Can You Freeze Dry Cured Bacon? The Complete Guide

Crispy, salty bacon is a staple ingredient in many recipes and meals But an open package of bacon doesn’t last forever in the fridge Freezing can extend the shelf life of uncooked bacon for months. This raises the question – can you freeze dry cured bacon?

The short answer is yes, you can freeze both dry cured bacon and wet cured bacon successfully. In fact, freezing is recommended for storing bacon long-term. Below I’ll explain everything you need to know about freezing dry cured bacon. I’ll cover proper methods, storage times, defrosting, and more.

With the right techniques you can enjoy fresh-tasting bacon straight from the freezer anytime!

What is Dry Cured Bacon?

Before addressing the freezing question, let’s quickly go over what makes dry cured bacon different from other bacon:

• Curing method – Dry cured bacon is rubbed with a mixture of salt, spices and curing agents to preserve it. Wet cured bacon soaks in a brine.

• Flavor – The dry cure process gives bacon a more concentrated, salty, smoky flavor. Wet cured bacon is often milder.

• Texture – Dry cured develops a firm, dense texture. Wet cured can be softer.

• Cooking – Dry cured bacon usually requires longer cooking times to fully crisp due to the low moisture content.

So in terms of freezeability, dry cured bacon behaves much the same as wet cured styles. The main difference is the flavor and texture outcome. Now let’s look at why freezing bacon works so well.

Why Freeze Bacon?

Freezing bacon provides several advantages over refrigerated storage:

• Long shelf life – Bacon lasts 4-6 months in the freezer vs. 1 week in the fridge.

• Maintains freshness – Frozen storage prevents bacteria growth and rancidity.

• Buy in bulk – Stock up on sales or bulk packages and freeze excess.

• Preserve unused portions – Freeze leftovers from open packages rather than wasting any.

• Lock in quality – Frozen bacon tastes and cooks like new once thawed.

Freezing stops the chemical changes that lead to spoilage. So for maximum freshness and shelf life, the freezer is ideal for both uncooked and cooked bacon.

How to Freeze Slices of Raw Bacon

Follow these simple steps for properly freezing packages of raw bacon:

1. Seal original packaging – If bacon is in an unopened vacuum sealed package, simply place that in the freezer. Unopened bacon can be frozen up to 2 months beyond any use-by date.

2. Double wrap partial packages – For opened bacon packages, tightly wrap remaining slices in plastic wrap, then foil, squeezing out air. This prevents freezer burn.

3. Freeze in single layer – Lay bacon flat in a single layer in the freezer until hard, then stack. This keeps slices from sticking together.

4. Use freezer bags for small amounts – For partial slices, store in freezer bags removing air. Flatten bags to freeze flat.

5. Label packages – Mark bacon packages with name and freeze date so you can use within recommended times.

That’s all there is to it! Now let’s look at thawing and cooking up that frozen bacon.

Thawing Frozen Bacon

To retain best texture and avoid food safety risks, thaw frozen bacon gradually in the fridge:

• Place frozen bacon package on a plate or tray to catch drips as it thaws overnight in the refrigerator.

• For quicker thawing, keep bacon in its sealed wrapping and place in a bowl of cold water. Change water every 30 minutes.

• Thawed bacon should be used within 5 days. It can be refrozen safely if not cooked, but quality declines.

• For a few slices, microwave 6-10 seconds per slice on 50% power. Cook immediately after microwaving.

• Don’t leave bacon to thaw on counter at room temperature more than 1-2 hours before cooking.

Now let’s talk about how to cook up that thawed bacon to crispy perfection!

Cooking Frozen Bacon

Frozen bacon may take slightly longer to cook through than fresh. Follow these tips:

• Use a cold skillet or pan so bacon cooks evenly. Frozen bacon causes hot pans to drop in temperature.

• Cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning as bacon slowly thaws.

• Start checking doneness after 8-10 minutes. Cook to desired level of crispiness, up to 18 minutes for fully frozen packs.

• Pour off any water released as bacon thaws and continue cooking until crispy.

