Bacon fans, rejoice! You can now buy your guilty pleasure in large quantities and not worry about how you’ll eat it all before it goes bad. We’ll show you how to freeze your favorite bacon so you can always make tasty bacon dishes.
Pre-cooked bacon can be a real time-saver in the kitchen. Whether you pick up a package at the grocery store deli or cook up a batch yourself, having pre-cooked bacon on hand means you can quickly add bacon flavor to meals and snacks. But an opened package of pre-cooked bacon won’t last forever in the fridge Freezing is a great option for extending the shelf life. But can you freeze pre-cooked bacon?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can freeze pre-cooked bacon to extend its shelf life. Freezing locks in freshness and prevents bacterial growth. With proper storage methods, frozen pre-cooked bacon keeps for 1-2 months.
Below you’ll find a complete guide to freezing pre-cooked bacon, including answers to common questions like:
- Can you freeze pre-cooked bacon from the store?
- What’s the best way to freeze cooked bacon at home?
- How long does frozen cooked bacon last?
- What’s the best way to thaw and use frozen bacon?
Can You Freeze Pre-Cooked Bacon From The Store?
Pre-cooked bacon from the deli section can definitely be frozen at home for longer storage. Brands like Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon, Hormel pre-cooked bacon, and Wright bacon are all freezable.
When freezing deli-style pre-cooked bacon, it’s best to move it from the original packaging to a freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents freezer burn. Portion the bacon in amounts that make sense for your household before freezing.
Make sure to press out excess air and seal the freezer bag or container well. Then freeze for up to 2 months.
Pro tip: Choose thinner sliced pre-cooked bacon for freezing, as it holds up better than thick slices.
How To Freeze Homemade Cooked Bacon
Freezing cooked bacon you prepared at home is a great way to always have some on hand. Here is a simple process:
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Cook the bacon. Bake it in the oven or fry it on the stovetop. Baking allows you to easily cook large batches.
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Cool the cooked bacon on a wire rack or paper towels. Letting it come to room temperature ensures it freezes evenly.
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Portion bacon into freezer bags or containers in handy amounts for using in recipes. Lay bacon flat, without overlapping.
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Press out air and seal bags or containers. This prevents freezer burn on the bacon.
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Freeze for up to 2 months until ready to use.
Pro chef tip: For easy crumbling, chop bacon into bits before freezing.
How Long Does Frozen Cooked Bacon Last?
Cooked bacon that has been properly frozen in airtight packaging keeps well in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Bacon frozen longer than that timeframe will still be safe to eat, but the quality starts to diminish. It can develop freezer burn or change in texture.
For the best results, use your frozen pre-cooked bacon within 2 months. First in, first out!
How To Thaw And Use Frozen Bacon
Thawing frozen cooked bacon is super easy. Here are a few simple thawing methods:
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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents moisture loss.
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Thaw in the microwave. Place frozen bacon on a plate and microwave in 15 second bursts, flipping occasionally.
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Cook frozen. You can add frozen bacon pieces directly to hot soups, casseroles, etc. The heat will thaw and warm it as it cooks.
Once thawed, use pre-cooked frozen bacon immediately for the best texture and flavor. Add it to breakfast dishes, burgers, salads, pasta, and more.
Freezing pre-cooked bacon – whether store-bought or homemade – is an easy way to always have this tasty ingredient on hand. Follow the tips above for best results. And say goodbye to running out of bacon!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you store pre-cooked bacon in the fridge?
Keep refrigerated pre-cooked bacon in its original packaging as long as possible. Once opened, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 7-10 days.
Can you refreeze bacon after thawing?
It’s best not to refreeze bacon once it has been thawed. The texture tends to become soggy. If you thaw more than you need, cook the extra and then freeze it.
What’s the white stuff on frozen bacon?
Don’t worry, that white layer is totally normal on frozen bacon. It’s caused by fat solidifying during freezing. It does not mean the bacon has gone bad. The white coating will thaw along with the bacon.
Why does frozen bacon turn brown?
Like many meats, bacon can develop a brown or grayish discoloration in the freezer. This is due to oxidation but does not affect safety or quality. It’s perfectly fine to eat discolored frozen bacon as long as it has been stored properly.
The Takeaway
Freezing is an excellent way to prolong the shelf life of both store-bought pre-cooked bacon and bacon you cook at home. With proper storage methods, frozen pre-cooked bacon keeps for 1-2 months. Thaw it in the fridge, microwave, or while cooking to enjoy delicious bacon anytime. Follow the tips in this guide for success freezing pre-cooked bacon.
How to Freeze Uncooked BaconGood news here! Uncooked bacon is easy to keep in the freezer and lasts up to six months. A sealed package can be popped right inside the freezer. Though, you should be prepared to use it all once thawed.Psst! Here’s a genius trick for making
- Make the bacon slices look like snails by coiling them up.
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet
- After the bacon coils are hard, put them in a zip-top bag and freeze them for up to 6 months.
Simply grab a few bacon bundles out of the freezer to thaw whenever youre in need. Find out