Since bacon is such a fatty food, it can go bad quickly. That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. However, cooked bacon will last 2-3 months in the freezer. The best way is to smell and look at the bacon: signs If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. 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. 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. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. 2023 Cross Media, Inc. All rights reserved. How? Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. Raw bacon will last for up to 12 to 18 months in the freezer. Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. If you have any doubts about your fridges cooling abilities, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to keep an eye on the precise temperature. 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. If youre storing your bacon in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing. This article has given some helpful tips about how long bacon lasts in the fridge, how to tell if bacon is bad, and how you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. 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. Lets Find Out! So, first things first: pay attention to how it looks from the outside. Protein. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason. 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. How Turkey And Stuffing Can Make You Sick. For more information about storing turkey bacon, be sure to check out How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last?. If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. 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. Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon is great for both cooking and eating on its own, as well as flavoring everything from beans to popcorn. Cooked bacon thats past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky. WebHow long can open bacon last in the fridge? Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. No one wants to deal with food poisoning, so its best to err on the side of caution. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. If you want your sliced bacon to last longer, you can put it in the freezer, and it will last for up to six months. 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 raw. How long can bacon be left at room temperature? ), 9 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers for BBQ Mastery, New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better? That is when it becomes slightly slimy. Copyright The Grilling Dad 2023 Youve got grilling questions. Confused? That means great-tasting bacon that you and the whole family can feel good about eating. It is cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than traditional bacon, with fewer calories and sodium. 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. 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. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked Learn what the terms cured and uncured bacon actually mean when you see them in the store. When storing, you may want to consider dividing the bacon in individual portions which may be easier to wrap tightly and avoid excess air. Cooked bacon. While these factors determine the life of uncooked bacon, cooked bacon will not last as long. WebHow do you defrost vacuum sealed chicken?. BENSA was founded by bacon expert Eliza Cross, author of more than a dozen cookbooks. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Store it right. Better yet, freeze your bacon and youll get months of enjoyment out of every package you bring home. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and When stored in an airtight container at 0F or below (i.e., standard freezer temperature) bacon, raw or cooked, will stay fresh until the end of time. If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. If the bacon smells off, looks shriveled, or has any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you should discard it. These bacteria can cause serious illness or even death. Well, it is possible but not always recommended. 7-10 days. Should You Freeze A Casserole Before Or After You Bake It? Once bacon has been cooked, its best to store it in an airtight container. Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. As soon as you open a package of bacon, it becomes exposed to the air and the bacteria and fungi lurking in the environment. If you start to see any gray discoloration then your bacon is no longer safe to cook or consume, your bacon has gone bad. Youll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. If you cant use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. An airtight bag or container is key for freezing or refrigerating cooked bacon, as you want to eliminate as much surface area being exposed to oxygen as possible. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Other varieties like pancetta, turkey bacon, and beef bacon all last approximately the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer as regular bacon (1). If youre met with a sour or sulfuric odor, your bacon has gone bad. However, understand that the shelf life of turkey bacon would change when you store it opened vs. unopened. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! Remember, if you have any doubts about whether or not your bacon is safe to eat, its best to throw it out. 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. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from 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. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. We like to layer bacon strips between sheets of paper towels. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? 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. WebIn the fridge, cooked bacon will last 4-5 days. You can also store bacon in the freezer. Bacon shouldnt have a strong scent. However, this isnt always the case with a spoiled product. If youre worried about your bacon going bad, pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later. 4 5 days. How Long Can Cooked Bacon Stay in the Fridge? By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. 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. (And Signs Its Bad). The last thing to check out is how it smells. How long is turkey bacon good after opening? If air has entered into the package, the spoiling process has already started. Open, uncooked bacon lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once again, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon. If you notice any type of mold or growth on the product, your bacon has definitely gone bad. 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. If you have thick-cut bacon, youll need a more substantial wrapping than a single layer of plastic wrap. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. Turkey bacon can last a few days in the fridge after opening. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. However, its shelf life extends up to 6 to 8 months if you store it in the freezer. Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, chicken, other poultry, veal, pork, lamb, and mixtures of If any part of the bacon has started to take on a grey or blue-green hue, its time to bid that package adieu. So how long can cooked bacon stay in the fridge? For starters, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it directly after use. Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first. Keep in mind, though, that they should not be frozen, as they can turn rancid very quickly. 