Thankfully, the freezer extends the shelf life of quality bacon by several months. You may already know that you can freeze it by the pack, but what if you don’t need the whole pack at once?
Here are some tips on how to freeze individual pieces of bacon that you can use whenever you want to make a meal more filling. And, if you’d like to freeze it by the pack, we’ve got tips to do it successfully.
Like most ways to store food, there are a few different ways to do this depending on what you have on hand and what you want to achieve. Whether you have a lot or a little of what you want to store is a key factor. How much bacon you have, how it’s packed, and how you plan to use it in the future all play a role.
There are three main methods for how to freeze bacon. Because, after all, we firmly believe your freezer should never be without bacon again.
Bacon is a kitchen staple that can add flavor to breakfast, sandwiches, salads, pastas and more. Freezing bacon allows you to buy in bulk when prices are low, always have some on hand for recipes, and prevent waste. But can you freeze packaged bacon after opening it?
The answer is yes, you can absolutely freeze an opened package of bacon. You can also freeze unopened packaged bacon with no issues. Freezing gives bacon a longer shelf life so none goes to waste. Here are some tips for freezing bacon safely.
Should You Freeze Unopened Packages of Bacon?
Freezing unopened, factory-sealed packages of bacon works perfectly. The bacon is already vacuum sealed which prevents freezer burn.
Benefits of freezing unopened bacon packages include:
- Takes up less space than individual slices.
- No prep required – just pop straight from freezer to fridge when needed.
- Lets you stock up on sales or buy bulk packages.
- Original packaging protects bacon during freezing.
- No risk of freezer burn.
As long as the “sell by” or “use by” date has not passed, unopened bacon packages can be safely frozen for long-term storage. Make sure to check dates first.
Can You Freeze a Packaged of Bacon After Opening It?
Once opened, a package of bacon has a shorter shelf life in the fridge before going bad However, you can absolutely freeze bacon after opening the package This prevents waste and lets you freeze leftovers from partial packages.
To freeze opened bacon properly:
- Separate slices so they don’t stick together.
- Place in a single layer between sheets of waxed paper.
- Put stack of waxed paper-separated slices in a zip-top freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag.
- Label bag with contents and freeze-by date.
- Lay flat in freezer to quickly freeze slices through.
Portioning opened bacon into smaller freezer bags lets you thaw only what you need for recipes.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Freezer?
Both unopened and opened packages of bacon can be frozen for extended periods Follow these freezer timelines
- Unopened Bacon Package – Up to 1 year frozen.
- Opened Raw Bacon – 6 months to 1 year frozen.
- Cooked Bacon – 2 to 3 months frozen.
Bacon will still be safe beyond these timeframes but may suffer more quality loss, freezer burn and rancid flavors. For best taste and texture, use frozen bacon within the recommended times.
Always label packages with the freeze date so you know how long it’s been stored.
How to Thaw Frozen Bacon
Frozen bacon needs to be thawed properly before cooking to ensure food safety. Here are some safe thawing methods:
- Refrigerator – Thaw overnight in the fridge in sealed packaging.
- Cold Water – Seal bacon in a bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 mins.
- Microwave – Place single slices between paper towels and microwave in 30 second bursts, flipping over.
Cook bacon immediately after thawing. Do not leave thawed raw bacon sitting out at room temperature. Partial thawing in the refrigerator then finishing in the microwave works well.
Tips for Freezing Bacon
Follow these tips for freezing bacon successfully:
- Check “sell by” or “use by” dates before freezing.
- Separate slices before freezing opened packages.
- Use waxed paper to keep slices from sticking.
- Portion into meal-size amounts based on recipe needs.
- Remove air from packaging before sealing.
- Use within recommended timelines for best quality.
Freezing packaged bacon after opening allows you to preserve leftovers and prevent waste. With proper storage methods, frozen bacon will retain good quality and flavor for many months. Take advantage of bulk deals and always have this breakfast staple ready in the freezer.
Method #2 – Freeze Bacon Slices Individually
The accordion or fan method is a great way to freeze individual slices of bacon.
You only need a few pieces of bacon at a time, but you want to make it last longer.
Try freezing each piece separately. Then, when you want bacon and eggs or want to spice up a simple dish, just take them out of the freezer. If you want to know how to freeze bacon so you can have a slice for breakfast in the morning, this is the right way to do it.
Here’s a foolproof method that requires only a bit of wax paper and a freezer bag.
- Lay out a big sheet of wax paper. It’s going to take more wax paper than you think because you’re going to fold bacon slices between these sheets in an accordion shape.
- Place a bacon slice on the wax paper’s edge. Then, fold the wax paper over the bacon.
- Lay the next slice of bacon on top. Repeat the folding process until you’re out of bacon.
- Store your accordion-folded bacon in a gallon freezer bag. Pull out slices as you need them and thaw. Tip: To make clean cuts, cut bacon while it’s still frozen.
Method # 1 – Freeze Bacon by the Pack
One of the most obvious ways to freeze raw bacon is to keep it in the package it came in. To freeze bacon by the pack, this method is quick and easy, but there are a few things you should remember. (ButcherBox bacon comes frozen, so we’ve already covered part of this for you. ).
Our bacon packs arrive frozen. If you’re not ready to use right away, freeze the whole sealed pack for later.
- You should only freeze bacon by the pack if you plan to eat it all right away after letting it thaw. Do you want to save bacon for a big brunch or another meal where you’ll need it all? Then freeze the pack of bacon. Otherwise, consider some of the individual freezing methods below.
- Factor in thawing time. It will take longer for a whole pack of frozen bacon to thaw than for individual pieces. Thaw your bacon in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of water a long time before you need it.
- Store it properly. If your bacon came in a package that won’t let air in, you can put it in the freezer. Just take note of the day you froze it. What if the bacon you bought at the butcher counter isn’t airtight? Put it in a freezer bag and write down the date you put it in the freezer.