Do you want to know “How long does turkey bacon last?” and more importantly, “How to keep turkey bacon fresh?” We have the answers! The good news is that these tips will help you keep raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon fresh for a lot longer.
Turkey bacon is another way to enjoy a bacon-like eating experience. Some people eat it because it has a lower fat content than traditional pork bacon.
Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories than regular pork bacon, but it’s still processed meat that goes bad after a certain amount of time.
So, you should know how to store turkey bacon so that it doesn’t grow bacteria and how long it will last. This article will teach you how to eat the crispy strips safely with your food.
Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to regular pork bacon. With less fat and calories turkey bacon can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. But like any cooked meat product, proper storage is key to food safety. So how long does cooked turkey bacon last in the fridge or freezer?
Below is a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life and freshness of cooked turkey bacon
Overview of Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon is made from cured and smoked turkey thighs It provides the same crispy texture and smoky flavor as pork bacon Popular brands like Oscar Mayer, Jennie-O, and Columbus offer pre-packaged turkey bacon.
Compared to pork bacon, the benefits of turkey bacon include:
- 35-50% less fat and calories
- Higher protein
- Less sodium
- No nitrates or nitrites
Turkey bacon must be fully cooked before eating to eliminate bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. It can be prepared by baking, frying, or microwaving until crispy.
How to Tell If Turkey Bacon Is Bad
Cooked turkey bacon that has gone bad will show signs of spoilage. Look for these indications:
- Slimy texture or tacky surface
- Grayish or dull brown color
- Rancid or “off” smell
- Mold growth
- Dryness or white crystals on surface
If you notice any of these, it is best to discard the turkey bacon. Eating spoiled turkey bacon can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Shelf Life of Cooked Turkey Bacon in the Fridge
Properly stored, cooked turkey bacon will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness:
- Allow turkey bacon to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store towards the back of the fridge, not the door.
- Use within 3 days for best quality.
- Discard any turkey bacon with an off smell or appearance.
The shelf life depends on how it was cooked:
- Pan fried or baked: 5 days
- Microwave: 3-4 days
Microwaved turkey bacon has a shorter shelf life due to slightly accelerated spoilage.
Freezing Cooked Turkey Bacon
For longer storage, cooked turkey bacon can be frozen for 2-3 months. To freeze:
- Cool turkey bacon completely first.
- Portion slices into freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label bags with date and contents.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F.
To thaw frozen turkey bacon:
- Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight.
- Microwave on 50% power in 30 second bursts, flipping occasionally.
- Fry or bake from frozen, increasing cooking time.
Use thawed turkey bacon within 3-5 days. Refreezing thawed turkey bacon is not recommended for food safety.
How to Store Unopened Turkey Bacon
An unopened package of raw turkey bacon has a recommended shelf life of 7-10 days past the sell by date if kept refrigerated at 40°F or below.
Check the use by or sell by date and look for signs of spoilage like an off-odor, sliminess, or unusual coloring.
An unopened package can also be frozen for up to 1-2 months past the sell by date. Freeze immediately in original packaging.
Safe Handling of Turkey Bacon
Raw or cooked, turkey bacon requires safe handling:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
- Cook raw turkey bacon thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw turkey bacon separate from other foods.
- Discard turkey bacon left out at room temperature for 2+ hours.
- Thaw frozen turkey bacon in the refrigerator, not the counter.
- Reheat cooked turkey bacon to 165°F.
Following basic food safety practices helps prevent foodborne illness from turkey bacon.
Serving and Using Up Leftover Turkey Bacon
For best quality, enjoy cooked turkey bacon within 3-5 days. But even as it ages, there are still delicious ways to use up any leftovers:
- Crumble on salads, baked potatoes, or soups.
- Make turkey bacon bits for recipes.
- Fry up with vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
- Add small amounts to omelets, frittatas, or quiches.
- Use in sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.
The smoky flavor still shines through in leftover turkey bacon. With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy the savory taste and crunch of turkey bacon for up to 2-3 months. Monitor for signs of spoilage and cook thoroughly before eating for food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if cooked turkey bacon is bad?
Look for changes in color, texture, and smell. Discard turkey bacon that is slimy, dull, dry, moldy, or gives off a rancid odor. When in doubt, throw it out.
What happens if you eat bad turkey bacon?
Consuming spoiled turkey bacon can cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, it can progress to dehydration and hospitalization.
Can you refreeze thawed turkey bacon?
It is not recommended to refreeze turkey bacon after thawing. Refreezing can damage the cell structure, leading to faster spoilage. Cook thawed turkey bacon within 3-5 days for food safety.
Does cooking extend the shelf life of turkey bacon?
Properly cooking turkey bacon helps eliminate bacteria that can cause the bacon to spoil quickly. Cooked turkey bacon stored properly in the fridge or freezer will last longer than raw.
Can you freeze unopened turkey bacon?
An unopened package of raw turkey bacon can be frozen for up to 1-2 months past the sell by date. This stops spoilage and preserves freshness longer in the freezer.
With proper refrigeration and freezing methods, cooked turkey bacon can stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. Follow the storage guidelines provided to enjoy the tasty convenience of turkey bacon safely.
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Cooked Turkey Bacon Shelf Life
It depends on how you like your turkey bacon cooked: in a skillet, a deep fryer, a regular oven, a microwave oven, or an air fryer? If you have extra cooked bacon, you don’t have to throw it away.
You can keep cooked bacon fresh for up to three days longer if you wrap it tightly and put it in the fridge. If you freeze it, you can maintain its flavor for up to three months.
How Long Does Raw Turkey Bacon Last?
The first step is to look at the package and check the sell-by date. Turkey bacon that hasn’t been opened and is still in its original package can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks, or until it goes bad, whichever comes first.
When the package is opened, it can be kept in the fridge for up to a week if it is fully wrapped.
Also, don’t leave the turkey bacon out on the counter for more than an hour while you’re making it. Wrap and refrigerate any unused bacon right away to avoid spoilage.