Bacon is a delicious and versatile meat that can be eaten on its own, added to sandwiches and burgers, or used to add flavor to soups, salads, and more. However, like any cooked meat, bacon has a limited shelf life. Knowing how long cooked bacon lasts can help you reduce food waste and keep your food safe.
How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Cooked bacon that has been properly stored in the refrigerator will generally stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors:
- Freshness of bacon before cooking. Fresh, unopened bacon will last longer than bacon that’s been in your fridge for over a week.
- Cooking method. Bacon cooked at a lower temperature will retain more moisture and spoil faster. High heat helps render out more fat and moisture.
- Storage container. An airtight container is best, as exposure to air can accelerate spoilage.
- Refrigerator temperature. Bacon lasts longer when stored at a consistent 40°F or below.
For maximum freshness and food safety, use cooked bacon within 3 days. After 5 days, it’s best to throw bacon away as bacteria can multiply even when refrigerated.
How to Store Cooked Bacon in the Fridge
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of cooked bacon in the refrigerator. Here are some storage tips:
- Let bacon cool completely before refrigerating. Storing warm bacon speeds up spoilage.
- Keep bacon in an airtight container. A sealed plastic bag or storage container with a tight-fitting lid prevents drying out.
- Place bacon on a plate lined with paper towels before storing. This soaks up excess grease and moisture.
- Store bacon in the back of the fridge, which is the coldest area.
Signs Bacon Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that indicate your cooked bacon has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Slimy texture and foul, off-putting smell
- Dull or fading coloration with graying fat
- Dry, shriveled up appearance
- Mold growth
- Rancid or bitter taste
Does Cooked Bacon Go Bad Faster at Room Temperature?
Yes, cooked bacon that sits out at room temperature will spoil much faster than bacon that’s refrigerated. Bacteria grows rapidly on cooked bacon when left out for over two hours. For food safety, cooked bacon should never sit out for more than two hours (one hour if temperatures are above 90°F).
After sitting out too long, bacon can still look perfectly fine but harbor dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus. These bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels without obvious signs of spoilage. Consuming bacon that has been left out too long can cause severe food poisoning.
Reheating Bacon Safely
If cooked bacon has been refrigerated properly, it can safely be reheated one time. Use these methods to reheat bacon:
- Microwave – Wrap bacon in paper towels and microwave in 30 second increments, checking in between. Microwaves can create hot spots that leave bacon unevenly heated.
- Oven – Place bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Skillet – Cook bacon over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
When reheating, bacon should reach 165°F internally, steaming hot with sizzling fat. Bacon that has been left out for over 2 hours or reheated multiple times should always be discarded.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Frozen bacon has a significantly longer shelf life. Properly frozen, raw bacon can last 4 to 6 months in the freezer. Cooked bacon lasts 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
To freeze bacon:
- Wrap raw bacon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible.
- Cooked bacon can be frozen in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Place bacon packages in coldest section of freezer, at 0°F or below.
- Label packages with date and contents.
For best quality, use frozen bacon within the recommended time. Frozen and thawed bacon cooks faster than fresh.
Thawing Bacon Safely
Always thaw frozen bacon properly in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Follow these guidelines:
- Place frozen bacon on a plate or pan to catch drips, then put in fridge overnight. Small packages may thaw in 3-4 hours.
- Cook bacon immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze thawed bacon.
- Microwave thawing is not recommended. It can create hot spots that breed bacteria.
The Shelf Life of Other Bacon Products
In addition to regular sliced bacon, other bacon products like bacon bits and precooked bacon have their own shelf lives. Here’s how long some common bacon items last:
Bacon Type | Refrigerator | Freezer |
---|---|---|
Raw bacon slices, unopened | 2 weeks | 4 months |
Raw bacon slices, opened | 1 week | 4 months |
Cooked bacon slices | 3-5 days | 1-2 months |
Precooked bacon strips, unopened | 2 weeks | 1-2 months |
Precooked bacon strips, opened | 1 week | 1-2 months |
Precooked bacon crumbles, unopened | 3 months | 6-9 months |
Precooked bacon crumbles, opened | 2 weeks | 3 months |
How to Know When Bacon Has Gone Bad
Bacon can look and smell fine even when it’s past its prime and potentially dangerous to eat. Here are some ways to recognize spoiled bacon:
Bad Raw Bacon
- Grayish, dull color
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Rancid smell
Bad Cooked Bacon
- Dry and shriveled
- White or gray fat
- Moldy spots
- Foul, sour odor
When inspecting packages, also check “use by” or expiration dates. Bacon past the date may have developed off colors and smells.
Safely Handling Bacon
Raw bacon can harbor harmful germs like Salmonella. To keep bacon as safe as possible:
- Cook thoroughly until crisp. Raw or undercooked bacon can contain bacteria.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for produce.
- Wash hands, sinks, and counters after handling.
- Keep raw and cooked bacon separated.
Refrigerating after opening and cooking bacon within 5 days reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. When reheating bacon, ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Bacon Last Unrefrigerated?
At room temperature, raw bacon will start to go bad after just 1-2 hours. Cooked bacon can sit out slightly longer for 2 hours before bacteria become dangerous. For food safety, refrigerate all bacon as soon as possible after buying or cooking.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Bacon?
Previously frozen raw bacon can be safely refrozen, but this will affect the quality. Bacon may lose moisture and texture when refrozen. For best results, cook bacon instead of refreezing once thawed.
For food safety, never refreeze thawed cooked bacon. Refreezing cooked meats allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Bacon?
Eating spoiled bacon that contains harmful bacteria could lead to food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, bad bacon can cause a life-threatening infection.
How Can You Tell If Bacon Is Bad By Smell?
Rancid, sour, or unpleasant odors are a sign bacon has spoiled. Bacon emitting a putrid, rotten, or ammonia-like smell should be discarded. With cooked bacon, an off smell means bacteria may be present, even if no slime or mold is visible.
Can Bacon Go Bad If Frozen?
No, properly frozen bacon does not go bad. Bacon that stays frozen at 0°F or below remains safe indefinitely. Freezing prevents the growth of bacteria. However, frozen bacon can still deteriorate in quality over many months due to oxidation and freezer burn.
Conclusion
Knowing how long bacon lasts can prevent needlessly throwing out usable bacon or eating bacon that’s no longer safe. While refrigerated cooked bacon stays fresh for 3 to 5 days, frozen cooked bacon keeps for 1 to 2 months. Raw bacon can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
To extend shelf life, freeze bacon if you won’t use it within recommended time frames. With proper frozen storage and food safety practices, bacon can be enjoyed safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.