Have you ever bought bacon and wondered, “How Long Is Bacon Good For In The Fridge?” It’s a common question, whether you’ve opened a pack and not used it all, or you’ve cooked up a batch and have leftovers. Understanding bacon shelf life is crucial for food safety and preventing waste. This guide will cover everything you need to know about storing bacon safely in the fridge and freezer, plus tips on how to tell if your bacon has gone bad, and explore different types of bacon.
How Long Does Bacon Last?
Knowing how long bacon lasts depends on whether it’s cooked or uncooked, and whether the package has been opened. Here’s a breakdown to help you keep your bacon fresh and delicious:
Unopened Bacon
If you’ve just purchased bacon from the grocery store and it’s still sealed in its original packaging, you’re in good shape for a couple of weeks.
- Sealed, unopened bacon: Generally, unopened bacon can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Always check the “use by” or “best by” date printed on the package for the most accurate guideline from the manufacturer. This date is a good indicator of how long the bacon will remain at its best quality.
Opened Raw Bacon
Once you open a package of bacon, the clock starts ticking a bit faster, regardless of whether you cook it or not. Exposure to air and potential contaminants can shorten its shelf life.
- Opened raw bacon: After opening, raw bacon should be used within 1 week if stored properly in the fridge. To maximize its freshness, ensure you reseal the opened package tightly. You can use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place the bacon in a zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. However, if you were already close to the “use by” date when you opened the package, it’s best to use it sooner rather than later.
Cooked Bacon
Cooked bacon is a fantastic addition to quick meals and snacks. If you find yourself with leftover cooked bacon, proper storage is key to maintaining its quality and safety.
- Cooked bacon: Cooked bacon will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored correctly. The best way to store cooked bacon is in an airtight container. This helps to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge. Make sure the bacon has cooled down completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation buildup in the container.
Freezing Bacon: Extend Bacon’s Lifespan
Freezing bacon is an excellent way to extend its shelf life significantly. Whether it’s unopened, opened raw, or cooked, bacon freezes quite well.
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Sealed, unopened bacon: You can freeze unopened bacon directly in its original packaging. It will maintain its quality for up to 6 months in the freezer. For optimal quality and to prevent freezer burn over longer periods, consider wrapping the package in an extra layer of freezer wrap or placing it inside a freezer-safe bag.
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Opened raw bacon: To freeze opened raw bacon, it’s recommended to first reseal the original packaging tightly. Then, place the package inside a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can wrap the bacon in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen opened raw bacon is best used within 3 months for the best quality.
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Cooked bacon: For cooked bacon, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer the cooled bacon to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. For added protection against freezer burn, especially if you plan to store it for longer than a few weeks, double-bag the bacon or wrap the freezer bag in aluminum foil. Cooked bacon stored in the freezer will keep well for up to 3 months.
How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad: Spoilage Signs
Even with proper storage, bacon can eventually go bad. It’s important to know the signs of spoilage to avoid foodborne illness. Due to its high fat content, bacon can become rancid if not stored correctly or used within its recommended timeframe. Here are the key indicators that your uncooked bacon has spoiled:
Visual Signs
- Color Changes: Fresh, uncooked bacon should have a vibrant pink color with white fat. If the bacon has started to fade to a lighter pink, it’s nearing the end of its freshness. More concerningly, if you notice any brown, gray, or greenish discoloration, it’s a clear sign that the bacon has spoiled and should be discarded immediately. These color changes indicate bacterial growth and potential rancidity.
Smell Test
- Off Odor: Smell is a very reliable indicator of bacon spoilage. If your bacon has developed a sour or rancid smell, it has definitely gone bad. Fresh bacon should have a mild, slightly smoky and salty aroma. Cooked bacon will also emit an unpleasant “off” smell once it’s no longer safe to eat. If you detect any unusual or funky odors, err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Texture Check
- Slimy or Sticky Texture: Uncooked bacon that has spoiled often undergoes a change in texture. If the bacon feels sticky or slimy to the touch, this is a strong indication of bacterial growth and that it’s no longer safe to consume. Fresh bacon should feel slightly moist but not sticky or slimy.
Types of Bacon: Exploring Different Bacon Varieties
While American-style bacon is the most common type, there’s a diverse world of bacon to explore, each with its unique flavor and texture profile. Understanding these differences can enhance your culinary experiences with bacon.
American-Style Bacon
- American-style bacon is the bacon most people picture when they think of bacon. It’s made from pork belly that is cured with salt, often smoked, and then thinly sliced into strips. This is the type of bacon widely used in breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and many bacon recipes due to its balanced fat-to-meat ratio and crispy texture when cooked.
Slab Bacon
- Slab bacon is essentially a whole, unsliced smoked pork belly. Before American-style bacon becomes strips, it starts as slab bacon. Buying bacon in slab form allows you to customize the thickness of your slices – you can cut it thick for hearty bacon steaks or thin for crispy crumbles. Slab bacon offers versatility in cooking and presentation.
Canadian Bacon
- Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon, is different from traditional bacon as it’s cut from the pork loin, which is much leaner than the belly. It’s circular in shape and has a more ham-like flavor and texture. Canadian bacon is often smoked and is a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, and as a pizza topping.
