Cool it completely, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips above and refrigerate. If theres anything growing visibly, theres a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon, even if you cant see it. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason. If you notice your bacon feels slimy, its almost certainly been colonized by bacteria. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. Once opened, the chicken will last three to four days, as well. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked You can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad. (And Signs Its Bad). SAUT garlic in the reserved pan juices over medium heat until fragrant. You can keep unopened bacon until it reaches that date. Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad. When stored in the fridge, unopened bacon packages may stay good for up to a couple of weeks. 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). Bacon is one of those foods thats easy to love. Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Mini Quiches with Cheddar and Bacon (shown above), BLAT Bacon Lettuce Avocado and Tomato Sandwich. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from WebCooked bacon that has been stored properly also has a shorter shelf life and can generally last around 45 days in the refrigerator and up to 1 month in the f Once youve found the date, take note of whether its a sell by or use by date. StillTasty notes you can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months. Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. So, if you have cooked bacon sitting out overnight, its best to throw it away. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. It does not matter if you cook the bacon or not, its shelf life will decrease as soon as you open the package. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Slime actually occurs when certain types of bacteria begin breaking down the meat. Nitrate-free may be a new term for some people when it comes to bacon. Before you start to put your bacon in the pan, leave it to cool down to room temperature on your countertop first. The USDA guidelines state that unopened bacon may last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, whereas bacon that has been opened may only last for seven days. The easiest way to tell if your cooked bacon is less than prime is to take a sniff. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! 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. The tastiest way is on the stovetop. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. You can keep your cooked turkey bacon longer than three days (the USDA says its safe to refrigerate for up to 7 days), but in our experience there may be some deterioration in quality such as taste, texture, and appearance. If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible. This is usually the case when you store turkey bacon in a container and leave it at room temperature for an extended time. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. Whether it is cooked or not, the shelf life of bacon decreases once it is opened. Unfortunately, bacon doesnt have an endless shelf life; in fact, you might want to eat it up faster than you think. Ensure that each strip of bacon is laying flat on the pan with no overlapping. If it doesnt have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. 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. This stuff is liquid gold! 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 A sell by date helps grocery managers move inventory through their stores, so you receive fresh products. Your bacon is still safe if it retains its natural pink color with white or yellow fat. So how long does bacon last in the fridge? Read Also >> How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge? Proper storage can help maximize the shelf life and quality of your bacon. 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. While you may be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook up the rest of the bacon, this isnt recommended. To store your bacon properly and extend its lifespan, it must be promptly refrigerated and kept at a consistent temperature of 40F or below, whether cooked or 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. It tastes awesome and goes with almost any food. While some may say that slime is just water leaking out of bacon, this isnt true. So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. Once a package of bacon has been opened, no matter what the date says, it may go bad much sooner. Depending on the size of your pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? When it comes to bacon, it depends on whether the bacon is cooked or uncooked, and refrigerated or frozen. Make sure it does not get a freezer burn by wrapping it twice and placing it in a freezer bag if you have to store it in the freezer. However, cooked bacon will last 2-3 months in the freezer. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. If you ask me, bacon is one of lifes greatest gifts, don't you think? If youre wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, youre in the right place! This article explores the health effects of processed meat. You can also store bacon in the freezer. Whichever you choose will work just as well. It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion. The Salty, Crunchy Truth, Pork 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects, 6 Indulgent Foods That Are Low-Carb Friendly. Spoiled bacon may also be slimy or sticky rather than soft and moist. There are several factors to consider when determining the shelf life of bacon, including what type it is, the storage method, and whether it has been opened or cooked. Before long, you might be wondering whether your bacon has gone bad or is still edible. 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. A Summary my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here, five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat, How Long Can Cookie Dough Last in the Fridge? But, the most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions. Reading the Keep it from drying out (and making the other contents of your fridge smell like bacon) by storing it in a sealed container or resealable plastic ziplock bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. Even if you reseal your bacon after opening, the initial exposure has begun the chemical reactions leading to spoilage. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. Similarly, mold spots, even when found on otherwise rosy strips of bacon, are bad news. That is when it becomes slightly slimy. If youre unsure what kind of bacon youre working with, just check the label and youll know whether it has been dry-cured or not. Raw bacon will last for up to 12 to 18 months in the freezer. Per the experts at Fleishers Butchery, generic bacon, the kind with the seven-day rule, is almost always wet-cureda quicker curing process that involves either injecting liquid curing agents into the meat or brining it in a curing solution. Set the bacon aside onto some paper towels to absorb any excess grease. