How to Dehydrate Bacon for Long-Term Storage and Use

Dehydrating bacon is an excellent way to preserve it for long-term storage or make bacon bits and jerky. With the right techniques, you can easily dry bacon at home using a food dehydrator or oven. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dehydrate bacon successfully.

Why Dehydrate Bacon?

There are several advantages to dehydrating bacon:

• Extends the shelf life for months or years when properly stored
• Creates delicious bacon jerky for hiking and camping trips
• Allows you to make crispy bacon bits anytime
• Lets you buy bacon in bulk when prices are low
• Removes the need to freeze bacon to preserve it
• Makes a great high-protein, low-carb snack

Choosing the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is equally good for dehydrating, Here are some tips for picking the best bacon for drying

• Opt for good quality sliced bacon over thin breakfast bacon
• Choose thicker slices rather than thin pieces
• Look for bacon with nice marbling of fat
• Avoid very lean bacon, which dries out too much
• Consider using smoked bacon for stronger flavor

Thick, quality bacon slices with some fat work best for dehydration. The fat helps the bacon retain moisture for a pleasant texture.

Preparing Bacon for the Dehydrator

Proper prep is key to evenly drying bacon

• Cook the bacon until just crispy in a skillet on the stovetop first. This renders some of the fat out.

• Allow the cooked bacon to cool slightly and use paper towels to blot away excess grease.

• Cut the bacon into uniform slices, strips, or small pieces before dehydrating.

• Season with spices, sugars, or herbs before dehydrating if desired.

Dehydrating Bacon in a Food Dehydrator

Using a food dehydrator is ideal for making bacon jerky, chips, and bits. Follow these steps:

• Preheat dehydrator to 160°F.

• Arrange bacon pieces in a single layer on trays, leaving space between for air circulation.

• Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, checking periodically until dried.

• Blot bacon with paper towels mid-way to absorb fat beads.

• Test doneness by letting pieces cool and then bending them. They should be dry and brittle without releasing moisture or oils.

• Store cooled, dried bacon in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Dehydrating Bacon in the Oven

You can also dehydrate bacon in a standard oven:

• Cook bacon until crispy on the stovetop first. Drain excess fat.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top.

• Arrange bacon on the rack in a single layer without overcrowding.

• Dehydrate at 200°F for 2-4 hours depending on thickness.

• Rotate the pan and blot fat drippings every 30-60 minutes.

• Test doneness by cooling samples and bending to check for brittleness.

• Let bacon cool fully before storage in an airtight container.

Storage and Shelf Life of Dehydrated Bacon

Properly stored, dehydrated bacon can last:

• 1-2 months at room temperature.

• 6 months in the refrigerator.

• 1-2 years in the freezer.

• Indefinitely in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers in a cool, dry place.

For best preservation, store in airtight containers in the freezer. Glass jars, Mylar bags, and vacuum sealing work great.

Uses for Dehydrated Bacon

Once you have homemade bacon jerky or bits, there are endless ways to enjoy them:

• Bacon jerky for hiking, camping, hunting trips, etc.

• Sprinkle bacon bits on salads, baked potatoes, soups, casseroles, etc.

• Use crumbled bacon bits on pizza, nachos, dips, and more.

• Make candied bacon jerky by coating with brown sugar or maple syrup before dehydrating.

• Use bacon jerky bits for trail mix or snack mixes.

• Make BLTs with rehydrated bacon jerky.

• Toss bacon jerky pieces into beans, chili, pasta, etc.

• Use bacon jerky/bits when backpacking instead of fresh bacon.

• Give as a gift for birthdays, holidays, care packages, etc.

Tips for Successful Bacon Dehydration

Follow these tips for the best results when drying bacon:

• Choose the right bacon – go for good quality, thick sliced, high fat content.

• Cook bacon beforehand until just crispy to render some fat.

• Blot cooked bacon very well with paper towels before dehydrating.

• Use lower temperatures like 160°F in a dehydrator to prevent fat melts.

• Rotate trays and blot released bacon fat periodically when drying.

• Make sure bacon is fully dehydrated before storage for food safety.

• Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry spot or the freezer.

The Benefits of Home Dehydrated Bacon

Dehydrating your own bacon offers many rewards:

• Customize flavors exactly how you prefer

• Create delicious jerky and crispy bits for recipes

• Extend fresh bacon for months or years when stored properly

• Enjoy guilt-free, shelf-stable bacon snacks anytime

• Save money by buying bulk bacon on sale to dehydrate

• Avoid artificial ingredients found in store-bought bacon jerky

• Make great homemade gifts like seasoning mixes containing bacon bits

With some simple preparation and a dehydrator or oven, you can easily preserve bacon long-term. Make tasty jerky, bits, and chips to enjoy this savory treat for months to come.