We know weve been on a bit of a bacon kick lately. We suspect youre all pretty much okay with it. We learned something really horrible while writing our guide on how to cook bacon, our list of bacon mistakes we’ve all made, and our ode to all things wrapped in bacon: some of you are buying bacon that has already been cooked.
We get it—fully cooked, shelf-stable bacon that comes already packaged sounds great. It’s quick and easy, and there’s no mess to clean up. But at what cost? Here are eight of the best reasons we can think of to never buy bacon that’s already been cooked again. Advertisement.
There are times in life when you need to ask yourself, “what else would it be??”
7. You can eat it right out of the package, like unrefrigerated meat chips.
There’s no need to warm it up, says Tyson. You can eat it right out of the package in salads, sandwiches, main dishes, and more. ” No. No thank you. No.
Schwans says, “Our fully cooked bacon is perfect every time in 60 seconds, whether you like it really crispy or chewy and meaty.” That’s faster than the toast!” GUYS. Bacon is meat. Also, let’s be honest: bacon is great, healthy, and tasty, but it’s not meat. You shouldnt just be able to snack on it like popcorn. It should take some effort. Advertisement.
5. This is precooked bacons predecessor. Dont let these people win. (via Imgur)
Every major producer of precooked bacon lists these as the “curing ingredients. ” It just feels suspicious. If someone wont tell you what goes into making a product, we are wary of that product.
3. Because it leads to stuff like this being invented. Yeah, dont adjust your monitors, that is canned bacon. Bacon in a can. Congratulations, you guys. You did it. Advertisement.
2. Know what you cant do with precooked bacon? THIS. Yeah. (via Imgur)
1. When you eat precooked bacon, you are missing out on a vital part of the bacon experience. Bacon fat. Bacon fat is a valuable resource that shouldn’t be wasted without thought. We’ve said this before, and we’ll probably say it again. That big mason jar in the picture above is the key to perfectly braised greens, the tastiest cornbread you’ve ever had, and the best stewed beans you’ve ever had.
We don’t think so. Does bacon taste the same without the sizzle in the pan, the smell in the air, and the anticipation as it cooks? Isn’t instant gratification sometimes a missed opportunity? Were hoping we can convince you to agree.
Bacon is a breakfast staple for many people. The savory and salty meat is delicious when cooked up hot and crispy. But what if you don’t have time to cook bacon in the morning? Can you eat pre-cooked bacon straight from the fridge without heating it up?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely eat pre-cooked bacon cold While hot and crisp bacon is hard to beat, cold pre-cooked bacon can still be quite tasty. As long as the bacon was fully cooked initially, it is safe to eat straight out of the fridge Read on to learn more about eating pre-cooked bacon cold.
Is It Safe to Eat Pre-Cooked Bacon Cold?
Safety should always be the number one priority when handling and consuming any meat product. So is cold pre-cooked bacon safe? The answer is yes. Fully cooked bacon is perfectly safe to eat cold.
When bacon is initially cooked to the proper internal temperature, harmful bacteria like salmonella are killed off. As long as the cooked bacon remains refrigerated, any bacteria that could cause illness will not have a chance to grow. Refrigeration keeps pre-cooked bacon preserved and safe to eat for 3-7 days after cooking.
Bacon that is cured and smoked, like much commercial bacon, has an even longer shelf life and can be kept refrigerated for weeks. The curing process helps prevent bacterial growth. So cured and smoked pre-cooked bacon can be enjoyed cold for a long time.
As long as you store the cooked bacon properly in the fridge, it is perfectly safe to eat it cold right out of the fridge.
How Does the Texture and Taste Compare?
While cold bacon is safe to eat, you may be wondering how it compares in taste and texture to hot crisp bacon. After all, one of the best parts about bacon is the irresistible crunch.
When pre-cooked bacon is eaten straight from the fridge, it has a much softer, chewier texture than hot cooked bacon. The fat is more rubbery and less brittle when cold. And rather than a satisfying crunch, cold bacon has more of a leathery bite.
In terms of taste when cold, the smoky flavor still comes through, but some of nuances are muted. The salty taste is less pronounced. Any sweetness from sugars in the curing process is harder to detect. Overall, the taste is still recognizable as bacon, but more one-dimensional.
While hot bacon certainly has superior texture and taste, cold pre-cooked bacon can still be enjoyable. Think of it as simply a different experience than sizzling hot bacon straight from the pan. Adjust your expectations and keep an open mind to fully enjoy cold pre-cooked bacon.
Tips for Enjoying Cold Pre-Cooked Bacon
If you want to get the most satisfaction and flavor out of eating pre-cooked bacon cold, follow these tips:
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Cut the bacon thinner – Thinner slices will have more surface area for seasoning to come through. Thick cold bacon can end up bland inside.
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Opt for bacon with more natural flavors – Stay away from bacon with artificial smoke flavoring or lots of preservatives, which can taste metallic when cold. Go for bacon cured with natural wood smoke.
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Pair with strong flavors – Top cold bacon slices on burgers, sandwiches, salads, or pizza to let other strong flavors complement the bacon.
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Try cooking some of it hot – Heat up a few slices to enjoy the contrast in textures.
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Bake or fry the bacon – Bacon cooked in the oven or skillet tends to have more inherent flavor than boiled or microwaved bacon.
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Store properly – Keep the bacon refrigerated in a sealed container or bag. Avoid freezing previously cooked bacon if you plan to eat it cold.
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Use it in recipes – Try adding cold pre-cooked bacon bits to pasta, potatoes, dips, etc. The other ingredients will make the bacon taste great.