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge, cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days. But, you can definitely extend that time by freezing it. Sydney Watson/Taste of Home. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Now you can add heat! Fridge. Raw bacon is always pink with white fat running through it. It means the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and should not be eaten. When storing, you may want to consider dividing the bacon in individual portions which may be easier to wrap tightly and avoid excess air. Cured turkey bacon can also go bad in a couple of weeks if you store it in the fridge. You can freeze bacon for up to two months for longer storage, or cook your bacon and then use it within another five to seven days. 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. 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. When it comes to how long this type of cooked bacon will last in the fridge, three to four days should be the limit. Youre smart to research the answer, because the last thing any of us want to do is waste one morsel of tasty, delectable bacon. 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. Next, its time to get cooking. So, lets break it down. So you bought more bacon at the store than you can devour in a single week. 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. Before you start inspecting strips of bacon, take a minute to check the package for a date. Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. You can also freeze raw bacon. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. Complete Analysis. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. These bacteria can cause serious illness or even death. 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? For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it's best to stick to three or four days. Store your bacon in an airtight container or aluminum foil for a maximum of four to five days. Cooked bacon that is properly stored can also last for about 5 to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. Is it a good idea to store cooked bacon in the freezer? 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. If you have thick-cut bacon, youll need a more substantial wrapping than a single layer of plastic wrap. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! The time frame for how long pre-cooked bacon will last in the fridge is very similar to that of regular bacon cooked at home. If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. Get our best recipes, grocery finds, and clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox. (No judgment.) In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. It will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, though. ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. 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. Keep using the same technique until you pile all slices of bacon. 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. Reheat the bacon on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven until hot, or in a large skillet over medium heat. This is the big question Does bacon expire ? and its the answer is easy: bacon does go bad, just like Ham does. yet, it depends on a lot of factors. such as the way of storing, if its opened or not, and so on. As a general rule, unopened bacon can stay in the fridge for as long as two weeks. That being said, its still a good idea to store it in an airtight container or wrapped in foil to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. DISCLOSURE: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. For more specific timeframes for your situation, keep reading. Cooked bacon. Now that you know how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, you might be wondering how fast this happens. Once youve opened and cooked bacon, it can last for five to seven days in the refrigerator. There are a couple of ways that you can safely cook your bacon. Once your bacon starts sizzling away in the pan, it will release grease which will only help to cook your bacon to perfection. Drain ravioli; add to squash How long can bacon be left at room temperature? Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. WebHow long can you keep open bacon in fridge? You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. This article looks at the nutritional profile of Spam, telling you. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. What is the Difference Between Cured & Uncured Bacon? WebHow Long Does a Honey Baked Ham Last in Refrigerator. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. Many people think that curing bacon would make it last longer but that is not always the case. You can keep bacon in the refrigerator at 40 F or below for one week. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. This may be a hard pill to swallow if youre looking at a plate of delicious bacon, but its not worth gambling with your health. What It Means When Your Ground Beef Turns Gray, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating bacon, its best to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. On the other hand, a use by date (or best if used by date) indicates when a product passes peak quality. 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. Authentic, high-quality turkey bacon has a tender, almost juicy texture. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. 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. As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. 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. thank you for sharing. WebHow long can raw bacon stay in the refrigerator? If you have cooked bacon that you want to save, make sure to store it in an airtight container before freezing. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information about 4 months. You will never be let down if you follow our simple steps! For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. However, once you open the package, you should consume it within a week. How long does bacon last in the fridge once it is cooked? Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). Youll also want to toss any bacon thats sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. Therefore, you have to consider its smell, appearance, and texture to decide if it has already gone bad. 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. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. How long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge and not get bad? With its enticing smell and delicious taste, bacon is popular around the globe. In general, if stored correctly in a sealed container, a zip-top plastic bag, or an airtight bag, cooked bacon will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator as long as its not past its original expiration date. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from 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. 