Bacon is a beloved food that can add a delicious touch to any meal. But what happens when you buy too much bacon and can’t eat it all before it goes bad?
Fear not, because freezing packaged bacon is a great way to extend its shelf life and ensure that you always have some on hand. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when freezing bacon to ensure that it stays fresh and tasty.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of freezing packaged bacon, including how long it lasts in the freezer, the best way to freeze it, and how to defrost it properly.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep your bacon fresh for longer!
Can You Freeze Packaged Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze packaged bacon! In fact, freezing bacon is a great way to extend its shelf life and ensure that you always have some on hand.
Packaged bacon can be frozen both unopened and opened, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Unopened bacon can be frozen right in its original packaging, but if you plan to store it in the freezer for an extended period of time (more than 2 months), it’s best to overwrap the package with heavy-duty foil or other freezer wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
If you’ve already opened your package of bacon, it’s best to wrap the bacon tightly in freezer wrap or put it into a freezer bag. It’s also a good idea to cut the bacon into smaller portions, even into slices, to allow for easy thawing of small portions as needed. When wrapping bacon, be sure to remove all excessive air from the package to prevent freezer burn.
Most sources state that you can store raw bacon in the freezer for about 1 to 2 months for best quality. However, bacon can be frozen indefinitely, but the longer you store it, the more the quality and flavor will deteriorate.
How Long Does Packaged Bacon Last In The Freezer?
Packaged bacon can last up to 6 months in the freezer, but it’s important to note that this timeline can vary depending on how the bacon is stored. Unopened bacon that is frozen right in its original packaging can maintain its best quality for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer. However, if you plan to store it for a longer period of time, it’s recommended to overwrap the package with heavy-duty foil or other freezer wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
Opened and uncooked bacon can last up to 6 months in the freezer as well, but it’s important to wrap the bacon tightly in freezer wrap or put it into a freezer bag. When wrapping bacon, be sure to remove all excessive air from the package to prevent freezer burn. Additionally, it’s a good idea to cut the bacon into smaller portions, even into slices, to allow for easy thawing of small portions as needed.
It’s worth noting that while bacon can be frozen indefinitely, the longer you store it, the more its quality and flavor will deteriorate. Therefore, it’s best to use frozen bacon within a month of freezing it for optimal taste and texture. If you’re unsure about the quality of your frozen bacon, use your senses to check for signs of spoilage such as a sour smell, dull color, or slimy texture. If any of these signs are present, discard the bacon immediately.
The Best Way To Freeze Packaged Bacon
If you’re looking for the best way to freeze packaged bacon, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.
First, only freeze bacon by the pack if you plan to use all of it immediately after thawing. If you’re saving bacon for a future meal, consider freezing it in smaller portions. To do this, lay the raw strips about 1/4-inch apart on parchment or wax paper. Cover them with another piece of paper and roll them up. Put the roll in a plastic freezer bag, seal, and freeze. This will allow you to defrost individual slices depending on how many you need, without having to thaw an entire package.
When wrapping bacon for freezing, be sure to remove all excessive air from the package to prevent freezer burn. Overwrap the store package with heavy-duty foil or other freezer wrapping if you plan to store it in the freezer for an extended period of time (more than 2 months).
To defrost frozen bacon safely, always defrost it in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Never defrost bacon by leaving it on your kitchen counter because harmful bacteria can develop if bacon is left at room temperature for too long.
Remember that frozen bacon can last up to six months in the freezer, but for best taste and texture, it’s ideal to cook it within one month of freezing. And finally, never refreeze bacon once it has thawed.
By following these tips and tricks, you can freeze packaged bacon with ease and ensure that you always have some on hand for future meals.
Tips For Defrosting Packaged Bacon Properly
Defrosting packaged bacon properly is crucial to ensure that it retains its texture and flavor. Here are some tips to follow when defrosting packaged bacon:
1. Use cold water: The safest and most effective way to defrost packaged bacon is by using cold water. Simply fill a large bowl or your sink with cold water and submerge the unopened package of bacon in it. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes or so to keep it cold.
2. Don’t use warm water: Avoid using warm or hot water to defrost bacon as it can cause the bacon to start cooking at an unsafe temperature. This can result in unevenly cooked bacon and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
3. Use the refrigerator: Another safe way to defrost packaged bacon is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This method requires a bit of planning ahead, but it ensures that the bacon thaws evenly and retains its quality.
4. Avoid defrosting on the counter: Never defrost packaged bacon on the counter at room temperature as this can also increase the risk of bacterial growth.
5. Cook immediately after thawing: Once the packaged bacon has thawed, make sure to cook it immediately. Do not refreeze thawed bacon as this can also affect its quality.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your packaged bacon is properly defrosted and ready to cook whenever you need it.
Can You Refreeze Packaged Bacon?
Yes, you can refreeze packaged bacon, but only if it was thawed safely in the refrigerator no more than seven days before you refreeze it, according to USDA guidelines. Bacon that was thawed at room temperature, in the microwave, or under running water is not safe to refreeze.
It’s important to note that constant refreezing and thawing might slightly affect the texture and taste of the bacon. To ensure the best quality, it’s recommended to use the bacon within six months of the original freeze date.
If you plan to refreeze opened bacon, it’s best to wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or put it into a freezer bag. Cut the bacon into smaller portions, even into slices, to allow for easy thawing of small portions as needed. Be sure to remove all excessive air from the package to prevent freezer burn.
Other Ways To Preserve Bacon
Aside from freezing, there are other ways to preserve bacon and extend its shelf life. One option is to cook the bacon and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked bacon can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. To store cooked bacon, place it between sheets of paper towels in an airtight container to prevent it from sticking together and to absorb excess grease.
Another way to preserve bacon is to store it in its original packaging in the refrigerator for up to a week past the expiration date. Once opened, tightly wrap the bacon in foil or a zip-top bag and use within one week. Sealed packages of bacon can be frozen for up to one month before the fat begins to go rancid.
If you have leftover bacon grease, you can also store it for future use. To do so, strain the grease through a coffee filter into a glass container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Bacon grease can be used for cooking or as a flavorful addition to dishes like roasted vegetables or popcorn.
