An unpleasant slimy texture, verging on stickiness, will form on spoiled turkey bacon. The exact answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep bacon refrigerated at all times. If you follow our above advice, you should in most instances be absolutely fine. Here are 6 "indulgent" foods that are low-carb. (Note: Bacon bits freeze well, and can last up to six months if you wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer.). With proper storage, the shelf life of bacon can range from a few days to a few months in the fridge or freezer. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). And now let us see in detail how long your turkey bacon will survive under different Now, lets get into the real reason why youve come to this post. By storing it this way, you can expect your thick-cut bacon to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you have bacon stored in the fridge longer than the advised five days, we do not recommend consuming it. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. When stored tightly wrapped in the fridge, cooked turkey bacon will last for up to three days. Want to get right to the good stuff? 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. If you prefer crispy bacon, then cook a little longer in the pan. However, some people have raised concerns over potentially harmful compounds. (FYI: Per the Washington Post, theres no evidence that dry-cured bacon is any healthier or has less nitrite than mass-produced bacon.). (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Youll find that some manufacturers include a sell-by or use-by date on the packaging, though its not required by the USDA. 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. Most people love bacon. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. Once bacon has been cooked, its best to store it in an airtight container. 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. Remember, bacon isnt just a breakfast food. If youre guessing this means its time to toss your bacon, youre right! Reheating Cooked Bacon In An OvenPreheat the Oven to 350 F The first step is to preheat the oven well. Turn it to 350 degrees F and let it heat up thoroughly. Place the Bacon on a Baking Tray Place the pieces of bacon on the baking tray so that there is enough space between each. Bake for up to 5 Minutes or Less 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. 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. That If you realize youve cooked more bacon than you can use in the next week, you can always freeze cooked bacon, too. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. To do this, follow our super-simple steps above which will guide you through the perfect steps to cook delicious, crispy bacon. 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. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. Cooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. Is Buttered Popcorn Bad for Acid Reflux? September 4, 2022 by eatwithus. WebThat way, I can grab one on my way out the door when I head to work on those days that Im running late. Learn more. Storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer by wrapping it properly or placing it in an airtight container can help maximize its shelf life. Paying close attention to the smell, texture, and appearance of your bacon can help indicate whether its still fresh. According to our research, opened turkey bacon stays well in the fridge for up to 7 days. 4 months. Its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning. Table Of Content show. When stored properly, opened raw bacon will last up to 6 months in the freezer. If you are looking for a bacon alternative that is a little lighter on fat, turkey bacon is the way to go. Fortunately, theres a solution that doesnt require a bacon bingejust pop your package of bacon in the freezer and you can keep coming back to it for months. Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. How Long Does Cooked Beef Last in the Fridge? Store your bacon in an airtight container or aluminum foil for a maximum of four to five days. For example, plain potato chips will last longer than chips that are flavored or have a dip. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating bacon, its best to go to the hospital to be on the safe side. Or perhaps you find yourself buying a bit more than your family can eat. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. ), If you can eat bacon after it sits out overnight. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. Hi, I'm Eliza! Unopened: 3 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. Chips are generally good for a week or two after opening, depending on the type of chip. That is how you tell if bacon is bad and no longer edible. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so youll know its going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. And if you're in need of some recipe inspiration, I recommend these Bacon Pancakes. Have you ever experienced the rare, almost-unheard-of phenomenon of having leftover bacon, and wondered, How long does cooked bacon last in the refrigerator?. Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend. Many people think that curing bacon would make it last longer but that is not always the case. Even if its before the use by or sell by date on your package, your bacon may still be bad. Once opened, the chicken will last three to four days, as well. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? Seriously dont wait. Youll know the bacon is bad if the smell is sour, fishy, rotting, or makes you feel sick. What About Dry-Cured Bacon? If you open the pack and you get a strong fishy or rotten smell, it is time to put that bacon in the garbage. Probably not what you think. Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. If stored properly in the fridge, you can expect precooked bacon to last for four to five days or even up to seven. 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). How long is turkey bacon good after opening? up to 1 week. Drain ravioli; add to squash Youll know when its no longer good to use because it will smell rancid, and it will make anything thats cooked in it taste a little funky. 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. Bacon that has a sour smell or rotting odor should also be thrown out, as this is another sign of spoilage. Cool it completely, and then wrap the tasty strips tightly using the tips above and refrigerate. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. Bacon that has gone bad will often have an odor. 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. Cooked bacon has the shortest lifespan of them all. