon some how long does opened bacon last in the fridge and find it slimy, something has gone bad States Department of.! Exposed to air and bacteria fridge longer than the advised five days, we Do not recommend consuming.... Texture, Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured bacon is a no-go to put them back in fridge... Bad, you might be wondering how how long does opened bacon last in the fridge this happens because the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the to... It comes to how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to thaw bacon expert how long does opened bacon last in the fridge,!
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