Crispy, salty bacon is a beloved breakfast food for many. But like any meat, bacon has a limited shelf life once opened. So what’s the best way to store leftover bacon and prevent waste? Freezing is a great option to extend the shelf life for future enjoyment.
In this definitive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing bacon, including:
- Recommended freezer storage times
- Proper freezing and thawing methods
- How to tell if frozen bacon has gone bad
- Tips for keeping frozen bacon fresh
Follow these freezing guidelines, and you’ll gain confidence in storing bacon safely for months. Read on for all the info to help maximize freezer life!
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Bacon that is properly frozen and stored at 0°F or below can safely last in the freezer for 4-6 months.
For best quality, it’s recommended to cook frozen bacon within 3-4 months before the texture and flavor start to decline
Here are the freezer timelines based on bacon type
- Unopened package: 4-6 months
- Leftover raw bacon: 3-4 months
- Leftover cooked bacon: 2-3 months
Writing the freeze date on packages helps track when bacon goes into the freezer Follow the “first in, first out” rule to use the oldest bacon first
Freezing gives you plenty of time to enjoy bacon when the craving strikes!
Does Freezer Burn Affect Bacon?
Freezer burn can happen when bacon is not stored properly in the freezer. It causes dry, tough spots and off-flavors due to air reaching the meat surface.
To prevent freezer burn:
- Wrap bacon tightly in plastic wrap or foil with no air pockets.
- Use freezer bags and squeeze out excess air.
- Avoid overfilling packaging or containers.
- Use freezer paper between bacon layers.
With proper freezer wrapping methods, you can keep bacon free of freezer burn for optimal freshness.
How Should You Freeze Bacon?
Follow these steps to freeze bacon correctly:
- Cool cooked bacon completely, about 30 minutes.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Try to remove air pockets.
- Place wrapped bacon in freezer bags, press out air and seal.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below for proper freezing temperature.
- Label bags with freeze date and contents.
- Avoid storing for over 4-6 months for best quality.
Properly freezing in portions allows defrosting just what’s needed. Prevent freezer burn by removing air in packaging.
Can You Freeze Unopened Bacon Packages?
Fresh, unopened packages of bacon can be placed directly in the freezer.
Make sure to double check the “sell by” or “use by” dates first – you want to freeze bacon before those dates for maximum freshness.
Unopened bacon packages last longer frozen since the factory packaging protects against oxidation. Store up to 4-6 months for best flavor.
Rotate frozen stock using older packages first. Thaw overnight in the fridge before opening bacon.
Can You Thaw Frozen Bacon in the Microwave?
It’s possible to quickly thaw frozen bacon in the microwave, but care must be taken to avoid cooking it.
Follow these microwave thawing guidelines:
- Partially unwrap bacon and place between paper towels.
- Microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals.
- Frequently check and flip bacon pieces.
- Stop thawing once bacon is pliable but still cold.
You can also thaw in the fridge overnight which is slower but safer. Cook bacon immediately after microwaving to prevent bacterial growth.
How Do You Know If Frozen Bacon Has Gone Bad?
Bacon that has spoiled from being frozen too long will have noticeable signs including:
- Slimy, sticky or mushy texture
- Dull or gray color instead of pink or red
- Rancid or sour smell
- Spots of green, blue, black discoloration
- Freezer burn with dry brown spots
When inspecting frozen bacon, it’s always best to throw it out at the first signs of spoilage. Don’t risk eating bad bacon!
Can Refrozen Bacon Make You Sick?
It’s not recommended to refreeze raw bacon after it has been fully thawed. The texture and taste quality degrades from being frozen, thawed and frozen again.
More importantly, refreezing opens the door to bacterial growth. Bacon that sat at room temperature for over 2 hours before refreezing has a high risk of causing foodborne illnesses.
Only refreeze bacon if it was kept chilled below 40°F continuously after thawing and was not left out too long. But your safest bet is to just avoid refreezing thawed raw bacon.
Tips to Maximize Freezer Bacon Freshness
Follow these tips to keep frozen bacon fresher for longer:
- Freeze unopened packages before the “sell by” date.
- Portion bacon pieces into smaller freezer bags.
- Squeeze out air before sealing bags.
- Use freezer paper between bacon layers.
- Store bacon flat on a freezer shelf instead of door.
- Rotate bacon stock using oldest first.
- Label with freeze dates and contents.
- Organize freezer bags neatly in one area.
- Avoid opening the freezer frequently to limit air exposure.
Proper freezing practices prevent freezer burn and rancidity which leads to better frozen bacon taste and texture.
Can You Freeze Leftover Cooked Bacon?
Cooked bacon leftovers can be frozen as well to save for later use. Follow similar freezing steps:
- Allow cooked bacon to fully cool after cooking, about 30 minutes.
- Wrap very tightly in plastic wrap or foil to remove air.
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers, flattening the package.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
- Reheat fully in the oven or pan until hot and sizzling before eating.
Freezing cooked bacon gives you a quick way to add it into future meals!
Food Safety Tips for Freezer Bacon
Always follow food safety guidelines when freezing bacon:
- Check “sell by” dates on bacon packages before freezing.
- Freeze unopened bacon before expiry dates passes.
- Defrost frozen bacon safely in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Refreeze thawed bacon only if kept chilled below 40°F.
- Don’t refreeze raw bacon more than once.
- Cook frozen bacon thoroughly until reheated to 165°F internally.
- Discard bacon with any signs of spoilage like odor or slime.
Safe handling prevents the risk of bacteria in frozen bacon leading to foodborne illness.
The Bottom Line
Freezing bacon enables long term storage for 4-6 months when properly wrapped and frozen at 0°F. Monitor for signs of spoilage over time and adhere to safe thawing and cooking practices.
Follow the storage guidelines outlined here, and you can confidently freeze bacon for fresher, longer lasting enjoyment!
How long is open bacon good for in the refrigerator?
FAQ
Can you freeze bacon for 2 years?
Can I freeze bacon in its original package?
How long does bacon grease last in the freezer?
Can you freeze cooked bacon?
Yes, you can freeze cooked bacon. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Properly wrapped, cooked bacon can last in the freezer for up to three months. 2. Can frozen bacon be used directly without thawing? Yes, frozen bacon can be cooked directly from its frozen state without needing to thaw it.
How long does uncooked bacon last?
For regular uncooked bacon, the USDA says it can last seven days in the fridge or four months in the freezer. Interestingly, uncooked bacon that is also cured without any nitrites will last a lot longer — three weeks in the fridge or six months in the freezer. Yet another reason to avoid those potentially harmful additives!
How long does raw bacon last in the fridge?
To combat this issue, many people just move these thin strips right to the freezer for later use, since many foods last indefinitely in this icy part of the fridge. But raw bacon remains the exception, as it cannot last there for longer than a month.
How long can you eat bacon after freezing?
Technically, frozen food will stay safe to eat nearly indefinitely, but for the sake of quality and taste we tend to freeze bacon no more than a few months. Readers, what’s your experience with freezing bacon? Do you find it’s best within a certain period? Next question? Q: How long is bacon good for after freezing?