Are you a bacon lover? If so, it’s essential to understand “How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge“.
Bacon can be a delicious and healthy addition to many meals, but ensuring that it is safe to consume takes priority over all else.
Knowing when your cooked bacon has gone past its expiration date not only helps protect your health but also reduces food waste as well.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about how long cooked bacon lasts in the refrigerator.
We will cover topics such as storage tips and even dive into facts about salmonella risk.
What Is Bacon?
Bacon is a salt-cured pig product. Bacon is made from various types of cuts, most commonly hog belly or back cuts.
The back cut has less fat compared to the belly. It is consumed as a side dish (especially at breakfast), or as a little ingredient to flavor recipes.
Bacon is usually cured and smoked in one of two ways: Either with a dry rub or by soaking it in brine before smoking.
Dry-cured bacon will generally be firmer and have a stronger flavor than wet-cured bacon, but requires more preparation time.
In either case, the curing process both preserves and flavors the meat.
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be fried, grilled, baked, boiled or even smoked.
And because it’s so flavourful, it goes well with many different foods – from eggs to sandwiches to vegetables.
Bacon
Some Nutrition Facts About Bacon
Bacon is high in fat and calories, and contains a significant amount of sodium. However, it is also a source of several vitamins and minerals, such as thiamine and selenium.
It is important to note that bacon should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cooked bacon provide:
Calories: 544 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fat: 48 grams
Protein: 28 grams
Sodium: 1,503 mg
Thiamin: 0.1 mg (7% of Daily Value)
Selenium: 10 mcg (14% of Daily Value)
Bacon can be enjoyed in many different ways – from a savory breakfast dish to a flavourful ingredient in recipes.
With its distinct taste and texture, it’s easy to understand why bacon remains so popular among food lovers all over the world.
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How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last In The Fridge?
In general, cooked bacon can last for up to five days in the fridge if it is properly stored.
To extend the shelf life of cooked bacon, refrigerate it in airtight containers or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Additionally, make sure that your refrigerator temperature is at 40°F (4°C) or lower.
According to USDA recommendations, cooked bacon may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, but in reality, the flavor and texture are at their finest when the delectable strips are consumed within a day or two of cooking.
Choose to keep your bacon in a container that is airtight and just remove what you intend to use right away to avoid it going bad too rapidly.
When compared to reheating every slice of bacon at once and then storing it in a refrigerator, this method significantly extends the duration of storage of your product.
Regardless of how long time passes between preparation and consumption, make sure to always let the meat cool before refrigerating it.
How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last In The Freezer?
In fact, cooked bacon can also be frozen and will last for up to one month when stored correctly.
It’s best to freeze the bacon in an air-tight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or freezer paper before freezing.
If you want to eat the frozen bacon, let it defrost overnight in the fridge then reheat and eat it later.
How Long Does Uncooked Bacon Last In The Fridge?
Uncooked bacon will keep in the refrigerator for a comparable amount of time as conventional bacon prepared at home.
Precooked bacon should be kept in the fridge for a period of four to five days, and maybe even for a maximum of seven.
Safety is always first at all times when it comes to cooked bacon. Cooked food shouldn’t often be kept out at the temperature of the room for longer than two hours.
It is preferable to be safe and throw away the bacon if it has been left out for an extended period of time.
It could be simpler to wrap the bacon firmly and prevent extra air when it is divided into separate sections for storage.
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How Long After Opening Is Bacon Safe To Consume?
The answer to this question is determined by the type and quality of bacon that you have purchased.
Generally, both pre-packaged and freshly sliced bacon will last for about a week after opening if properly stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
Cooked bacon has a shorter lifetime than uncooked bacon due to the fact that it contains fewer preservatives.
If not properly stored, cooked bacon can spoil quickly and cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is advised to consume cooked bacon within four to five days of opening.
Additionally, check the expiration date on packages of pre-cooked bacon before purchasing them as they may expire sooner than their “use by” dates suggest.
Like all other pork products, bacon should be stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the lower shelves) and consumed as soon as possible.
Fried bacon
How To Store Cooked Bacon In The Fridge For The Longest Time?
– The best way to store cooked bacon in the fridge for the longest time is by wrapping it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil.
This will help prevent air from getting inside and cause your bacon to spoil faster. Additionally, you should also label and date the packages so that you know when they have been stored in the refrigerator.
– Additionally, if you want to make sure that your cooked bacon stays fresh for even longer then you can also freeze it.
Wrapping cooked bacon tightly in aluminum foil before freezing it will ensure that it lasts up to one month in the freezer.
However, when ready to eat, be sure to thaw out your frozen bacon and heat it up properly before consuming it.
