Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-sodium alternative to traditional pork bacon. But because it contains less fat and preservatives, turkey bacon tends to have a shorter shelf life. So how long is cooked turkey bacon good for in the fridge?
Cooked turkey bacon lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly To maximize freshness, it’s important to wrap leftover cooked turkey bacon tightly and keep it refrigerated at 40°F or below
Follow these turkey bacon storage times and tips to keep your cooked turkey bacon tasting great and reduce the risk of foodborne illness
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Bacon Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey bacon remains safe to eat for up to 7 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. However, the quality and taste will start to decline after 3-4 days.
To optimize flavor and texture, it’s best to eat leftover cooked turkey bacon within:
- 3 days – for crisp turkey bacon
- 4 days – for pliable, softened turkey bacon
The high protein content causes cooked turkey bacon to spoil faster than higher-fat pork bacon. Follow your senses too. If the turkey bacon smells, looks or feels off, throw it out.
Proper Storage of Cooked Turkey Bacon
Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and extending the fridge life of cooked turkey bacon. Follow these tips:
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Let cooked turkey bacon cool completely before refrigerating.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper or foil. Eliminate as much air exposure as possible.
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Place wrapped turkey bacon in a sealed container or bag.
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Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or colder. Don’t leave turkey bacon at room temperature more than 2 hours.
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Use refrigerator space with most consistent temperature. Avoid the door.
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Check for sliminess, off-odor or grayish color indicating spoilage. Discard if these appear.
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Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture retention.
How to Store Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon
Follow this process to properly store any extra cooked turkey bacon:
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Allow cooked turkey bacon to cool completely after cooking.
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Wrap strips or crumbled bits tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper. Make sure to remove any excess air.
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Place the wrapped turkey bacon inside an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
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Press out additional air and seal the container/bag.
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Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below.
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Label package with date cooked.
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Use refrigerated cooked turkey bacon within 3-4 days.
These steps create a protective environment to preserve freshness and moisture.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Bacon?
Freezing extends the shelf life of cooked turkey bacon, enabling longer storage. Follow these tips for freezing cooked turkey bacon:
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Cool turkey bacon completely before freezing.
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Wrap strips or crumbles tightly in freezer wrap or foil. Remove air.
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Place turkey bacon packets in sealed freezer bags. Remove additional air.
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Label bags with content and freeze date.
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For best quality, use frozen cooked turkey bacon within 1-2 months.
To thaw, place frozen turkey bacon in the refrigerator overnight before using. Refrigerate thawed turkey bacon and use within 3-4 days.
Avoid refreezing thawed cooked turkey bacon. Cook thawed turkey bacon immediately for food safety.
How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Cooked turkey bacon that is properly wrapped and frozen maintains best quality for:
- 1 month – for crisp cooked turkey bacon
- 2 months – for pliable, softened turkey bacon
Freezing prevents bacteria growth that causes spoilage. But the high protein content of turkey bacon can lead to texture changes with longer freezing.
For optimal freshness and taste, use frozen cooked turkey bacon within 1-2 months. Frozen turkey bacon remains safe indefinitely, but the quality declines over time.
Signs Cooked Turkey Bacon Has Gone Bad
Check cooked turkey bacon for the following signs of spoilage before eating:
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Grayish or greenish color
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Slime formation
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Dry, shriveled texture
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Strange odors – sour, ammonia or sulfur smells
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Mold growth – may appear fuzzy
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Strange flavors like bitterness or staleness
When inspecting turkey bacon, both sight and smell provide helpful clues about safety and freshness. Discard turkey bacon that exhibits any odd qualities. Don’t risk eating turkey bacon that seems off.
FAQs About Cooked Turkey Bacon Storage
Get answers to some common questions about storing cooked turkey bacon below:
How can you tell if cooked turkey bacon is bad?
Look for changes in color, slimy texture, dried out appearance, and off or sour odors. Mold growth is also a clear sign turkey bacon has spoiled.
Can I freeze cooked turkey bacon?
Yes, freezing extends the shelf life of cooked turkey bacon. Wrap tightly and freeze for 1-2 months for best quality.
Is it safe to eat turkey bacon after 4 days?
The USDA says cooked turkey bacon stays safe up to 7 days in the fridge. But for best quality, it’s best to eat leftover turkey bacon within 3-4 days.
What happens if you eat bad turkey bacon?
Consuming spoiled turkey bacon can cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills. Severity depends on amount consumed.
Can cooked turkey bacon be reheated?
Yes, heat cooked turkey bacon thoroughly to 165°F. Reheat on the stove, in the oven or microwave. Use reheated turkey bacon immediately.
How can I use up leftover cooked turkey bacon?
Add crumbled turkey bacon to salads, baked potatoes, omelets, casseroles, green beans, pasta dishes, or use in sandwiches and wraps.
The Takeaway
Cooked turkey bacon only keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Follow the storage guidelines above to maximize freshness and use turkeys senses to watch for spoilage. Freeze extras to prolong shelf life.
With proper handling, you can continue enjoying tasty cooked turkey bacon for meals, snacks and recipes. Just be diligent about refrigeration times and sniff tests.