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. Unlike bread or other foods, mold is less of a concern of course, if you leave that jar long enough, mold will certainly grow. Then cook up some fresh, tasty bacon and enjoy its incomparable flavor! If you think the bacon you ate might be bad, its best to see a doctor as soon as possible. (And Signs Its Bad), 321 Ribs How To Smoke Ribs (The Easy Way), 10 Best Meat Slicers for Home Use (2023 Review), Hamburger Temperature Guide for Grilling (Free Temp Chart! How Long are Chips Good for After Opening? |, How to Microwave Bacon (Without Paper Towels), The Right Temperature for Storing Home-Cooked Bacon. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. This article explores the health effects of processed meat. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. 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 all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. Meanwhile, cooked bacon should be separated into small portions and wrapped with paper towels prior to freezing. If the bacon has been sitting out longer than that, its best to play it safe and discard it. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. Even if youve bought fresh bacon and stored it properly, it wont last forever. 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. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You. But, keep in mind that there is a possibility that bacon goes bad much earlier than this. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but youll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. There are instances when spoiled turkey bacon is so obviously off that you can trash it without even trying to touch it. So, lets break it down. Turkey bacon has a natural pink shade, neither too dark nor too light. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and Unfortunately, bacon doesnt have an endless shelf life; in fact, you might want to eat it up faster than you think. Once you open that package, bacons shelf life shortens whether you cook it or not. Fridge. I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. In the case of turkey However, its shelf life extends up to 6 to 8 months if you store it in the freezer. Its important to keep in mind that turkey bacon has a shorter shelf life than regular bacon because it is leaner and doesnt have as much fat. 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. 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. StillTasty notes you can keep chicken in the freezer for nine months. Bacon shouldnt have a strong scent. Jul 17, 2019 Knowledge Article Packaged lunch meats can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening. Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and used within 10 days. If you store your chips in a cool, dry place, they will last even longer. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? Due to this, ensure that any surfaces that your raw bacon has touched are properly sanitized afterward. If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. Bacon that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking; bacon that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked immediately. To maximize your bacon enjoyment, its crucial to know how to store it properly to avoid any safety issues. If youre not sure whether your bacon is still good to eat, its a good idea to check the color. How long does bacon last after being frozen and thawed? Trishdeseine is user-supported. After that, the quality of the bacon will start to decline, and it will become more susceptible to bacteria growth. As the risk of turkey bacon going bad is for real, you have to check it carefully before you reuse it. Opened Package After opening, canned green beans are kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. USDA guidelines say that bacon has a safe refrigeration use-by date of one week. This only takes about five minutes and will help to avoid any burning of the meat. Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon events, new products and more. If you want tolearn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources! Its critical to store your bacon properly, so it lasts in the fridge for as long as possible. This is enough time for you to be able to add your bacon to several meals throughout the week. Fresh bacon should have tantalizing strips of white fat marbled with pinkish-red meat. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. This stuff is liquid gold! WebProperly stored, unopened bacon will maintain best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. Cooked bacon. However, some people say that it can even last up to 14 days past its expiration date when stored in your fridge. 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. Learn more about why you can trust our recommendations. If it is not stored correctly you may be at risk of bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella. 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). When bacon is stored in the fridge, theres no need to wait for it to thaw. (Like You Didnt Eat It All First Time!). While the USDA doesnt require manufacturers to label bacon with a date, many companies choose to add a use by or a sell by date. Eating processed meat is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer. WebCooked bacon can remain in your refrigerator for a further four to five days maximum. While she spends most of her time writing these days, she still exercises her culinary muscles on the regular, taking any opportunity to turn local, seasonal ingredients into beautiful meals for her family. The microbes may produce odors themselves or cause the bacon to release off-putting aromas. Hard or dry sausage (such as pepperoni and Genoa salami), whole and unopened, can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator or for up to six weeks in the pantry. WebCooked bacon will usually stay good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer. After years of working in professional kitchens, Lindsay traded her knives in for the pen. Squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing it, or use a vacuum air sealer. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Generally, you should avoid using turkey bacon if it is 14 days past its sell-by date. Freeze it properly. Read my full disclosure here. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. WebRead the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. When spoiled, the signature red hue of your bacon may start to become dull and fade into a grey, brown, or greenish color. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to Bad bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. That said, some types of bacon (i.e., dry-cured) will stay fresh in the fridge for longer. Help to avoid any safety issues that said, some people say that bacon is and. There are several aspects to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages freezing. 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A weekly podcast about food and travel departments and edits those sections of issue.