Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can be enjoyed in many ways. But what happens when you have leftover cooked bacon and you’re not sure if it’s safe to eat cold?
Can you eat cold cooked bacon, or should you always reheat it? In this article, we’ll explore the safety and best practices for eating cold cooked bacon.
From storage to expiration dates, we’ll cover everything you need to know to enjoy your bacon safely and deliciously.
So, grab a slice of bacon (or two) and let’s dive in!
Can You Eat Cold Cooked Bacon?
The short answer is yes, you can eat cold cooked bacon. In fact, it’s much safer to eat cold cooked bacon than hot. While there is always the possibility of cross-contamination in delis, homecooked bacon is safe to eat as long as it is refrigerated and not left out for more than a few hours.
When properly stored in the fridge, cooked or sliced bacon will stay fresh for about three to four days. Although it’s safe to eat cold cooked bacon, you’d probably be better off reheating it first. The best way to store cooked bacon is in the refrigerator or freezer. Be sure to pay close attention to the expiration date, though, as the chances of food poisoning increase exponentially when the meat is cold.
It’s important to note that fully cooked, cold bacon is fine as long as it hasn’t been sitting out for an extended period. If it’s been thoroughly cooked first, you can enjoy it cold without any worries.
How To Store Cooked Bacon
If you have leftover cooked bacon that you’d like to store, there are a few different ways to do so depending on how long you need to store it and when you plan to use it. The best way to store cooked bacon is in the refrigerator or freezer.
To store cooked bacon in the refrigerator, let it cool to room temperature first. This will limit the formation of condensation after you seal the bacon, which will help it stay as crispy as possible. Once the bacon is cool to the touch, place it in an airtight bag or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag or wrapping it up. Cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If you don’t plan on using the cooked bacon within five days, it’s best to store it in the freezer. To freeze cooked bacon, wrap individual portions in paper towels to cushion them and then place the towel-wrapped portions into a zip-top bag. Freeze and store for up to six weeks. Frozen cooked bacon can go right into the frying pan from the freezer, or it can be warmed up in the microwave.
It’s important to note that slab bacon should be tightly wrapped and will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator, depending on its freshness when you buy it. However, freezing a slab of bacon is not recommended as the salt tends to make the fat turn rancid very quickly when frozen.
When storing cooked bacon, be sure to use airtight containers or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep its quality. Proper storage of cooked bacon will ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last?
Cooked bacon can last up to four days in the refrigerator if stored correctly. To ensure its freshness, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It’s important to use cooked bacon within two hours of cooking, and to refrigerate it immediately after. If you plan on storing cooked bacon for longer than four days, freezing it is a good option. Frozen, cooked bacon can last up to one month and still maintain its flavor and texture.
When it comes to thawing frozen cooked bacon, there are three safe methods: in the microwave, in the refrigerator, or under cold running water. It’s important not to leave cooked bacon out at room temperature for more than two hours as bacteria can grow rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
It’s also important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming cooked bacon. If it has a sour smell or slimy texture, it should be discarded immediately. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety, so if you have any doubts about the freshness of your cooked bacon, it’s best to throw it out.
Is It Safe To Eat Cold Cooked Bacon?
Many people wonder whether it’s safe to eat cold cooked bacon. The good news is that fully cooked, cold bacon is perfectly safe to eat as long as it has been stored correctly. In fact, it’s much safer to eat cold cooked bacon than hot bacon because there is a lower risk of cross-contamination.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooked or sliced bacon should be refrigerated and not left out for more than a few hours. When properly stored in the fridge, cooked bacon will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you plan on eating cold cooked bacon, it’s recommended to reheat it first for optimal taste and texture.
It’s also crucial to pay close attention to the expiration date when buying your bacon, as the chances of food poisoning increase exponentially when the meat is cold. If you’re unsure whether your bacon is still safe to eat, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it.
Tips For Reheating Cooked Bacon
If you prefer your bacon warm, there are several methods you can use to reheat it. Here are some tips for reheating cooked bacon:
1. Defrost frozen bacon before reheating: If you’ve stored your bacon in the freezer, make sure to defrost it first before reheating. You can either defrost it in the fridge for at least eight hours or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
2. Use the oven for a crispy texture: The oven is the best option if you want your bacon to have a crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lay your bacon out in a single layer on a baking sheet. After the oven is preheated, pop the sheet into the oven for about five minutes. Once you hear your bacon begin to sizzle, it’s time to enjoy!
3. Use the stovetop for a quick fix: If you don’t want to wait for your oven to preheat, you can easily reheat your bacon on the stovetop. Turn a burner on to medium-high heat and allow a frying pan to heat up. Once the pan is hot, place a single layer of bacon on it. After a few minutes, your bacon will be crispy and ready to eat.
4. Use an air fryer for convenience: If you have an air fryer, it’s a quick and easy way to reheat your bacon. Preheat your fryer to 350°F then cook your bacon for three to four minutes.
5. Don’t reheat bacon more than once: You can reheat bacon multiple times, but it will start to lose its crispiness and become chewy. So, if you’re looking for that crispy texture, I would recommend reheating it only once.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your reheated cooked bacon is just as delicious as it was when it was first cooked!
Creative Ways To Use Leftover Cooked Bacon
If you have some leftover cooked bacon in your fridge, don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of creative ways to use it up and add some extra flavor to your meals. Here are some ideas:
1. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich: Use your leftover bacon to make a delicious breakfast sandwich. Toast an English muffin and top it with a fried egg, a slice of cheese, and some bacon.
2. Bacon Guacamole: Add some crispy bacon bits to your guacamole for a decadent twist on this classic dip. Mix mashed avocados with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, salt, and of course, crumbled bacon.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: If you’ve ever tried bacon-wrapped dates, you know how delicious they can be. Use your leftover bacon to wrap around dates and bake until crispy.
4. Bacon and Goat Cheese Rugelach: This recipe may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Roll out some crescent dough and fill it with caramelized onions, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped bacon. Bake until golden brown.
5. Bacon Reuben Spread: Spread Russian dressing on rye toast and top with bacon sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Broil until melted for a tasty twist on the classic Reuben sandwich.
6. Bacon-Apple Sandwiches: For a sweet and savory sandwich, spread honey mustard on a split baguette and fill it with cooked bacon, sliced Brie cheese and apple, lettuce, salt, and pepper.
7. Cobb Club: Make a double-decker sandwich by layering soft blue cheese and mayonnaise on three slices of toast. Add grilled chicken, cooked bacon, avocado, tomato, romaine lettuce, and a hard-boiled egg for a delicious meal.
With these creative ideas for using leftover cooked bacon, you’ll never have to waste this tasty ingredient again!
