Quick Answer
The best way to store bacon in the fridge is to keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Bacon should be placed on a plate or in a container to catch any drips. Raw bacon can be kept refrigerated for up to 7 days. For longer storage, bacon can be frozen for up to 1 month.
How to Store Bacon in the Fridge
When bringing home a new package of bacon from the store, it’s important to take steps to ensure it stays fresh as long as possible in the fridge. Here are some tips for storing bacon:
Leave Bacon in Original Packaging
The best way to store bacon in the fridge is in its original packaging. Bacon is cured and packaged in a way that allows for maximum freshness. The packaging protects the bacon from absorbing flavors from other foods and prevents it from drying out.
As long as the original vacuum-sealed package is unopened, the bacon will stay fresh for 5-7 days in the fridge. Once opened, it’s best to rewrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to extend its shelf life for another 4-7 days.
Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Foil
If bacon did not come in a resealable package or the original packaging has been opened, wrap the bacon well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly and no air remains inside.
Plastic wrap or foil creates a protective barrier, preventing the bacon from drying out. It also protects the bacon from picking up odors from other foods in the fridge. Wrapped properly, bacon can be kept for up to 7 days.
Store on a Plate or in a Container
Don’t just throw bacon packages haphazardly in the fridge. Place wrapped bacon flat on a plate or in a storage container. This catches any drips and prevents cross-contamination with juices from raw meats, produce, etc.
A rimmed plate or shallow covered container are ideal for catching bacon drips. The bacon stays flat, making it easier to cook the full slices later.
Keep Away From Other Foods
Try to keep raw bacon separate from other foods in the fridge, particularly fresh produce and ready-to-eat items. Since raw bacon can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, you don’t want juices dripping onto other foods.
Designate a shelf or area just for raw meats like bacon. Store above vegetables and avoid placing bacon on the top shelf where juices could drip down onto other refrigerator contents.
Monitor Expiration Date
The expiration date printed on the bacon packaging indicates how long it stays fresh when properly stored. Do not keep bacon past its expiration date, even if refrigerated. Bacon will begin developing an off odor, color, and slimy texture when it spoils.
For maximum freshness and quality, use refrigerated bacon within 5-7 days of opening the package. Discard bacon if you notice any signs of spoilage.
How to Freeze Bacon
Freezing gives bacon a much longer shelf life than refrigeration alone. Here’s how to freeze bacon for maximum freshness:
Wrap Bacon Well
Before freezing, bacon must be well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags to wrap the bacon in multiple layers. Remove as much air as possible and ensure the bacon is fully sealed inside the wrap.
Portion Control
For easier thawing and cooking, divide a large package of bacon into smaller portions before freezing. Separate slices into meal-size packets using waxed paper between slices. You can also roll up small piles of bacon to form “logs”.
Pre-portioning the bacon allows you to thaw only what you need at a time. Individual slices thaw more quickly too.
Label Packages
Be sure to label bacon packages with the cut type (regular, thick, etc), quantity, and freeze date before stashing in the freezer. This makes it much easier to identify packages and keep track of how long the bacon has been frozen.
Freeze Immediately
For best quality, freeze bacon as soon as possible after purchasing. Do not store bacon in the fridge for more than 5-7 days before freezing. Freezing bacon when it is still very fresh optimizes texture and flavor.
Store at 0°F or Below
Set your freezer to 0°F or below. The colder the temperature, the better bacon retains its quality during frozen storage. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Use Within 1 Month
For optimal taste and texture, use frozen bacon within 1 month of freezing, preferably sooner. Bacon will last longer frozen but the quality slowly diminishes over time.
Thawing Bacon
Bacon must be thawed properly before cooking for best results:
Refrigerator Thawing
For slow, safe thawing, place frozen bacon in the refrigerator. Allow 12-24 hours for a package of bacon to thaw completely (more time may be needed for thick-cut bacon). Refrigerator thawing prevents bacterial growth.
Cold Water Thawing
For quicker thawing, seal bacon in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Bacon should be thawed after about an hour.
Microwave Thawing
Bacon can be thawed very quickly in the microwave but this can lead to partly cooked meat. Microwave at 50% power and check often to avoid cooking. Separate slices as they thaw.
Cook Frozen Bacon Immediately
Cooking frozen bacon slices is fine in most cases. They will take slightly longer to cook. Increase oven temperature by 25°F if baking frozen bacon to compensate.
Don’t Re-Freeze Thawed Bacon
For food safety, do not refreeze bacon once it has been thawed. Cook thawed bacon within 1-2 days and discard if it is not used. Refreezing thawed meat allows bacteria to multiply.
How to Cook Bacon
Bacon can be prepared by pan-frying, baking, or microwaving:
Pan Frying
The traditional method for cooking bacon is in a skillet over medium heat. Place bacon slices in a cold pan in a single layer. Cook slowly, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Pour off bacon grease.
Baking
Bacon cooked in the oven avoids splattering grease. Place slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until desired crispness. Rotate pan halfway through. Drain bacon on paper towels.
Microwaving
Microwaving is the quickest cooking method. Place bacon slices between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cook at full power in 30 second bursts. Drain on paper towels.
Food Safety and Storage
Follow these food safety guidelines when storing and cooking bacon:
Store Raw Bacon Separately
Always store raw bacon separately from other foods in sealed packaging or containers. Keep raw meats on the bottom refrigerator shelf to prevent juices from dripping.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Never allow raw bacon to come into contact with cooked foods. Always wash hands, utensils, cutting boards etc thoroughly after handling raw bacon. Replace sponges frequently.
Cook Bacon Thoroughly
Cook bacon until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Partially cooked bacon has an increased risk of harboring foodborne pathogens.
Refrigerate Leftovers Quickly
Allow cooked bacon to cool slightly before refrigerating. Leftover cooked bacon lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Discard bacon if mold or an off smell develops.
Reheat Bacon Thoroughly
Only reheat cooked bacon once. Reheat until hot, at least 165°F. Do not keep reheating bacon over and over again, as bacteria can develop.
Key Points
Here are some key tips for storing bacon in the fridge or freezer:
- Keep raw bacon in original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place raw bacon in a container or on a plate to catch drips.
- Store bacon on a lower shelf, away from fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods.
- Use raw bacon within 5-7 days of opening the package.
- For extended storage, wrap bacon well and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw frozen bacon in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Cook bacon thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Refrigerate cooked bacon within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Properly storing bacon in the refrigerator or freezer is important for food safety and preserving freshness. Keeping bacon in its original packaging or wrapped up can help it last for up to 7 days refrigerated or 1 month frozen. Freeze bacon when it is still fresh for maximum quality. Thaw frozen bacon in the refrigerator before cooking through to 165°F. Always refrigerate cooked bacon promptly. Follow these storage guidelines and your bacon will stay fresh and ready to enjoy in recipes.