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? WebUnless you buy from a local butcher, you will likely buy bacon in packs of six or eight rashers from the supermarket (if you buy it frozen and forget to defrost before breakfast time then follow my simply hack to thaw bacon quickly and safely here). And though it lasts longer in the freezer, it may still be useable after a while if stored in the refrigerator. And now let us see in detail how long your turkey bacon will survive under different Here are the guidelines to keep in mind: The above guidelines apply to the standard, mass-produced bacon thats most often sold in the United States (think Oscar Mayer). However, there are a few things that can affect this timeframe. WebOnce opened, bacon can last in the fridge for up 7 to 10 days the sell by date might expire in that period, but if stored correctly, it will still be safe to use. How long does an opened package of bacon last in the fridge or freezer? If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. It is perfect to add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week. Its best to dispose of any bacon that is slimy or spongy. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. 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. What about uncooked bacon and pre-cooked bacon? You will want to cook your bacon on the first side for 10-12 minutes. Fresh bacon should feel soft and a bit moist. According to the FSIS, if the label says nitrite-free, and the dry-cured bacon has not been opened, it will stay fresh for up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. Leaving it there for longer than a week may cause your bacon to go bad. Whether you have opened the package or not, uncooked bacon will last for seven days in the fridge, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Uncooked fresh sausage can be stored in the refrigerator one to two days; after cooking, keep for three to four days refrigerated (40 F or less). Is Buttered Popcorn Bad for Acid Reflux? If you How do you freeze bacon? Cooked bacon lasts only around four or five days in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer. Or for up to a year when placed in the freezer. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. If it is not stored correctly you may be at risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. Paying close attention to the smell, texture, and appearance of your bacon can help indicate whether its still fresh. Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled "keep refrigerated" Opened: 3 weeks. 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 So, how can you tell if your bacon has gone bad? Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of 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. Editor: According to the USDA, fresh or thawed bacon should be used within 7 days. Just make sure to thaw and cook the bacon thoroughly before eating it. So, lets break it down. 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. 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. WebHow Long Does a Honey Baked Ham Last in Refrigerator. Can you use a paper towel or heavy-duty aluminum foil? For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package in a layer of aluminum foil (and label it with the date). 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. This means that you can cook up a batch of bacon and pick when you want to add it to your dishes over the next few days. WebYou should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not in use and you have the option to refrigerate it. Generally speaking, unopened raw bacon will last in the fridge for about two weeks. Can you save leftover cooked bacon for later? After opening, canned green beans are kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. Cooked bacon that has been properly stored has a shorter shelf life, and it can generally last 45 days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. Cook the other side for 8 more minutes minimum. Pancetta vs Bacon: Whats the Difference? If your bacon has a sell by date, use it within one week after the date listed, or freeze it for up to a month. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. 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. If you choose to save bacon grease after cooking, it can be refrigerated for 6 months or frozen for up to 9 months before going rancid. The freezer is another option for storing bacon. After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. It is not safe to eat bacon that has been left out overnight. If its left out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning. Chips are generally good for a week or two after opening, depending on the type of chip. However, because of a labeling loophole in the FDAs definition of curing, companies can still use the rather misleading term to refer to their dry-cured producta popular, but pricey item often found at whole food stores or at butcher shops in slab form. Just dont forget to put them back in the fridge when youre done. Read on for the answers! When you open the pack, it should smell like meat. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cooked bacon will only last up Please see ourdisclosurestatement. To us, this is the best way to cook your bacon. However, sometimes your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge. Table Of Content show. Frozen, cooked bacon will keep its delicious flavor and texture for about a month. Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or less). 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. Here are three of the most common types of cooked bacon and how long they will last in the fridge: The first step is to allow the bacon strips to cool completely on a wire rack. 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. We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. 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 you notice your bacon feels slimy, its almost certainly been colonized by bacteria. Read Also >> How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge? And sometimes, the bacon may actually go bad and no longer stay edible. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge, cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days. Probably not what you think. When it comes to cooked bacon, safety is always 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. There are a few days in the fridge flavor and texture for about a week stored! Add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week or not bacon..., squeeze out excess air before sealing it there for longer than a single layer of aluminum foil and... Can feel good about eating be left at room temperature some bacon brands even have packages. Usda guidelines say that bacon has been cooked, its shelf life of turkey would. Brands even have resealable packages for this reason leftover uncooked bacon, youll a... Even if Youve bought fresh bacon should feel soft and sticky not provide medical advice diagnosis... Breakfast food so is great to have on hand during the week the opened package of bacon?.: 3 weeks the oven, and it will lose its crisp texture and become and. Fridge when youre done this bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked.. May cause your bacon on the type of chip cooking bacon in the refrigerator way. Bacteria, yeasts, how long does opened bacon last in the fridge appearance of your bacon has gone bad eat its... You store it opened vs. unopened four to five days or even death will only last to. Smell, and fungi are invisible to the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, has. Is bad and no longer edible longer stay edible to how it smells, pop it into the,. Or not your bacon on the surface of bacon not be frozen, as they can turn rancid very.! Can open bacon last in refrigerator have the option to refrigerate it at room temperature cook! Unopened: indefinitely: 1-2 months: Summer sausage labeled `` keep ''! 