Crispy, salty bacon is a breakfast staple for many But when you don’t have time to cook it up fresh, pre-cooked bacon can be a convenient alternative. This fully cooked bacon just needs a quick heat up or can even be eaten straight from the pack But is it safe to eat pre-cooked bacon cold?
Eating any meat product cold comes with some food safety considerations. However, as long as proper handling and storage guidelines are followed, enjoying pre-cooked bacon cold can be perfectly fine. Read on to learn about how to store pre-cooked bacon, for how long it stays fresh, foodborne illness risks, and ideas for serving cold pre-cooked bacon safely.
How to Store Pre-Cooked Bacon
To keep pre-cooked bacon fresh and safe to eat, proper storage is key whether you plan to eat it hot or cold. Here are some storage tips:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below until ready to eat
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Seal opened packages in airtight containers or plastic wrap. Remove as much air as possible.
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Use frozen pre-cooked bacon within 1 month for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
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Discard bacon that is past the manufacturer’s use by date printed on the packaging.
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Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell, slimy texture or discoloration.
Following the suggested storage guidelines helps prevent bacterial growth that could cause foodborne illness.
How Long Does Pre-Cooked Bacon Last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, pre-cooked bacon will generally stay fresh for:
- Unopened package: Up to 2 weeks
- Opened package: 3-5 days
The freezer timelines are:
- 6-8 months for unopened pre-cooked bacon
- 1-2 months for opened packages
If the bacon has been at room temperature for over 2 hours, it is best to discard it. Pre-cooked bacon lasts longer than raw bacon, but should still be eaten within a week of opening for safety.
Is Eating Pre-Cooked Bacon Cold Safe?
Pre-cooked bacon is safe to eat straight from the fridge without reheating as long as it has been handled properly. The main risks of eating any meat product cold are:
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Bacteria – Bacon can contain Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and other bacteria if undercooked. Thorough cooking kills these pathogens.
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Toxins – Bacteria can produce heat-stable toxins that cooking can’t destroy. Proper refrigeration prevents toxin formation.
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** Spoilage** – Off smells, tastes and textures indicate spoilage bacteria that could be harmful.
So thoroughly cooked, properly stored pre-cooked bacon avoids these risks. The USDA states that ready-to-eat meats like pre-cooked bacon are safe even when eaten cold. However, they do recommend reheating for palatability.
Should You Reheat Pre-Cooked Bacon?
While safe cold, pre-cooked bacon often tastes best when briefly heated. Reheating brings out the flavor and makes the texture more pleasant. You can reheat pre-cooked bacon by:
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Microwave 10-15 seconds for just warm
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Skillet fry 1-2 mins per side until hot and slightly crispy
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Oven at 400°F for 10 mins for heated through with crispy bits
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Toaster oven at 375°F for 5-8 mins to recrisp without drying out
Partially cooking raw bacon then eating it cold is unsafe. But pre-cooked bacon from a sealed package just needs a quick heat.
Serving Ideas for Cold Pre-Cooked Bacon
Beyond eating it plain, cold pre-cooked bacon enhances many dishes and snacks. Some tasty ways to use it include:
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Break into bacon bits to sprinkle over soups, salads, baked potatoes.
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Toss crumbled bacon into dips like hummus, guacamole, cheese spreads.
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Mix into cold grain bowls and salad with veggies, eggs, cheese.
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Make BLT sandwiches with crisp lettuce, tomato and mayo.
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Sprinkle over the top of chilled pasta or potato salad.
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Fold into chilled egg, chicken or tuna salad for a salty crunch.
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Garnish Bloody Mary cocktails or milkshakes.
Because the smoky taste and salty crunch remain even when cold, pre-cooked bacon is a versatile ingredient. Follow proper food safety and use high-quality pre-cooked bacon within the suggested timeframe.
Buying Quality Pre-Cooked Bacon
Not all pre-cooked bacon is created equally. Here is what to look for when purchasing:
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Ingredients – Opt for bacon cured naturally with celery powder instead of with sodium nitrates/nitrites.
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No added sugars – Avoid bacon with added sugars like honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
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Minimal processing – Choose bacon without excess artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
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Meat quality – Look for bacon from humanely raised pork, antibiotic-free and non-GMO if possible.
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Packaging – Select bacon in BPA-free packaging when available.
Higher quality pre-cooked bacon not only tastes better but can be healthier too. Shopping wisely gives you the convenience without the concerns.
Should Pregnant Women Avoid Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Pregnant women need to take extra care with food safety and limit nitrates. The FDA advises those who are pregnant:
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Avoid raw or undercooked meat and cold deli meats.
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Reheat lunchmeat and hot dogs until steaming hot before eating.
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Cook raw bacon thoroughly until crisp.
So fully cooked, reheated pre-cooked bacon should be safe for pregnant women. To be extra cautious, opt for low-sodium, nitrate-free varieties. Check with your doctor about your specific diet.
Making Your Own Pre-Cooked Bacon
Want to control the ingredients while still enjoying the convenience? It’s easy to cook up a batch of bacon to have pre-cooked on hand.
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Choose high quality raw bacon with minimal added ingredients.
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Bake raw bacon at 400°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet until crisp, 15-25 minutes.
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Drain on paper towels. Let cool completely.
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Portion bacon into meal-sized bags or containers and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
With DIY pre-cooked bacon, you can cook once and have it ready anytime for quick breakfasts, snacks, salads and more!
The Takeaway on Eating Pre-Cooked Bacon Cold
Pre-cooked bacon can be safely enjoyed either cold, reheated, or incorporated into recipes and snacks. While eating any food cold has some risks, fully cooked ready-to-eat meats like pre-cooked bacon have minimal concerns when handled properly. Store opened packages sealed in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days for the best freshness and food safety. With quality ingredients and smart storage, pre-cooked bacon offers tasty convenience whether it’s served hot off the stove or chilled straight from the fridge.
