Can You Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon? A Guide to Freezing and Thawing For Delicious Results

Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon is a convenient and tasty staple that many households like to keep on hand. But with its shorter shelf life compared to uncooked bacon, some bacon lovers wonder if they can freeze Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon for longer term storage. The good news is that yes, you can freeze this type of pre-cooked bacon to extend its shelf life!

Freezing fully cooked bacon is an easy process that allows you to enjoy delicious Oscar Mayer bacon for months beyond the printed sell by date. With a few tips on proper freezing, thawing and storage, you can keep a stash of crispy fully cooked bacon at the ready for easy breakfasts, snacks, sandwiches and more!

Benefits of Freezing Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

Freezing fully cooked Oscar Meyer bacon offers several advantages:

  • Extends shelf life – Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon lasts 10-14 days refrigerated. Frozen, it will keep for 1-2 months.

  • Saves money – Buying in bulk when on sale and freezing extra packs saves money compared to purchasing smaller amounts at regular price

  • Reduces waste – Freezing prevents having to throw away unused portions past the sell by date. Thaw just what you need.

  • Provides convenience – Keeping frozen fully cooked bacon on hand makes it easy to enjoy anytime or whip up quick meals.

  • Maintains taste and texture – Properly frozen Oscar Mayer bacon stays delicious when thawed.

How Long Can You Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon?

When frozen properly at 0°F or below, the shelf life of Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon is 1-2 months from the freeze date.

For best quality, it’s recommended to use frozen Oscar Mayer bacon within:

  • 1 month for original packaging
  • 2 months vacuum sealed for max freshness

Frozen fully cooked bacon remains safe to eat beyond these timeframes, but may suffer more moisture loss and decline in texture.

How to Freeze Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

Freezing Oscar Mayer pre-cooked bacon is simple:

  • Allow unopened packages to thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days until no longer frozen solid. This prevents moisture accumulation that can lead to freezer burn.

  • Once thawed, open package and separate slices. Stack slices in single layer between sheets of parchment paper.

  • Place parchment paper-separated slices in freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air. This prevents slices sticking together.

  • Seal and freeze for up to 1-2 months at 0°F or below.

For longer term freezing up to 2 months, vacuum seal portions in food saver bags. This removes more air to prevent freezer burn.

Pro tip: Freeze bacon slices flat in a single layer for easier separation when thawing a few slices at a time.

How to Thaw Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Frozen Bacon

Thawing fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon is quick and easy:

  • Refrigerator thawing – Place frozen bacon slices or package in a bowl in the refrigerator. Thaw 8-12 hours or overnight.

  • Cold water thawing – Put bacon slices or package in a zip top bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes. Thaw in 1-2 hours.

  • Microwave thawing – Microwave individual frozen slices on paper towels in 10 second bursts, flipping between. Thaw in 1-2 minutes.

Once thawed, pat dry with paper towels. Use thawed Oscar Mayer bacon slices immediately for best quality. Do not refreeze after thawing.

Storage Tips for Frozen Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

Follow these storage guidelines to keep frozen Oscar Mayer bacon fresh for maximum shelf life:

  • Store at 0°F or below. Use freezer thermometer to monitor.

  • Minimize air exposure by vacuum sealing or pressing plastic wrap directly on bacon surface.

  • Avoid letting bacon thaw and refreeze, as moisture loss diminishes quality.

  • Use oldest frozen packages first based on freeze dates.

  • Do not freeze more than recommended 2 month timeframe for best texture.

  • If any off odor, color change or icy crystals form, dispose of package instead of consuming.

Enjoying Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon From Frozen

You can cook frozen Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon directly from frozen state for quick and easy meals:

  • Microwave – Place frozen bacon slices between paper towels on plate. Microwave 30 seconds, flip and microwave 15 seconds more. Crisp under broiler if needed.

  • Oven – Preheat oven 400°F. Place frozen slices in single layer on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  • Stovetop – Cook frozen bacon slices in skillet over medium-low heat about 5 minutes per side until crisped and heated through.

Allow extra cooking time for frozen bacon. Drain on paper towels and serve.

The Final Take on Freezing Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of convenient fully cooked Oscar Mayer bacon. With proper freezing, thawing and storage methods, you can keep a stash of pre-cooked bacon ready to enjoy for breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more.

Vacuum sealing portions offers maximum freshness for frozen storage up to 2 months at 0°F. Thaw thawed bacon in the refrigerator, cold water or microwave for ready to cook slices anytime with delicious original flavor and texture.

So go ahead and stock up on those Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon sales! Following these simple freezing guidelines lets you save money while reducing waste and always having tasty bacon ready in a pinch.

Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Review

FAQ

Can I freeze Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon?

Use heavy-duty, zip-top freezer bags to keep your cooked bacon fresh in the freezer. It’ll keep for many months, but it’s probably at its best if used within three months.

Can you freeze fully cooked packaged bacon?

HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® fully cooked bacon needs to be refrigerated after opening. Can HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® bacon be frozen? HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® bacon can be frozen. Make sure it is frozen by the expiration date.

Can I refreeze precooked bacon?

Of course! However, this is only advisable if the bacon was carefully thawed in the fridge for at most seven days before getting frozen again.

Can you refrigerate Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon?

Storage: Product can be stored unrefrigerated (below 75 degrees F), refrigerated or in the freezer. After opening the inner tray, refrigerate and use within 14 days.

Does Oscar Mayer Bacon need to be refrigerated?

Oscar Mayer bacon is a delicious choice for those following a low carb lifestyle. Keep our 12 ounce vacuum sealed package with about 18 slices of bacon refrigerated and use within seven days once opened. CURED WITH WATER, SALT, SUGAR, SODIUM PHOSPHATES, SODIUM ASCORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE. Prepare as directed on package.

Is Oscar Mayer Bacon good?

(In general, you can keep opened bacon in a refrigerator for up to a week.) Very good alternatives include Great Value Lower Sodium or, for thicker slices, Oscar Mayer Thick Cut. A higher price didn’t mean better bacon: The priciest product of all, Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked, rated lower than many others.

Is it OK to freeze Bacon?

Over longer storage times, the bacon might absorb odors from the freezer or become freezer burnt. As long as the bacon looks and smells fresh, it’s perfectly good to eat even after extended freezing. Freezing stops the clock on your bacon’s “use by” date, so that freshness date on the package can be ignored once it’s frozen.

Can you freeze Oscar Mayer lunch meat?

Aluminum foil is the perfect solution. It will also help to prevent freezer burn. If you have already opened a package of Oscar Mayer lunch meat, this is an ideal way to protect the flavor and texture of your meats while you freeze them.

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