• Bake frozen bacon strips on a foil-lined pan for 25-35 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.

Let cooked bacon drain on paper towels to soak up excess grease. Now you have crispy bacon ready to use in recipes or enjoy alongside eggs and pancakes!

Storing and Reheating Cooked Bacon

To retain that fresh-fried flavor, be sure to store cooked bacon properly:

• Allow cooked bacon to fully cool on a paper towel lined plate before storage.

• Keep bacon pieces as whole strips if possible rather than chopping.

• Store small batches for 2-3 days tightly wrapped in the fridge. Use within 5 days maximum.

• For longer storage, wrap very tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze up to 2 months.

• Reheat frozen cooked bacon gently in a skillet or bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness without drying out.

With proper storage and reheating, cooked bacon holds its flavor for several days. Now let’s look at how long bacon actually lasts in the fridge and freezer.

Bacon Storage Times

Proper storage times are important for both food safety and best quality when freezing bacon. Here are the recommended windows:

• Unopened bacon: 6 weeks past any use-by date unopened in the fridge. Up to 1 year in the freezer.

• Opened bacon: 1 week in the refrigerator, 4-6 months in the freezer.

• Cooked bacon: 5-7 days tightly wrapped in refrigerator, 2-3 months in the freezer.

Always cook bacon within the ensure food safety. But for peak freshness and flavor, use frozen bacon within the freezer times above.

Can You Freeze Other Pork Products?

The freezing guidelines for bacon also apply to other cured pork products like:

• Prosciutto
• Pancetta
• Ham
• Sausage links and patties

Cured and smoked meats freeze very successfully. Allow deli meats to thaw in the fridge before slicing to retain texture. Raw sausages thaw well on a plate in the microwave or skillet.

Answers to Common Freezing Questions

Freezing any food like bacon can bring up questions for first-timers. Here are answers to some commonly asked queries:

How long does raw bacon last in the freezer? Raw bacon lasts 4-6 months in a 0°F freezer before losing quality. Cook within 1-2 weeks after thawing.

Can you refreeze bacon after thawing? Previously frozen raw bacon can be safely refrozen after thawing in the refrigerator. But quality declines with each additional freeze-thaw cycle.

Is freezing or refrigerating bacon better? Freezing maintains safety and quality much longer than refrigeration. Fridge storage is best for bacon used within a week.

Can you freeze bacon grease? Yes, freeze leftover bacon fat in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Use to cook with later for added bacon flavor.

How long can cooked bacon be frozen? Cooked bacon stays best quality frozen for 2-3 months in airtight packaging. Eat within 5 days after thawing.

How do you use frozen bacon? Thaw raw bacon overnight in the fridge or cook from frozen for 10-15 minutes. Use immediately after thawing for food safety.

Tips for Freezing Bacon

Follow these tips for freezing bacon like a pro:

• Choose high-quality bacon without added water or preservatives for better freeze results.

• Portion packages into recipe-ready amounts so you can thaw only what you need.

• Separate and flatten slices between parchment paper before freezing raw to prevent sticking.

• Wrap opened packages very tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Label frozen bacon packs with contents and freeze date so you know when to use up.

• Store flat in single layer until solidly frozen, then you can stack packs to save space.

• For safety, only thaw bacon in fridge, microwave, or cold water bath.

Enjoy Delicious Frozen Bacon!

Freezing dry cured bacon is an easy way to save money and reduce waste with this popular staple. Use proper packaging methods and thawed bacon within recommended time limits. With minimal effort, you can enjoy fresh, high-quality bacon anytime right from the freezer.

So go ahead and stock up on bacon bargains knowing freezing preserves both flavor and food safety. Fry up a frozen pack to witness firsthand how amazingly well bacon freezes and thaws.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can absolutely freeze dry cured bacon successfully! Use freezer-safe wrapping to avoid freezer burn and maintain quality for 4-6 months in the 0°F freezer. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before cooking or eating to retain the best texture and flavor. With proper freezing and thawing practices, dry cured bacon freezes as well as other bacon styles. Enjoy the convenience of frozen bacon without sacrificing deliciousness!