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Embrace the difference – Appreciate cold bacon for its own subtle charms rather than comparing it directly to hot and crispy bacon.
Fun Ways to Use Cold Pre-Cooked Bacon:
- Crumble on top of salads
- Chop up for adding into dips and spreads
- Toss chopped bacon into fried rice or quinoa
- Sprinkle over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Layer on top of pizza or flatbreads before baking
- Mix into egg dishes like quiche, frittata, or scrambled eggs
- Use in place of croutons for Caesar salad
- Add to cheese boards or charcuterie platters
- Mix into cornbread, biscuit, or scone batter before baking
- Garnish soups like baked potato soup or chili
- Fold into omelets or breakfast burritos and wraps
- Top bruschetta after toasting bread
- Add to pancake or waffle batter
- Use in place of bacon bits for seasoning
- Mix into macaroni and cheese
- Sprinkle over grilled cheese sandwiches
- Add to bread dough like rolls before baking
- Toss with roasted Brussels sprouts and potatoes
The Bottom Line
Pre-cooked bacon that has been properly refrigerated is 100% safe to eat cold. The taste, aroma, and texture will be more subdued than hot crispy bacon straight off the skillet. But cold pre-cooked bacon can still add a nice smoky, salty flavor to all kinds of dishes and recipes.
Hopefully now you feel confident that you can safely enjoy pre-cooked bacon straight from the fridge. While hot bacon may be hard to resist, don’t let a lack of time in the morning stop you from enjoying this tasty meat. Just embrace the softer chew and more subtle flavor of cold pre-cooked bacon. Adjust your expectations and keep an open mind, and you may come to appreciate the convenience and simple pleasures of eating pre-cooked bacon cold.
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We know weve been on a bit of a bacon kick lately. We suspect youre all pretty much okay with it. We learned something really horrible while writing our guide on how to cook bacon, our list of bacon mistakes we’ve all made, and our ode to all things wrapped in bacon: some of you are buying bacon that has already been cooked.
We get it—fully cooked, shelf-stable bacon that comes already packaged sounds great. It’s quick and easy, and there’s no mess to clean up. But at what cost? Here are eight of the best reasons we can think of to never buy bacon that’s already been cooked again. Advertisement.
8. They have to assure you that it is 100% real bacon.
There are times in life when you need to ask yourself, “what else would it be??”
7. You can eat it right out of the package, like unrefrigerated meat chips.
Tyson says, “Warm it up if you like, or enjoy it straight from the package in sandwiches, salads, main dishes and more.” No. No thank you. No.
6. Its faster to prepare than toast.
Schwans says, “Whether you like it super crispy, or chewy and meaty, our fully-cooked bacon is perfect every time in 60 seconds. That’s faster than the toast!” GUYS. Bacon is meat. Meat SHOULD take longer to cook than toast! Also, lets just be honest with each other: bacon is glorious, fortifying and delicious, but one thing bacon is not — healthy. You shouldnt just be able to snack on it like popcorn. It should take some effort.Advertisement
5. This is precooked bacons predecessor. Dont let these people win. (via Imgur)
4. WHAT is in this stuff??
Every major producer of precooked bacon lists these as the “curing ingredients.” It just feels suspicious. If someone wont tell you what goes into making a product, we are wary of that product.
3. Because it leads to stuff like this being invented.
Yeah, dont adjust your monitors, that is canned bacon. Bacon in a can. Congratulations, you guys. You did it.Advertisement
2. Know what you cant do with precooked bacon? THIS. Yeah. (via Imgur)
1. When you eat precooked bacon, you are missing out on a vital part of the bacon experience. Bacon fat.
Weve harped on this before, and were likely to do it again, but bacon fat is a precious resource that shouldnt be discarded without consideration. That stout mason jar in the photo above is your ticket to perfectly braised greens, the best cornbread youve ever eaten and the best tasting stewed beans.
We don’t think so. Does bacon taste the same without the sizzle in the pan, the smell in the air, and the anticipation as it cooks? Isn’t instant gratification sometimes a missed opportunity? Were hoping we can convince you to agree.
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How to Make Pre-Cooked Bacon | Family Savvy
Can you eat cold pre cooked bacon?
Some people will say that cold pre-cooked bacon is safe to eat, but there is a risk that the bacon may have been exposed to harmful bacteria. If you are unsure, it is best to avoid eating cold pre-cooked bacon. Can You Eat Bacon That Has Been Frozen? Yes, you can eat bacon that has been frozen.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Do you have to cook pre-cooked bacon?
No, you do not have to cook pre-cooked bacon. Pre-cooked bacon is already cooked and ready to eat, so all you need to do is warm it up if desired. Whether you choose to enjoy it cold or warm is up to your personal preference.
Can you eat cooked bacon at room temperature?
At temperatures of 40°F and above, bacteria start to rapidly multiply and will contaminate your cooked bacon. Cooked bacon must be discarded if it has been left at room temperature for more than two hours. It is important to bear this in mind if you are preparing dishes that include cooked bacon, such as sandwiches or salads.
What happens if you eat cold Bacon?
Some people don’t enjoy the texture of cold bacon – it can lose its crispness and become chewier. The flavor of cold bacon is also not as intense as warm, freshly cooked bacon, and the famous bacon smell will not be so strong.
Can you eat bacon that has been frozen?
Yes, you can eat bacon that has been frozen. Freezing cooked bacon is a great way to keep it fresh for later. Just wrap the bacon in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the bacon in the fridge overnight and cook according to your recipe.