– Another way to store cooked bacon for extra freshness is by vacuum sealing it.
Vacuum sealing helps remove air from the package and prevents oxidation which can cause spoilage in the food over time.
Storing cooked bacon in an airtight container also works well if you do not have access to a vacuum sealer.
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What Are Some Signs That Cooked Bacon Is Spoiled?
Some of the signs of spoiled cooked bacon are a sour smell, mold growth on its surface, changes in color and texture, or an off taste.
As soon as you observe any of these, it is best to discard the bacon immediately.
Sour smell: Cooked bacon that has gone bad will have a sour or pungent smell.
Mold growth: Mold growth on cooked bacon is another sign that it has gone bad and you should discard it immediately.
Changes in color and texture: Spoiled cooked bacon will usually change in color, becoming darker or lighter than its original shade.
Additionally, the texture of the bacon may become slimy or sticky if it has been affected by bacteria.
Off taste: Finally, spoiled cooked bacon will also have an off taste which can be easily identified when sampled.
If you observe any of these then it’s best to discard the cooked bacon and not consume it as it could lead to food poisoning.
Additionally, cooked bacon should be kept at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
If cooked bacon has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours it could be unsafe to consume and should be thrown away immediately.
How Cooked And Uncooked Bacon Are Stored?
There are differences in how cooked and uncooked bacon should be stored:
– Uncooked bacon requires proper wrapping or sealing before being placed in the refrigerator or freezer as air can cause fats to turn rancid over time.
Additionally, since raw bacon contains more moisture than cooked bacon, remember to store it on a separate shelf in the refrigerator so that its juices do not drip onto other foods and contaminate them.
– Cooked bacon does not require as much protection against air and can be safely stored and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 7 days in the fridge.
If you want your cooked bacon to last even longer then you can also freeze it for up to one month.
Bacon with eggs
How Can Leftover Cooked Bacon Be Utilized?
Leftover cooked bacon can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to casseroles and pasta dishes.
Crispy bacon makes an excellent topping for macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes, as well as adding flavor to breakfast burritos.
Chopped-up cooked bacon can also be added to omelets or frittatas for extra flavor, while crumbled pieces make an appetizing addition to pizza toppings.
Bacon bits can be added to creamy soups such as potato leek or butternut squash, while chopped cooked bacon pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or leafy greens like kale and spinach.
If you’re looking for something sweet, try adding some cooked bacon to your favorite ice cream or waffle batter for an indulgent treat.
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FAQs
Are There Any Specific Precautions When Storing Cooked Bacon?
Several specific precautions when storing cooked bacon:
– Keep cooked bacon in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as stoves or ovens.
– Store your cooked bacon on the lower shelves of the fridge so that it doesn’t come into contact with raw meats or other foods.
– When wrapping up or sealing your cooked bacon, make sure to remove as much air as possible in order to prevent spoilage.
– If you are storing cooked bacon in an airtight container, be sure to leave a bit of room at the top of the container for expansion caused by the cold temperature.
– Finally, when reheating your cooked bacon, be sure to heat it up thoroughly before consuming it. This will help ensure that any harmful bacteria present is killed off and that your bacon is safe to enjoy.
Can Cooked Bacon Be Frozen?
Yes, you may freeze cooked bacon for up to a month.
Firmly wrap cooked bacon in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing it to prevent food spoilage from air contact.
Additionally, putting the bacon in a container that is well-sealed can help keep out moisture, which can lead to freezer burn.
Is It Safe To Reheat Cooked Bacon?
Yes, it is safe to reheat cooked bacon as long as it is heated thoroughly before consuming it.
This will help ensure that any harmful bacteria present is killed off and that your bacon is safe to enjoy.
Can You Still Eat Cooked Bacon Five Days Later?
Cooked bacon can usually be eaten up to five days after the date of cooking.
Remember to check for any signs of spoilage such as an off-smell or a slimy texture before consuming cooked bacon that has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 3 days.
It is also best to reheat cooked bacon before eating it in order to kill off any harmful bacteria.
Does Cooked Bacon Keep Better Than Uncooked Bacon?
Yes, cooked bacon will usually keep better than uncooked bacon.
Uncooked bacon should be cooked within a few days of being bought and consumed within the same day.
Cooked bacon can be safely stored in the fridge for up to five days and frozen for around one month.
This makes it much easier to store and enjoy cooked bacon over an extended period of time compared with uncooked bacon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how long does cooked bacon last in the fridge is an important part of ensuring you are getting the most out of this tasty ingredient.
With proper storage techniques, you can keep your favorite food fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
So go ahead, get cooking and enjoy your delicious bacon!