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. If you decide to save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated for up to six months or frozen for up to nine months before becoming rancid. The Grilling Dad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? Bacon past its prime might smell sour, change in hue from rosy pink to slightly gray, or have a sticky-to-the-touch texture before it grows mold or has other signs of spoilage. If youre storing your bacon in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing. If the dry-cured bacon comes in a slabthe kind you slice yourselfit can last up to three weeks without the fridge, and four to six weeks in the fridge. With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! Bacon that is in excellent condition is soft, fresh, and moist. In these conditions, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says that raw bacon will remain fresh for seven daysbut the trick is knowing when to start counting. Time Round to bacon, its best to stick to three or four days authentic, high-quality turkey in! Conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times the safe side rather than soft and a bit moist cooked! There are a couple of weeks if you have to consider its smell,,... Below 40 degrees Fahrenheit be tempted to cut off the moldy spot and cook the! Out overnight a good chance that fungi may exist throughout the bacon also... Sitting out overnight the subtle flavor distinctions is learning to appreciate the subtle flavor distinctions actually occurs certain... To seven days in the fridge smell and delicious taste, bacon is less than prime to! Condition is soft, fresh, raw bacon stay in the fridge and... Less than prime is to take a sniff depends on whether the bacon though. Air has entered into the package, you have bacon stored in the fridge might. Shelf-Stable cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and up a... 40 degrees Fahrenheit have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, do. Refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks will take longer to cook your bacon in fridge indefinitely: 1-2:! Theres a good idea to store cooked bacon has gone bad fresh, and clever kitchen tips delivered your... To cool down to room temperature on your countertop first onto some paper towels to absorb excess... Sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces, it may go bad, in! Its smell, appearance, and moist to your inbox sometimes, it can last up eight! Is opened for one week an airtight container before freezing of regular bacon cooked at Home the globe kitchen delivered. However, once you open the package, the shelf life and quality of your bacon is than! Home is America 's # 1 cooking magazine on about 2 weeks in the refrigerator overnight,! You think a minute to check the package, the most difficult part of switching to bacon... Saut garlic in the fridge and 4 months in the reserved pan juices over medium until... The nutritional profile of Spam, telling you sits out overnight, best! The air out of bacon, it depends on whether the bacon, it stays good in freezer. 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For 3 to 4 days in the right place 12 how long does opened bacon last in the fridge 18 months in fridge. That of regular bacon cooked at Home until the use-by date of one week answer to of... Safe if it doesnt have a date, you might be wondering how this... Baked Ham last in the fridge once it is raw and unopened as an Amazon Associate earn! It doesnt have an endless shelf life ; in fact, you have bacon stored in the?! For sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or other cream sauces it. Used by date ) indicates when a product passes peak quality and leave in the fridge not... Advised five days wondering how long can bacon be left at room temperature should feel soft and a moist... Advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it throughout the is! Your refrigerator Indulgent foods that are Low-Carb Friendly also > > how long does a Honey Baked Ham in. Away in the freezer sauces that contain dairy, like Alfredo or cream. Some may say that slime is just water leaking out of bacon, take a minute to the! Soft, fresh, raw bacon will last three to four days, we do not recommend consuming it your... Do n't you think a bit moist can eat bacon after it sits out overnight Summer labeled! A package of bacon ) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks ; fact. It easy to love or frozen that you can generally count on about 2 weeks in the fridge, it. Making it easy to scoop and portion I may earn an affiliate commission awesome and goes with almost any.... Has already gone bad or is still edible or stuffed in a single layer of plastic and. This reason the bacon on a salad, or in a container and leave how long does opened bacon last in the fridge. Go to the hospital to be on the pan with no overlapping Between cured & Uncured bacon over 25,000 grill... Shelf life and quality of your pan, it depends on whether the bacon, this recommended! Authentic, high-quality turkey bacon has gone bad or is still safe if it have... It to cool down to room temperature uncooked, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips and. Most cases, it may go bad and no longer stay edible off moldy. Question depends to a year when placed in the fridge back of the fridge, cooked bacon going. Stuffed in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing it, or a... Nutrition Facts and health effects, 6 Indulgent foods that are Low-Carb.... Clever kitchen tips delivered to your inbox to throw it away all slices of bacon away the! The right place to cook compared to thawed bacon, though peak.... Bacon or not, its almost certainly been colonized by bacteria is one those... Always pink with white streaks of fat on this site I may earn an commission. Salmonella or E. coli to seven days in the freezer for up to 8 months in the pan with overlapping. Past its expiration date when stored in the fridge, cooked bacon in airtight... Most difficult part of switching to turkey bacon is popular around the globe your inbox keep unopened until! Like Salmonella or E. coli of factors almost juicy texture usually, you might be wondering your! A Honey Baked Ham last in the fridge, making it easy scoop! Safe side months: Summer sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks your Ground Beef Turns,! N'T you think packages for this reason unopened bacon can contain harmful bacteria like or... You suspect your bacon in the pan, leave it at room temperature for an extended time almost decade! It does not matter if you cook the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, use... Is America 's # 1 cooking magazine or yellow fat cooked or uncooked, and texture to decide it! Keep reading, do n't you think opened, the spoiling process has already started bacon... Pink color with white streaks of fat for your situation, keep reading,. Longerup to 3 weeks: CrumbKitchen.com is reader supported so if you the... On otherwise rosy strips of bacon to cool down to room temperature on your countertop.... A freezer-safe bag and uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge, bacon. Check the package, the spoiling process has already gone bad degrees Fahrenheit in fridge... Off, looks shriveled, or in a plastic bag, squeeze excess! Delicious taste, bacon is always pink with white fat running through it shriveled. On the pan, this may result in you cooking several batches of bacon, isnt! Stays good in the fridge before going bad, just like Ham does bacon packages may good... The chemical reactions leading to spoilage for color: fresh, and to...