Are you wondering, “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, how to keep turkey bacon fresh? We have the definite answers! The good news is that by following these techniques for storing raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon you can keep it fresh much longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon has fewer calories and grams of fat than regular pork bacon, but it’s still a processed meat product with an expiration date.
That’s why it’s important to know how long turkey bacon will last and how to store it without causing bacterial growth. This post will help you learn just that! Read on to discover how you can enjoy the crispy strips with your meals in the safest way possible.
How Long is Cooked Turkey Bacon Good For? A Comprehensive Guide for Storage and Shelf Life
Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon for those looking for a lower fat and calorie breakfast meat option. But like any cooked food it has a limited shelf life. So how long is cooked turkey bacon good for after it’s prepared?
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide details on how to maximize the freshness and shelf life of cooked turkey bacon through proper storage methods. We’ll cover optimal storage conditions, signs of spoilage to look out for, and tips for freezing and reheating. With the right techniques, you can safely enjoy cooked turkey bacon for up to 4-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator StorageThe refrigerator is the best place to store cooked turkey bacon to maintain safety and maximize shelf life Here are some tips for fridge storage
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Let the cooked turkey bacon cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents temperature fluctuations which can breed bacteria.
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Place cooked turkey bacon in a sealed airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents drying out and helps the bacon retain moisture.
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Make sure your refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F or below. This inhibits bacteria growth.
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Cooked turkey bacon can last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
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For best quality, try to eat refrigerated cooked turkey bacon within 3-4 days as the texture may start to degrade.
Monitoring for Spoilage
It’s important to monitor refrigerated cooked turkey bacon for signs of spoilage. Look for:
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Sliminess or stickiness on the surface
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Grayish color changes
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Dull or slick appearance
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Unpleasant or sour odors
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Development of mold
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Dry, cracked edges
If you notice any of these changes, it’s safest to discard the turkey bacon. Don’t take risks with food safety.
Freezer Storage
For longer term storage, cooked turkey bacon can be frozen. Here are some freezer storage tips:
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Let cooked turkey bacon cool fully before freezing so no excess moisture is trapped.
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Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers.
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Avoid overcrowding turkey bacon slices when freezing. This can lead to clumping.
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Frozen cooked turkey bacon maintains best quality for 2-3 months. It remains safe indefinitely but texture declines over time.
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For longer freezer storage, consider vacuum sealing bags to remove excess air.
Thawing and Reheating
When ready to eat frozen cooked turkey bacon, follow these thawing and reheating guidelines:
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Thaw frozen turkey bacon overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
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For quicker thawing, place vacuum sealed bag under cold running water.
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Reheat thawed turkey bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat or bake in a 400°F oven for a few minutes until hot and sizzling.
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You can also reheat thawed turkey bacon in the microwave. Place a paper towel under the bacon to minimize moisture.
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Avoid reheating more than once, as this continues to degrade texture over time.
With the proper storage techniques, cooked turkey bacon can stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge or 2-3 months in the freezer. Monitor for signs of spoilage, follow safe thawing methods, and use leftovers within the recommended time frames. This ensures you get the most out of your turkey bacon while avoiding any foodborne illness risks. So go ahead and cook up a turkey bacon batch to enjoy throughout the week! Proper storage lets you experience the tasty crispy bacon you love for breakfast or on sandwiches without worrying about freshness.
Storing Uncooked Turkey Bacon
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) shares that you can store any type of bacon raw in a refrigerator at 40 degrees F and below for a week, and in a freezer below zero degrees F for up to four months.
For the best flavor, however, we recommend tightly wrapping and storing the turkey bacon after opening the package, and planning to cook and eat it within two to three days (or freezing it).
Safe Handling Tips for Raw Bacon
- Keep raw bacon away from other food items. Wash any surface it touches with soap and hot water, including your hands and utensils.
- Never serve or eat turkey bacon that isn’t fully cooked. Eating raw bacon carries high chances of food poisoning. Make sure the strips are thoroughly cooked over medium-high heat before consuming.
- Don’t undercook raw meat and then store it for future use. This won’t kill the bacteria in the product, and may still cause food poisoning.
Best Way To Cook Turkey Bacon
FAQ
Can I eat cooked bacon after 7 days?
How long is turkey bacon good for in the fridge?
How long is precooked bacon good for?
How do you know if turkey bacon is expired?
How long does turkey bacon last in the fridge?
Typically, turkey bacon will stay good in the refrigerator at least until the sell-by date, or another week or so past that date if you don’t open it. Once the package is open, you should keep it in the fridge and use the remaining bacon (or throw it away) within the next three or four days.
How long does smoked turkey bacon last?
Smoked turkey bacon will last 1 week in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. Raw turkey bacon will is good for up to 2 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. After this, turkey bacon can go bad. Most turkey bacon is smoked and doesn’t require additional cooking for food safety.
What should you do if Turkey bacon expires?
If the turkey bacon is nearing its expiration date, using it in cooked dishes such as soups, casseroles, or salads can be a practical way to extend its usage while ensuring safety. 10.
Can you eat turkey bacon if it has not been opened?
If the package is sealed shut (never opened) and the date hasn’t passed, the turkey bacon should be perfectly fine as long as it was kept cold. Once you open your turkey bacon, however, you can’t just go by the date on the package. Once air gets into the package there’s always a chance for bacteria to develop.