Is bacon in the package already cooked?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Bacon that you buy pre-packaged at the grocery store is typically pre-cooked before being packaged. The cooking process partially cooks the bacon to help preserve it and prepare it for finishing cooking later at home. So bacon in the package is not fully cooked, but it has been partially pre-cooked.

What is Pre-Cooked Bacon?

Pre-cooked bacon refers to bacon that has been partially cooked before being packaged and sold in grocery stores. Here is an overview of pre-cooked bacon:

Bacon is first cured – this involves soaking the pork belly strips in a brine solution which adds flavor and preserves the meat.

After curing, the bacon slices are partially cooked by a process like steaming, smoking, or baking. This light cooking kills any bacteria and firms up the texture.
The partially cooked bacon is then quickly chilled to help further preserve it.
Finally, the pre-cooked bacon slices are packaged into the packages sold in grocery stores.

So in summary, pre-cooked bacon sold at the grocery store has been lightly cooked before packaging, but not fully cooked through.

Why is Store-Bought Bacon Pre-Cooked?

There are a few reasons why bacon is pre-cooked before being packaged and sold:

Food safety – The partial cooking kills any harmful bacteria like salmonella and makes the bacon safer for consumption.

Preservation – Cooking bacon extends its shelf life so it can be kept in packages at the grocery store before you buy it.
Convenience – Pre-cooked bacon reduces the cooking time and effort you need to prepare it at home.
Texture – The light cooking firms up the bacon slices so they hold their shape better in the package.

So in summary, pre-cooking makes the bacon safer, extends its shelf life, and leads to a better texture in the package. This makes the bacon more convenient and ready for quick cooking at home.

Is Pre-Cooked Bacon Fully Cooked?

No, pre-cooked bacon bought at the grocery store is not fully cooked. Here are some key points:

The pre-cooking process only partly cooks the bacon until it is lightly browned but not crispy.

Pre-cooked bacon needs to be finished by frying, baking, or microwaving at home before eating.
Bacon should always be heated to 165°F internal temperature for it to be considered safe and fully cooked.
If you ate pre-cooked bacon right out of the package, it would have a soft, rubbery texture and would not be fully cooked through.

So in summary, while convenient, pre-cooked bacon is not ready to eat and needs additional cooking at home first. Leaving it partially uncooked helps maintain quality after packaging.

How is Store-Bought Bacon Cooked?

Bacon bought at the grocery store goes through the following cooking process before being packaged:

Curing – Dry curing or wet brining adds flavor and preserves the raw pork belly.

Partial cooking – The bacon is partly cooked through steaming, smoking, or baking until lightly browned.
Cooling – The bacon is cooled down to stop the cooking process.
Packaging – The cooled, pre-cooked bacon slices are packaged for sale.

Finishing – Consumers finish cooking the bacon at home to a crispy texture.

The partial pre-cooking step is especially important. It:

Brings the bacon to an internal temperature of about 150°F.

Cooks the bacon to a light brown color.
Firmly coagulates the proteins for a better texture.
Provides a head start on cooking but doesn’t fully cook through.

This helps prevent bacterial growth while preparing the bacon for quick cooking at home.

How Should You Finish Cooking Store-Bought Bacon?

To finish cooking pre-cooked bacon from the store, you have a few good options:

Pan Frying

Frying pre-cooked bacon in a skillet is a popular cooking method. Follow these tips:

Use a heavy skillet and place it over medium heat. Cast iron works great.
Lay the bacon slices flat in the dry skillet without overlapping.
Fry for 2-5 minutes per side until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness.

Optionally, pour off some grease as the bacon cooks if desired.
Cook to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Pan frying gives you crispy, evenly cooked bacon with that iconic fried flavor.

Baking

Baking oven-cooks the bacon all over without the need for turning. To bake:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Arrange bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bacon reaches at least 165°F.
For chewier bacon, bake at a lower 375°F instead.
Baking gives you flat, evenly crisped bacon all over.

Baking is a hands-off cooking method that can accommodate large batches well.

Microwaving

Microwaving provides a quick cooking method, though texture may be less crisp:

Lay bacon strips out on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels.

Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until desired crispiness.
Let stand 1 minute after cooking – microwaves can leave hot spots.
This method may lead to a chewier, less crispy texture.

Microwaving is fast but you lose some of the iconic bacon flavor and texture.

How Can You Tell When Bacon is Fully Cooked?

Here are some ways you can test when bacon is fully cooked through:

Minimum internal temperature – Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F or above.

Change in color – Fully cooked bacon is a deeper caramelized brown color from its natural pinkish hue.
Texture – Bacon should become crispy when cooked through fully and have no soft spots.
Cooking time – Bacon is likely fully cooked if fried for at least 2-5 minutes per side or baked for 15-20 minutes.

The food thermometer is the most reliable doneness test. But checking color, texture, and approximate cooking times can also prevent undercooked bacon.

Can You Eat Pre-Cooked Bacon Right from the Package?

It’s not recommended to eat pre-cooked bacon directly out of the package without cooking it fully first. Here’s why:

Safety – Bacon can contain harmful germs when undercooked, even with partial pre-cooking.

Texture – Uncooked bacon is unpleasantly soft and rubbery instead of crispy.
Flavor – Bacon doesn’t fully develop its signature taste until it’s cooked through.
Appearance – The fat retains a wobbly, unappetizing look before being cooked.

Pre-cooked bacon is meant to be finished with additional cooking for safety, texture, taste, and appearance. Eating it straight from the package provides a poor eating experience.

Nutrition Facts for Pre-Cooked Bacon

Here are the nutrition facts for a typical serving of pre-cooked bacon from the store that is pan fried at home.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	43
Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	189 mg
Carbohydrates	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugars	0 g
Protein	3 g

Bacon is high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat, but can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Opt for high-quality bacon and use cooking methods that limit added fat or oils.

Cost Savings of Buying Pre-Cooked Bacon

Buying pre-cooked bacon can provide some cost savings compared to raw pork belly. Here are some of the main ways it saves you money:

Convenience – Pre-cooked bacon saves you the time and effort of fully cooking raw pork belly at home.
Less shrinkage – Raw bacon shrinks significantly when cooked. Pre-cooked bacon has already shrunk so you get the full package weight.

Better storage – Pre-cooked bacon stores well in the fridge while raw pork belly requires special handling.
No waste from cooking errors – Pre-cooking prevents you from potentially burning or undercooking the bacon.

The pre-cooking process adds cost at the factory level. But the time and mistake savings often make pre-cooked bacon a worthwhile buy.

Food Safety Tips for Handling Pre-Cooked Bacon

When handling and cooking store-bought pre-cooked bacon, be sure to follow these food safety guidelines:

Only buy pre-cooked bacon before its “use by” or “sell by” date.
Inspect package seals and do not use if opened or damaged.

Refrigerate bacon at 40°F or below and use within 7-10 days of opening.
Cook to 165°F internal temperature before eating.
Discard bacon that smells bad or looks excessively slimy.

Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw bacon away from cooked foods.
Refrigerate cooked bacon within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.

Following basic food safety practices helps prevent the risk of foodborne illness from pre-cooked bacon. Take care to fully heat to a safe temperature when cooking.

How Long Does Pre-Cooked Bacon Last When Unopened?

In an unopened package, pre-cooked bacon typically lasts the following time periods:

Bacon pre-cooked without nitrates: 2 weeks
Bacon cured with nitrates: 4-6 weeks

Vacuum-sealed bacon: 2-3 months
Frozen bacon: 6-12 months

The nitrates used in curing extend the shelf life of regular pre-cooked bacon. Vacuum sealing or freezing provides even longer lasting storage.

Always check the manufacturer’s “use by” or “freeze by” date and look for signs of spoilage before cooking. Unopened pre-cooked bacon stays fresh in the refrigerator for at least a few weeks.

Conclusion

In summary, bacon bought pre-cooked at the grocery store has been prepared for quick cooking at home. While pre-cooking improves safety and texture, the bacon needs additional cooking before eating. Frying, baking, or microwaving pre-cooked bacon allows it to develop full flavor and reach food-safe temperatures. Follow proper storage times and handling guidelines, and pre-cooked bacon provides a tasty and convenient breakfast meat.