Pancetta
- Pancetta is an Italian-style bacon that is cured but not smoked. It’s typically made from pork belly that is cured with salt, black pepper, and various spices, then rolled into a cylinder and dried. You’ll often find pancetta diced or thinly sliced. Its flavor is richer and less smoky than American bacon. Pancetta is widely used in Italian cuisine, particularly in pasta dishes like carbonara, and can also be cooked and enjoyed for breakfast.
Best Practices for Bacon Storage: Fridge and Freezer Guide
To summarize, here’s a quick guide on how to store bacon properly in both the fridge and freezer to maximize its shelf life and safety:
Fridge Storage
- Unopened Packages: Store unopened bacon packages in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks, always referring to the “use by” date on the label.
- Opened Raw Bacon: Keep opened, uncooked bacon in the fridge for up to 1 week, ensuring it’s tightly sealed in its original packaging or a zip-top bag with excess air removed.
- Cooked Bacon: Store cooked bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
- Unopened Packages: Freeze unopened bacon in its original packaging for up to 6 months. For extended storage, consider additional freezer wrap.
- Opened Raw Bacon: Freeze opened raw bacon for up to 3 months by resealing the package and placing it in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air.
- Cooked Bacon: Freeze cooked bacon in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For longer freezer storage or extra protection, double-bag or wrap the bag in foil.
Delicious Bacon Recipes to Enjoy
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to store bacon and identify spoilage, let’s move on to the best part – cooking and enjoying it! Bacon is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are some easy and delicious bacon recipes to inspire your next meal:
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
For an elegant appetizer guaranteed to impress, you can’t go wrong with these Bacon Wrapped Scallops. I love the crispy, salty bacon with succulent scallops!
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Skillet Fried Potato Hash with Bacon and Eggs
Bacon, eggs, and potatoes come together in one hearty, filling dish with this Skillet Fried Potato Hash. Perfect for breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner!
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus makes an easy and elegant side dish for any meal. It pairs beautifully with a grilled steak!
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Armadillo Eggs
Armadillo Eggs feature jalapeno poppers covered in sausage and wrapped in bacon. A southern BBQ classic that’s sure to be a hit at any party!
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Bacon Wrapped Smokies (3 ways!)
These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the perfect game day appetizer. Whether you choose the original bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar or shake things up by adding some pineapple or jalapeno slices, you can’t go wrong with this easy cocktail weiner recipe.
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Old Fashioned Bacon Bourbon
Bacon in a cocktail? Yup! This Old Fashioned Bacon Bourbon is strong and smooth, with a super fun hint of salty bacon flavor and aroma.
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Cheesy Grilled Skillet Potatoes with Bacon and Herbs
These Cheesy Grilled Skillet Potatoes with Bacon & Herbs is layered with sweet onions, bacon, herbs, and cheese. Butter adds richness. Our family loves this dish!
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Lemon Broccoli with Beans and Bacon
Lemon Broccoli with Beans and Bacon is an easy great northern beans recipe with roasted broccoli, chewy-crisp bites of bacon, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s humble, yet stunning!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Hotdish
This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Hotdish brings two classic dishes together to make the ultimate comfort food. A family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Herby Crustless Quiche with Crab and Bacon
This Crustless Quiche with Crab and Bacon is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for brunch with the girls and can easily be passed off as dinner too.
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Breakfast Egg Salad with Bacon
This breakfast egg salad is creamy and loaded with flavor. There’s just something magical about the addition of bacon. It’s the perfect way to get your day started off on the right foot!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Rolls
These Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Rolls are a fun party appetizer but can also be enjoyed as lunch or dinner. Kid-approved and easy to make!
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Cowboy Beans
Move over, baked beans! These Cowboy Beans, made with beans, bacon, and beef, are here to steal the show. The perfect addition to grill night or your next family gathering.
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Million Dollar Dip
With bacon, cheddar cheese, and almonds, this Million Dollar Dip is an addicting party appetizer everyone is sure to love. Quick and easy to prepare!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
A fun twist on the classic, this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup has all the flavors of your favorite burger. A cozy, filling soup for those chilly nights!
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Butter Board with Bacon Butter
This Butter Board with Bacon Butter will become a new favorite for all your gatherings. Similar to a charcuterie board, it’s made with bacon butter and a mixture of sweet and savory toppings. Just swipe and enjoy!
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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad features elbow macaroni and bites of bacon, bell pepper, tomato, and cheddar cheese, all folded together in a creamy, tangy ranch dressing. It’s a potluck side that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Topped with a simple dressing that’s lightly creamy and full of tangy flavor, this homemade Broccoli Salad is loaded with fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots – plus bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. It’s an easy side dish with big-time flavor!
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German Potato Salad
This warm German Potato Salad recipe features tender red potatoes and bites of bacon in a delightfully tangy bacon, vinegar, and mustard dressing. Our family enjoys this salad all year ’round!
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Bacon Bow Ties
Buttery crackers, salty bacon, and brown sugar are a match made in heaven. You’ll love this fun Bacon Bow Ties appetizer!
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Holiday Wild Rice Salad
My Holiday Wild Rice Salad is a beautiful deconstructed salad featuring nutty wild rice, bacon, blue cheese, and sweet winter fruits. Paired with an easy-to-make DELICIOUS maple Dijon dressing, you’re going to want this salad all winter long!
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Enjoy your bacon safely and deliciously! By following these storage guidelines, you can minimize waste and ensure you’re always ready to cook up some tasty bacon dishes.
