Pre-cooked bacon offers the convenience of having crispy, ready-to-eat bacon anytime But with its shorter fridge life compared to raw bacon, bacon lovers wonder if they can freeze pre-cooked bacon for longer term storage and enjoyment The answer is yes – freezing cooked bacon is a great way to save time and always have it on hand!
Freezing cooked bacon allows you to buy in bulk when it’s on sale prep batches for the week ahead, or preserve leftovers from a large cook-up. With proper freezing and reheating you can lock in the flavor and texture for pre-cooked bacon whenever a recipe or craving calls for it.
Read on for tips on successfully freezing fully cooked bacon how long it keeps frozen, storage recommendations and the best ways to reheat frozen pre-cooked bacon.
Benefits of Freezing Pre-Cooked Bacon
Freezing cooked bacon delivers several advantages:
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Longer shelf life – Fully cooked bacon lasts 10-14 days refrigerated. Frozen, it keeps 1-3 months.
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Saves money – Buying large packages on sale and freezing portions saves compared to smaller packs at regular price.
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Reduces waste – Freezing means unused cooked bacon doesn’t get tossed after the sell by date.
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Adds convenience – Always having frozen pre-cooked bacon on hand makes whipping up meals easier.
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Maintains texture – Properly frozen and thawed bacon retains its original crispy texture.
How Long Does Pre-Cooked Bacon Last Frozen?
When stored flat in airtight packaging at 0°F or below, fully cooked bacon keeps well frozen for 1-3 months.
For best quality and flavor, use frozen pre-cooked bacon within:
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1 month for bacon frozen in original retail packaging.
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2-3 months for bacon vacuum sealed for extra protection.
Bacon frozen longer may suffer more moisture loss and degradation of texture.
How to Freeze Pre-Cooked Bacon
Freezing fully cooked bacon is easy:
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Cool bacon completely after cooking. Warm bacon promotes moisture accumulation and freezer burn.
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Place cooled bacon slices in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air.
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If packing multiple batches, interleave sheets of parchment paper between layers.
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Seal and freeze at 0°F or below. Label package with freeze date and contents.
Vacuum sealing batches provides superior protection for long term frozen storage.
Thawing Frozen Pre-Cooked Bacon
Thawing frozen pre-cooked bacon is quick and simple:
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Refrigerator – Unwrap frozen bacon and place in bowl in fridge 6-12 hours or overnight.
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Cold Water – Submerge sealed frozen bacon in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Thaw in 1-2 hours.
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Microwave – Microwave single slices on paper towels in 10 second bursts, flipping occasionally. Thaw in 1-2 mins.
Use thawed bacon immediately for the best texture. Avoid refreezing thawed cooked bacon.
Reheating Frozen Pre-Cooked Bacon
You can cook frozen pre-cooked bacon without thawing for speedy breakfasts and meals:
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Oven – Place frozen bacon on foil-lined pan. Bake at 400°F for 8-12 mins until hot and crispy, flipping bacon halfway.
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Skillet – Cook frozen bacon in skillet over medium-low heat about 5 mins per side until heated through and crisped.
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Microwave – Microwave frozen bacon 15-30 secs per slice until warm. Crisp up in a skillet after if needed.
Allow extra time when cooking frozen bacon. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Storing and Handling Frozen Pre-Cooked Bacon
Follow these frozen storage guidelines for optimal quality and safety:
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Maintain constant freezer temperature of 0°F or below. Check with freezer thermometer.
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Minimize air exposure by vacuum sealing or pressing wrap directly on bacon surface.
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Cook frozen bacon within recommended 1-3 month timeframe for best texture.
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Use oldest packages first based on freeze dates.
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Do not refreeze thawed cooked bacon more than once. Quality declines.
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Discard any bacon with off odors, sliminess or ice crystals. Do not consume.
Enjoy the Convenience of Frozen Pre-Cooked Bacon
Freezing fully cooked bacon lets you enjoy the convenience of this tasty treat anytime. Follow proper freezing, storage and reheating methods for delicious pre-cooked bacon ready when you need it. Vacuum seal portions for grab-and-go convenience or meal prep for your week ahead.
With these handy tips, you can freeze cooked bacon in individual slices, bags or bulk batches. Thaw just what you need, saving time and money while reducing food waste.
How to Bake and Freeze Bacon | Making Bacon in the Oven
FAQ
Does cooked bacon freeze well?
Can I freeze hormel fully cooked bacon?
Can you freeze pre-packaged bacon?
Can you freeze Kirkland fully cooked bacon?
Can you freeze cooked bacon?
Cooked bacon that has been frozen will be at its best if consumed within 2-3 months. After this time, it will still be edible, but the texture and flavors may have started to deteriorate. A freezer is a great option if you have got some bacon that needs using up – simply cook it up and pop it in the freezer! Some tips for freezing cooked bacon:
Does freezing Bacon taste good?
Freezing bacon does not affect its taste as long as it has not been freezer burnt. Freezer burnt meat does not taste good. How To Freeze Bacon to Avoid Freezer Burn. The main point is to avoid freezer burn … Remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag. Make sure there are no holes in your freezer bag.
Should cooked bacon be refrigerated?
If you’ve got an unexpected amount of left-over cooked bacon from breakfast, or need to cook some in advance for a brunch the following day, the best place to store this is in the refrigerator. Refrigerate your cooked bacon within two hours of cooking to ensure it doesn’t start to spoil.
How long does cooked bacon last in the freezer?
This is because bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so if your cooked bacon has sat out for longer than two hours, it’s best to toss it. 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.