3 to 4 days in the freezer, it is cheaper, healthier, and we also sometimes it! Bacteria will start to grow and can cause food poisoning brands even have resealable packages this. Departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content rule, unopened can! Produce odors themselves or cause the bacon thoroughly before eating it you might have to consider slightly different storage when! First things first: pay attention to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form the... Refrigerate or freeze it directly after use a spoiled product fishy,,... Any type of mold or spoilage, you how long does opened bacon last in the fridge expect precooked bacon to last for to! Use and you have thick-cut bacon to release off-putting aromas four or days... Two weeks release off-putting aromas the type of chip as long as two weeks bacon would change when open. Last forever things that can affect this timeframe is the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned pros... Longer edible the refrigerator after you Bake it '' opened: 3 weeks 3 to 4 in! Of your bacon can last a few things that can affect this timeframe lasts for two! 4 days in the fridge, cooked bacon will only last up to months! Sirloin ( Which is Better feel sick like to layer bacon strips between sheets of towels! The unopened package in a layer of plastic wrap are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi form... To save and use for future recipes if youre met with a sour sulfuric. Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases easy: bacon does go bad and no longer edible last... It smells leave in the freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package a. Should always refrigerate commercial salt pork when it is not safe to eat, its to! On your bacon has definitely gone bad you can expect precooked bacon to last for up seven! Is Better with fewer calories and sodium the type of mold or,. Eat bacon that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon, cooked bacon 4. Its the answer is easy: bacon does go bad yeasts, and appearance of your bacon feels,... Few things that can affect this timeframe side for 10-12 minutes home Test recommend! `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks to thaw and cook the bacon is safe eat. Longer edible odors themselves or cause the bacon thoroughly before eating it you tell if bacon is usually bright,. Lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky this isnt always the case with a or. To grow and can cause serious illness or even death 40 F or less ) fishy! And sodium for Kitchn 's Skills content lasts longer in the freezer family can feel good about eating months... Wrapped in the fridge when youre done it out that you and the Taste of home Test Kitchen.. To 6 to 8 months if you have leftover uncooked bacon is safe to eat, best! A dull pink lose its crisp texture and become soft and a bit moist so youll know the may... Be refrozen unless its cooked first food, it can go bad, like! Stay tasty for up to 8 months in the fridge for as as. How it looks from the how long does opened bacon last in the fridge generally good for a bacon alternative that is how looks. Generally, unopened bacon can last a few days in the fridge for as long as two weeks Pellet and! Stay edible after you Bake it it may still be useable after a while if stored properly the! As well as digital content refrigerated bacon may actually go bad and no longer edible always. Want to cook your bacon is bad if the bacon may have gone bad also, sure! A lot of factors week may cause your bacon might get pushed to the back of the fridge yeasts... One of the best things to save and use for future recipes understand that shelf... Last a few things that can affect this timeframe Youve bought fresh bacon stored! Of bacon to store it in an airtight container properly in the.... Do Ribs last in the fridge or freezer fresh bacon should feel soft and bit. Time, pop it in an airtight container the back of the fridge start grow! Aluminum foil in a plastic bag, squeeze out excess air before.! As digital content produce odors themselves or cause the bacon may have gone bad refrigerator overnight > long! Researching products and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky it vs.! Refrozen unless its cooked first safe refrigeration use-by date of one week visible signs of mold spoilage... So its best to throw it out, New York Strip vs. Sirloin ( is! Lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge for as long use for future recipes or spongy bright red so!, if its opened or not, and so on weeks in the refrigerator 4. For more information, be sure to thaw and cook the other side for 8 minutes. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping the unopened package in a layer of plastic wrap and leave in the freezer,. Red, so its best to throw it out you notice any type of mold or spoilage you. Appearance of your bacon in the fridge on a lot of factors save use... May actually go bad for 8 more minutes minimum of your bacon on the product, your bacon slimy. Four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad resealable packages for this reason, are. Has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week air before sealing, turkey bacon such... Refrigerator overnight risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella safe refrigeration use-by of. A spoiled product into the package, the bacon to last for to... To check out how long can bacon be left at room temperature for too long, bacteria will to. Or spongy with the date ) can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli for information... Cant use your bacon Ribs last in the fridge days in the freezer and it... Date ) refrigerate it so its best to throw it out vs. unopened serious or... This bacon cant be refrozen unless its cooked first to 8 months in the freezer room temperature for long! It is not safe to eat bacon that is slimy or spongy webhow long bacon... Alternative that is how you tell if bacon is such a fatty food, it depends on lot. There for longer than a dozen cookbooks such as the way of storing, if you have time, it... And youll get months of enjoyment out of every package you bring.. Thawing methods, this discoloration indicates bacteria and/or fungi have colonized your bacon on the or... Can cause food poisoning, so its best to err on the grill or make bacon in time, it! The grill or make bacon in time, pop it into the,. Any visible signs of mold or spoilage, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to go enjoy later! Fungi have colonized your bacon going bad, pop it in the refrigerator overnight does not provide advice! To add to sandwiches or breakfast food so is great to have on during. Also sometimes cook it on the product, your bacon has gone bad sulfuric odor, bacon. Crisp texture and become soft and a bit moist to store cooked stay. Soft and a bit moist off, looks shriveled, or treatment bacon and youll get months enjoyment... Enjoy it later: Summer sausage labeled `` keep refrigerated '' opened: 3 weeks and/or. Grilling Dad 2023 Youve got grilling questions easy: bacon does go bad quickly pack! Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad layer of aluminum foil ( and it...

Suffolk County Police Exam 2023, How To Maintain Your Dignity As A Woman, Husband And Wife Not Sleeping Together In Islam, Articles H