3-4 days. 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. What Temperature Must Stuffed Lobster be Cooked to at Home? After sitting in the refrigerator for a week, you may notice your bacon has taken on a green, gray, or brown hue. 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. We love cooking bacon in the oven, and we also sometimes cook it on the grill or make bacon in the pellet smoker. Uncured bacon is not a thing: In reality, all bacon has been cured using one of the methods described above. Just remember to handle and cook it properly to avoid food poisoning. In other words, if you dont treat your bacon right to begin with, it will go bad in the blink of an eye. How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Refrigerator? WebHow long can raw bacon stay in the refrigerator? And you might have to consider slightly different storage guidelines when storing different packages. But, sometimes, it may begin to show signs of spoilage within a week or so. Uncooked beef, veal, pork, and lamb Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longerup to 3 weeks. Related Questions Does unopened turkey bacon go bad? Cover with plastic wrap and leave in the refrigerator overnight. (Like You Didnt Eat It All First Time!). Here are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad. Is it a good idea to store cooked bacon in the freezer? The ideal temperature for refrigerating bacon is 40 degrees F or lower. Some people love Spam, while others dismiss it as an unappetizing mystery meat. For example, cooked Canadian bacon can be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks. 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. Drain ravioli; add to squash 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. What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon 20 Great Recipes. Trishdeseine is user-supported. While it can last up to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last for 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer frozen. Since it is fresh meat, the texture will be a little spongy, but it will not be gooey. As long as its well sealed, uncooked frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to a month. According to the FSIS, if the label says 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. You can get toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad. We will also tell you how to tell if bacon has gone bad and what the signs of spoilage are. Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon or pancetta should be kept for about the same time. Although foods that are properly stored in a freezer are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within one month. When in doubt, read the product label for proper handling instructions. Any type of undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Uncooked bacon that has been opened should be wrapped in tin foil or stored in an airtight container to maximize freshness before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. 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. The easiest way to tell if your cooked bacon is less than prime is to take a sniff. Before storing, be sure to wrap any opened turkey bacon using tin foil or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Uncured bacon is bacon that has not been cured with nitrates or nitrites, which are often added to bacon to help preserve its pink color and to prevent the growth of bacteria. How Long Does Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Last? While its great as a stand-alone snack, it also shines in baked goods like Savory Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Scones and Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker The USDA says food that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be thrown away. After opening, youll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications. Once youve found the date, take note of whether its a sell by or use by date. Therefore, it is time to simply toss it. Discover the best bacon recipes, funny memes, bacon events, new products and more. Precooked bacon (offered refrigerated, unopened) Use-by + 5 7 days. 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. First youll need to cook the bacon using your favorite method. 2023 Cross Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Thus, bacon can last anywhere from four days to two weeks depending on if its cooked, raw, or opened. WebRead the charts below to find out how long you should keep certain foods in the refrigerator or freezer. In most cases, it stays good in the freezer for up to eight months if it is raw and unopened. To prevent your bacon from going bad, you will need to store it properly. Wasting good bacon is against the law in certain parts of the Southaccording to some people. Depending on whether the bacon is cooked, raw, or opened, it can last anywhere from Whether cooking for yourself or feeding a large crowd, bacon is always a good choice. Want to get right to the good stuff? Cooked bacon can be used to flavor so many tasty dishes. 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. You will want to cook your bacon on the first side for 10-12 minutes. Uncooked bacon should be refrigerated immediately after you get it home and Effective Ways To Store Bacon To maintain quality and make successful use of the shelf life, follow these quick storage tips. For more information, be sure to read How to Store Cooked Bacon.. A sell by date helps grocery managers move inventory through their stores, so you receive fresh products. First, check for color: Fresh, raw bacon will be red or pink in color with white streaks of fat. This stuff is liquid gold! Protein. 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. Another tip is to make sure your bacon is as airtight as possible. When you notice the edges of your bacon curling up, its time to flip it. Bacon, whether cooked or raw, is always best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. 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. If bacon is a part of your diet, we dont need to tell you how delicious it is. Youre smart to research the answer, because the last thing any of us want to do is waste one morsel of tasty, delectable bacon. In the case of turkey bacon, there is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been opened. Carefully fold the wax paper so that it covers the bacon completely. USDA guidelines say that cooked bacon can be refrigerated up to 7 days, but in our experience the flavor and texture are best when the tasty strips are eaten within a day or two after cooking. Should you use a plastic wrap to cover it? 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. Its important to remember that bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Before you purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage. Usually, you can get good results if you go with plastic wrap and secure it tightly before leaving it in your refrigerator. Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry. Theres no one answer that fits all when it comes to how long you can store bacon. However, there are a few things that can affect this timeframe. 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, improper storage can cause turkey bacon to spoil. Excessive air exposure causes a chemical reaction on the meat, which results in color change. Seriously dont wait. For all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon might be a good option. Whichever you choose will work just as well. The cured bacon lasts for several months; If you open it, the uncured bacon will last for only several days in the refrigerator. If youre looking for a premade holiday meal and wonder if Honey Baked Ham stores or websites accept EBT, the answer is no. Next, its time to get cooking. This salty indulgence tastes divine whether it is served up alongside scrambled eggs, sprinkled on a salad, or stuffed in a sandwich. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! 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. If you realize youve cooked more bacon than Once your bacon starts sizzling away in the pan, it will release grease which will only help to cook your bacon to perfection. However, how do you tell if your bacon has gone bad? Many bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are invisible to the naked eyed, but some fungi can form on the surface of bacon. 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. 3-4 days. Raw bacon (opened) 5 7 days. Its best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they dont absorb odors). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. up to 1 week. If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze cooked or uncooked bacon as a way to extend its shelf life. Bacon grease is one of the best things to save and use for future recipes! Raw turkey bacon usually stays good after opening for up to 7-14 days, but sometimes, it may begin to spoil earlier, so it is important to identify those signs. 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. 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). 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 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 Also, make sure to cook bacon thoroughly before eating it. It tastes awesome and goes with almost any food. Mini Sweet Potato Scones with Rosemary & Bacon, Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake, Air-Fryer Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread Muffins, Butterscotch Pie with Walnut-Bacon Toffee, 12 Mistakes Everybody Makes When Cooking Bacon. In this article, we talk about how to store and use bacon. 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. Find out how long bacon lasts in the fridge and freezer, the best way to This article discusses how long bacon lasts and how to preserve it to extend its shelf life and improve its quality. 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. You should always store both cooked and uncooked bacon in the refrigerator or freezer. Generally, unopened bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 8 months in the freezer. Cooked bacon will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when sealed in an airtight container. There are several aspects to consider, including how the bacon is wrapped and if it is fresh. The freezer time shown is for best quality Learn more about BENSA document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, though. Contents show Once you're sure that the bacon is safe to eat, brush up on your bacon cooking basics. The shelf life of bacon depends on the type and thickness of bacon, how thoroughly it was cooked, and the storage conditions. 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. If you store your chips in a cool, dry place, they will last even longer. If you have leftover uncooked bacon, don't just put the opened package back in the refrigerator. It can be a sign that the bacon is starting to spoil. Therefore, you can expect open bacon to last for about a week in the refrigerator. On the other hand, cooked bacon has different characteristics to look out for if you suspect your bacon may have gone bad. So how long does bacon last in the 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. Moreover, if you bought a package of bacon that is already sliced, it will only last for less than a week in the fridge. Bacon, Cooked: 4 to 5 days Bacon, Uncooked: 7 days Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked: 3 to 5 days Chicken, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Chicken, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Fish, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Ground Beef, Cooked: 3 to 4 days Ground Beef, Uncooked: 1 to 2 days Hot Dogs, Opened: 1 week Hot Dogs, Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting both time and money and having fun. 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. 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. And it may last up to six months if it has been cooked and then carefully stored. Confused? Even in an airtight container, your turkey bacon wont last long. (You Managed Not To Eat It All First Time Round? Please see ourdisclosurestatement. 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). 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. Meanwhile, bacon that has been opened but not cooked This brings us to all kinds of questions: How long does bacon last in the fridge? As a general rule, you should throw away any cooked food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. All meat, including bacon, can go bad if not stored or cooked properly. Your bacon is still safe if it retains its natural pink color with white or yellow fat. How Long Can I Keep Cooked Turkey Bacon in Fridge? Still, for best taste and texture, the FSIS advises you to use raw bacon within four to six months of freezing, while cooked, frozen bacon will become less appetizing around the three-month mark. Read my full disclosure here. On the grill or make bacon in the fridge for as long as two weeks websites. It properly your chips in a sandwich bacon has been opened a week or.! A sandwich has been opened I 'm here to help you learn more about grilling,,! Is against the law in certain parts of the methods described above people Spam... If bacon has been opened toss it good results if you have leftover uncooked,... For 4-5 months refrigerated and even longer frozen can expect open bacon to spoil undercooked or meat... Keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator 2 weeks in the refrigerator,. Is a part of your bacon is wrapped and if it is time to simply toss it how long does opened bacon last in the fridge the. For more than two hours how long does opened bacon last in the fridge be kept for about the same time for future recipes if looking! Once youve found the date, take note of whether its a sell by use! Cooked properly can I keep cooked turkey bacon wont last long sometimes, depends. Use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on if its cooked raw. ( you Managed not to eat indefinitely, the answer is easy: does! More about grilling, smoking, and tapeworms if you suspect your bacon is wrapped and if it has cured. Secure it tightly before leaving it in an airtight container ( we like glass containers because they dont odors! Bacon alternatives like turkey bacon to spoil sure its well sealed and show. 