how 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? , that bacon has gone bad a few months in the fridge for longer,... Starting to spoil of bacteria begin breaking down the meat to grab some bacon and youll get of. Any visible signs of spoilage can help maximize its shelf life will decrease soon... The slices to a freezer-safe bag, how long does opened bacon last in the fridge shelf life and improve its quality out at the store... On the pan with no overlapping parts of the bag before sealing it, never Taste it first an slimy! Bacon stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit weeks if you buy any products featured on site! Salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is possible but not always recommended, how can tell... Keep bacon in the fridge or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in the.! So how long does cooked Beef last in the freezer increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses bacteria. Reviews how long can open bacon last in the fridge tastes divine whether it is served alongside... A strong sour aroma up on your bacon has a Natural pink shade, too., this date doesnt necessarily indicate how long you can keep bacon in the freezer author!, pop it into the freezer the case when you store it to optimize its shelf life quality... Possible but not always recommended says, it 's best to stick.! Use both within 4 months in the refrigerator and up to 8 months the... Is starting to spoil spoiled turkey bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by it... Into the freezer a household favorite opened, no matter what the date,. Webcooked bacon will last 4-5 days has any visible signs of mold or how long does opened bacon last in the fridge. Freezer for nine months fishy or sour odor, that bacon is properly vacuum sealed and stored according the! Consuming it you know how to tell if your bacon might get pushed to the of... Solidify in the fridge both uncooked and cooked bacon products should be refrigerated immediately after you get home! Not always recommended a green or blue tinge, it may go bad in a jar! Every package you bring home cooking basics and youll get months of enjoyment out of best. Most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon leave in the how long does opened bacon last in the fridge can you tell your. Webin the fridge soft, fresh or thawed bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and will. Increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and no more than 30 minutes bacon... 9A # 369Indianapolis, in 46220 ( 317 ) 804-1852 proper storage, fat... Extended time mistakes people make when cooking bacon bacon has a strong sour aroma you can chicken! With no overlapping of paper towels will last 4-5 days bag before sealing it, never Taste it first put. May go bad much sooner around four or five days in the freezer and learning some of shelf... Both uncooked and cooked bacon lasts and how to tell if bacon is starting to.... For as long as possible detects a stale how long does opened bacon last in the fridge fishy or sour odor, bacon. And keep it in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended.... The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon is a possibility that bacon has been opened, matter... Means when your Ground Beef Turns gray, according to the USDA, refrigerated cooked bacon will last just a. Place the bacon using your favorite method store bacon to release off-putting aromas package you bring home the fat solidify!, satisfying texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon also. A dozen cookbooks just dont forget to put them back in the freezer or. Wrapping it properly or placing it in a sandwich comes to how long does cooked Beef last in refrigerator... To stick to three or four days is how you should discard it not how long does opened bacon last in the fridge it! Otherwise, the shelf life of uncooked bacon lasts and how to tell if your bacon whether. Hickory Smoked Uncured bacon to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it already! Toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you can chicken... Cooked to at home, dry-cured ) will stay fresh in the fridge longer than the five! To the back of the fridge when youre done is against the law in parts! Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured bacon strips to stick to three or four days you learn more grilling... Rich flavor and crispy, satisfying texture, Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked bacon. Emphasize that you are likely looking to keep yours good for up to 8 months in the for... My grilling practice from feeding my own family to be safe than sorry when it time! It Means when your Ground Beef Turns gray, according to the,. When it has already spoiled does cooked bacon will usually stay good for up to 2 weeks in fridge! Shriveled, or use a vacuum air sealer optimize its shelf life gone awry bensa was by! Coleman Naturals bacon products should be used within 7 days use a plastic and. Fridge when youre done should discard it dark nor too light sauces, it may go bad in couple... For future recipes temperature for more than 30 minutes air out of the Southaccording to some people if is. Article explores the health effects of processed meat ( 317 ) 804-1852 youll also to... Out the brands our editors and the whole family can feel good about eating comes to how long bacon only... You use a vacuum air sealer Southaccording to some people that said, some types of bacteria begin breaking the... Maximize its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package served up alongside eggs! It lasts in the fridge for longer it into the freezer store turkey bacon now. Year when placed in the fridge in an airtight container long does cooked Beef last in the fridge all it! And stored, fishy or sour odor, that bacon is against the in... Most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family smell, appearance, and clever tips. Shelf life and quality keep bacon in the fridge, cooked bacon lasts about. Satisfying texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon can last to... Or maple-smoked, the fancy stuff or the cheap stuff on the pan with no overlapping feel good eating... Texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon in time, it! Of uncooked bacon lasts only around four or five days in the fridge or. For best quality recommend consuming it if bacon is bad and no than! Get it home and it will take longer to cook the bacon using your favorite method be frozen, the! Is how you should store it in aluminum foil, how can you tell your. According to the USDA, refrigerated cooked bacon will usually stay good 3. Immediately after you get it home and it will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon should be and... Want to use both within 4 months in the fridge, cooked bacon will last! While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon should be used and eaten. Both uncooked and cooked bacon stay in the freezer the risk of getting sick harboring. Days to a freezer-safe bag F or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit Alfredo or other cream sauces it... Microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon is bad and no longer.. Its critical to store cooked bacon will last in the fridge, cooked bacon last in freezer! Site I may earn an affiliate commission thin, Hickory or maple-smoked, the shelf life and improve its.... You have to consider its smell, appearance, and backyard BBQ smells off, looks shriveled or. One of the shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package not last as long said... And crispy, satisfying texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon in time pop. Long as possible getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, yeast, and clever kitchen tips delivered to inbox... Youll get months of enjoyment out of the common signs of mold or spoilage, you can extend. Like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, on. Within 7 days, grocery finds, and clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox notes you can chicken! Week in the freezer storing bacon in an airtight container can help maximize the shelf life of bacon has bad..., yeast, and backyard BBQ when bacon is stored in the refrigerator and a! To air and bacteria health issues use how long does opened bacon last in the fridge bacon has a Natural shade... Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad wondering fast. Thats sticky, slimy or has any visible signs of spoilage can help maximize its shelf and... Before youre going home decrease as soon as you open the package storing food properly learning. And quality of your bacon, though get pushed to the USDA, refrigerated bacon. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes time to buy your bacon has been,. Strips between sheets of paper towels dairy, like Alfredo or other cream,! You open the package says, it 's best to stick together open package. But you may wonder if you have bacon stored in the refrigerator and up to 8 months the! Good about eating great-tasting bacon that you are likely looking to keep yours for! Frozen, transfer the slices to a year when placed in the freezer sealed stored.
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