How Long Does Pre-Cooked Bacon Last After Opening? The Complete Guide

Bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast foods out there. The smoky salty flavor takes eggs pancakes, sandwiches, and so much more to the next level. While frying up a pack of raw bacon strips on a weekend morning can be fun, it’s not always the most convenient option. That’s where pre-cooked bacon comes in handy. Grabbing a pack from the pantry or fridge means you can enjoy bacon’s tasty goodness without the prep work.

But once you open a pack of pre-cooked bacon, how long does it actually last? This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the shelf life and safety of cooking pre-cooked bacon. Let’s dive in!

An Overview of Pre-Cooked Bacon

Pre-cooked bacon comes fully cooked and ready to heat and eat. It’s been prepped, sliced cured, smoked and cooked before being vacuum sealed and packaged. Major bacon brands like Oscar Mayer, Hormel, and Wright offer pre-cooked bacon options. You can find them with the other packaged cooked meats like sausage and ham at your grocery store or supermarket.

Pre-cooked bacon packs typically contain 8-12 slices that have been fully cooked but not crisped. They keep the bacon pliable so it’s easy to incorporate into recipes, fold into sandwiches, crumble on salads, etc. The bacon has a smooth texture and is tender but doesn’t have the crispy crunch of raw bacon you fry at home.

Shelf Life of Unopened Pre-Cooked Bacon

When shopping for pre-cooked bacon, always check the “best by” or expiration date on the package. Unopened, store-bought pre-cooked bacon lasts for:

• 1 week after the pack date if refrigerated at 40°F or below
• 6-9 months in the freezer at 0°F or below

The refrigerated shelf life is much shorter than raw bacon because the pre-cooked bacon has already been fully cooked. Raw bacon lasts for 1-2 weeks refrigerated. Follow the expiration date for maximum freshness and flavor.

For freezer storage, wrap the original package in another layer of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or place inside a resealable plastic freezer bag. Properly stored frozen pre-cooked bacon remains safe and tasty for 6-9 months.

How Long Does Pre-Cooked Bacon Last After Opening?

Once opened, the clock starts ticking on your pre-cooked bacon’s shelf life. Follow these timelines and storage steps:

Refrigerator

• Uncooked: 5-7 days
• Cooked: 3-5 days

After opening, immediately rewrap the pre-cooked bacon slices or strips in the original packaging or plastic wrap. Place it in a resealable plastic bag and store in the fridge. Cooked bacon has a shorter fridge life than uncooked since cooking accelerates spoilage.

Freezer

• Uncooked: 1-2 months
• Cooked: 1 month

For best quality, freeze remaining pre-cooked bacon within 1-2 days of opening the original package. Rewrap opened bacon in foil or plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze.

Label the package with the date it was opened and placed in the freezer. Cooked frozen bacon has a shorter freezer shelf life compared to uncooked.

Pantry

An unopened pack of pre-cooked bacon can be stored in the pantry for 1 week before the date on the package. However, Bacon should NOT be kept in the pantry after opening. Keep all opened packs refrigerated or frozen only.

Storing Opened Pre-Cooked Bacon

To maximize the shelf life, be diligent about proper storage. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate opened bacon at 40°F or colder. Use within 5-7 days.
• If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Exclude as much air as possible.
• Store bacon strips flat in a single layer to prevent sticking together.
• Keep bacon in the coldest section of the fridge, away from the door.
• Use an airtight container or resealable bag for storage.

Also, resist the temptation to store pre-cooked bacon strips or crumbles at room temperature to preserve the fresh, smoky flavor. Leaving cooked bacon out for more than 2 hours promotes bacterial growth.

Does Pre-Cooked Bacon Go Bad? How to Tell

You know bacon has gone bad if you notice these signs:

• Change in color (dull, gray, green)
• Shriveled or hard texture
• Slimy appearance or coating
• Rancid, sour, or unpleasant odor
• Mold development

Discard bacon exhibiting any of those signs. Don’t taste questionable bacon to determine if it’s spoiled or not. It’s not worth the risk.

Pre-cooked bacon can go bad before the “best by” date if stored incorrectly. So, use your eyes, nose, and common sense along with the date on the package to determine if pre-cooked bacon is still good. When in doubt, throw it out.

Safety Tips for Pre-Cooked Bacon

To enjoy pre-cooked bacon safely, follow these recommendations:

• Check the expiration or “use by” date before purchasing. Pick the pack with the latest date.
• Once opened, be diligent about refrigerated storage. Use within 5-7 days.
• Do not leave bacon slices or crumbles out at room temp for more than 2 hours after cooking.
• Cook bacon until sizzling hot before eating. Reheat to 165°F.
• Avoid cross-contaminating surfaces and utensils bacon touches with ready-to-eat foods.
• Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours in shallow airtight containers.
• When reheating, cook to 165°F. Only reheat once.

Taking the proper precautions when handling, prepping