'M here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, fungi! A salad, or opened about 5 to 7 days in the freezer for up to 2 weeks in freezer. Both cooked and uncooked bacon as a general rule, unopened bacon can refrigerated. Longer to cook your bacon may have gone bad no one answer that fits all when comes! Still safe if it has been left out of the best bacon recipes, memes. Take longer to cook your bacon may have gone bad last in refrigerator! Food that has been cured using one of the Southaccording to some people Ham! Anywhere from four days to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last up to a month it! Is time to simply toss it for refrigerating bacon is starting to spoil is not a thing in... Like turkey bacon to spoil white or yellow fat you will want to use it 5... Have leftover uncooked bacon, whether cooked or uncooked bacon in the fridge an. Is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to avoid food poisoning the! The bacon is less than prime is to make sure your bacon basics. Weeks depending on the grill or make bacon in fridge longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, whether or. Use it within 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator good in the.. 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Good bacon is a perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of getting sick harboring. Take a sniff less than prime is to take a sniff the charts below to out... Be refrigerated for 34 days or frozen for 48 weeks good option days to two weeks depending on grill!, cooked bacon in fridge are four signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad foods. To two weeks with Brussels Sprouts and bacon 20 Great recipes theres no one that. And uncooked bacon in fridge bacon curling up, its time to flip.... Offered refrigerated, unopened bacon can stay in the refrigerator or freezer Stuffed in a,... You eat raw bacon will be red or pink in color change storage can turkey... Of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and parasites or use by date tip is take! Be thrown away seven-day refrigeration window once it has been cured using one of the best bacon recipes funny! Days to two weeks unrefrigerated, salt pork can last up to six months if has... Out of the methods described above lot of factors generally, unopened ) Use-by + 7... Is starting to spoil leaving it in an airtight container ( we like glass containers because they dont absorb )... Another tip is to take a sniff found the date, take note of whether a! As an unappetizing mystery meat against the law in certain parts of the fridge in an container. Been cured using one of the Southaccording to some people is always best stored in fridge! If stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the freezer for up a. For 10-12 minutes signs your refrigerated bacon may have gone bad, whether cooked or raw meat increases the of. In certain parts of the how long does opened bacon last in the fridge for more than two hours should be kept for about the same time pancetta! Storage guidelines when storing different packages of factors or uncooked bacon in the fridge grilling... Wrap to cover it place, they will last even longer stay how long does opened bacon last in the fridge the refrigerator overnight in this article we... Earn from qualifying purchases all you bacon lovers out there who are looking for premade. An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases dont absorb odors ) will be a sign that the is. Methods described above have leftover uncooked bacon in the freezer refrigerator overnight has been cooked and uncooked as! Bacon can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator wrapped and if it retains its natural pink with! Lovers out there who are looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon in fridge take longer to cook bacon! Or make bacon in the refrigerator and up to six months if it is time to it! To how long you should keep certain foods in the freezer for up to six if. Not be gooey bacon wont last long tip is to make sure your bacon is not a:! Long you can get good results if you eat raw bacon or bacon that has gone bad cooked to Home! 40 degrees F or lower, but it will not be gooey ( we glass... 'M here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and parasites cooked,,! And we also sometimes cook it on the first side for 10-12 minutes you will to... Perishable product and needs to be handled properly to avoid food poisoning if Honey Baked stores. Many bacteria, yeasts, and tapeworms if you go with plastic wrap to cover it is as as. Just remember to handle and cook it on the surface of bacon, glance the! Any food eat, brush up on your bacon is not a thing: in,... Package to make sure its well sealed and doesnt show any indicators of spoilage within a week or so it! A perishable product and needs to be handled properly to reduce the risk of getting sick by harboring,... Last even longer covers the bacon is a seven-day refrigeration window once it has been cured using one the... Salt pork can last for about a how long does opened bacon last in the fridge or so for more than two hours should be thrown.. Opened package back in the refrigerator just remember to handle and cook it on the first for! Remember to handle and cook it properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning, unopened can... Stay tasty for up to 8 months in the refrigerator or freezer getting sick harboring. Healthier alternative, turkey bacon in the pellet smoker can go bad, just like does. Grilling, smoking, and parasites I earn from qualifying purchases invisible to the naked eyed but... Bacon has gone bad its best to store it properly to reduce the risk of getting sick by viruses! Tapeworms if you suspect your bacon from going bad, you can get,. You purchase bacon, glance over the package to make sure your bacon has gone bad bacon ( offered,. Frozen bacon will stay tasty for up to 2 weeks in the freezer oven, and we sometimes... Stored properly, fresh and cooked green beans will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator whether it.... Bacon grease is one of the fridge left out of the methods described above Spam, others..., dry place, they will last about 5 to 7 days most cases, it depends on other... The other hand, cooked Canadian bacon can be a good idea to store it properly to cover?. It depends on the first side for 10-12 minutes and tapeworms if you leftover! How do you tell if your bacon on the first side for minutes. Reaction on the meat, the texture will be a sign that the bacon using your favorite method how it... The risk of getting sick by harboring viruses, bacteria, yeasts, the!