Bacon lovers, rejoice!
If you’re someone who enjoys the taste of crispy bacon but hates the hassle of cooking it every time, then pre-cooked bacon is your savior.
But what if you have a surplus of pre-cooked bacon and don’t want it to go to waste? Can you freeze it?
The answer is yes! Freezing pre-cooked bacon is a great way to ensure that you always have some on hand for those busy mornings or lazy weekends.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of freezing pre-cooked bacon, including how to do it properly and how long it will last in the freezer.
So, let’s dive in and learn all about freezing pre-cooked bacon!
Can You Freeze Pre Cooked Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze pre-cooked bacon. In fact, it’s a great way to ensure that you always have some on hand for those busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Pre-cooked bacon freezes very well, but it’s important to follow a few guidelines to ensure that it stays fresh and tasty. First, make sure that the bacon is completely cooled to room temperature before wrapping it for freezing. This will prevent ice crystals from forming and help to maintain the quality of the bacon.
Our favorite way to freeze pre-cooked bacon is to wrap individual portions in wax paper or parchment paper. Then, place the parcels in a zip lock bag and freeze. This method allows you to easily grab a portion of bacon whenever you need it without having to thaw the entire package.
Alternatively, you can also freeze pre-cooked bacon in an airtight container or zipped freezer bag for up to two months. However, be aware that the longer you keep it in the freezer, the more likely it is to develop freezer burn and lose its flavor and texture.
Why Freeze Pre-Cooked Bacon?
There are several reasons why you might want to freeze pre-cooked bacon. Firstly, it’s a great time-saver. By having pre-cooked bacon on hand, you can easily add it to your favorite recipes without having to cook it from scratch each time. This is especially helpful if you’re in a rush or have limited time in the mornings.
Another benefit of freezing pre-cooked bacon is that it can save you money. By buying bacon in bulk and cooking it all at once, you can take advantage of any sales or discounts and avoid having to pay full price for smaller packages. Plus, by freezing the bacon, you can prevent any waste or spoilage, ensuring that you get the most out of your purchase.
Finally, freezing pre-cooked bacon is a great way to enjoy this delicious meat without having to worry about the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stove. By baking the bacon in the oven and freezing it for later use, you can avoid any grease splatters or cleanup and still enjoy all the flavor and texture that bacon has to offer.
How To Freeze Pre-Cooked Bacon
Freezing pre-cooked bacon is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Allow the bacon to cool: Before freezing pre-cooked bacon, it’s important to allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This will prevent ice crystals from forming and ensure that the bacon stays fresh.
2. Wrap the bacon: Once the bacon is cooled, wrap individual portions of bacon in wax paper or parchment paper. This will help to prevent the bacon from sticking together and make it easier to grab a portion whenever you need it.
3. Place in a zip lock bag: After wrapping the bacon, place the parcels in a zip lock bag and seal it tightly. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.
4. Label and date the bag: It’s important to label and date the bag so that you know when you froze the bacon. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer and ensure that you use it before it goes bad.
5. Freeze the bacon: Place the sealed bag of pre-cooked bacon in the freezer and freeze for up to two months. Be sure to store it in a part of your freezer where it won’t get crushed or damaged.
6. Thaw and reheat: When you’re ready to use the pre-cooked bacon, simply remove as many portions as you need from the bag and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave for a few seconds. Then, reheat them in a skillet or microwave until they’re crispy and hot.
By following these simple steps, you can freeze pre-cooked bacon and enjoy it whenever you want without worrying about it going bad or losing its flavor.
Tips For Freezing Pre-Cooked Bacon
Here are some tips to help you freeze pre-cooked bacon successfully:
1. Cool the bacon completely: Before wrapping the bacon for freezing, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. This will prevent the formation of ice crystals and help maintain the quality of the bacon.
2. Wrap in wax paper or parchment paper: Wrapping individual portions of pre-cooked bacon in wax paper or parchment paper helps to prevent them from sticking together in the freezer. It also makes it easier to grab a portion whenever you need it without having to thaw the entire package.
3. Use a zip lock bag: Once you’ve wrapped the bacon in wax paper or parchment paper, place them in a zip lock bag and seal it tightly. This will help to keep the bacon fresh and prevent any air from getting in, which can cause freezer burn.
4. Label and date the bag: Don’t forget to label and date the zip lock bag before placing it in the freezer. This will help you keep track of how long it has been frozen and ensure that you use it before it goes bad.
5. Freeze for up to two months: Pre-cooked bacon can be frozen for up to two months, but it’s best to use it within four weeks for best flavor. The longer it stays in the freezer, the more likely it is to develop freezer burn and lose its texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you can enjoy pre-cooked bacon anytime you want without worrying about it going bad or losing its flavor.
How Long Can You Freeze Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Pre-cooked bacon can be safely stored in the freezer for up to two months. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the bacon may deteriorate over time, especially if it’s not stored properly. To ensure that your pre-cooked bacon stays fresh and tasty, make sure to wrap it tightly in wax or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container or zip lock bag before freezing.
It’s also important to keep in mind that even though pre-cooked bacon can be frozen for up to two months, it’s best to use it within the first month for optimal flavor and texture. Freezing pre-cooked bacon for longer than two months may cause it to develop freezer burn or become rancid more quickly than expected due to its high fat content and curing salts.
When you’re ready to use your frozen pre-cooked bacon, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s heated through. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious pre-cooked bacon anytime without worrying about waste or spoilage.
Thawing And Reheating Pre-Cooked Bacon
Thawing and reheating pre-cooked bacon is easy and convenient, but it’s important to do it safely to avoid any risk of food poisoning. The best way to thaw pre-cooked bacon is to move the package from the freezer to the refrigerator and leave it there overnight. This will slowly thaw the bacon while preserving its texture.
If you didn’t plan ahead, you can also thaw pre-cooked bacon quickly by removing the frozen strips from the freezer and leaving them out on the kitchen counter for up to two hours. Alternatively, you can hold the frozen bacon under running water or use the defrost setting on your microwave. However, be careful not to overdo it with the microwave as this can cause the bacon to become rubbery or tough.
Once your pre-cooked bacon is thawed, you can reheat it using a variety of methods. One of the easiest ways is to use a skillet. Simply lay the frozen strips in an unheated frying pan, turn the heat on to medium, and reheat the bacon strips, turning once or twice, until hot and crispy. You can also reheat pre-cooked bacon in the oven by arranging the strips on a foil-lined baking sheet and heating in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes.
Another option is to use a microwave. Arrange the strips on a microwave-safe plate or baking dish and heat on medium power in 30-second increments until hot and sizzling. Be sure to check frequently as the exact heating time will depend on your microwave and the thickness of the bacon.
It’s important to note that when reheating cooked bacon, you should always heat it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety. You should also avoid reheating pre-cooked bacon more than once as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Other Ways To Use Pre-Cooked Bacon
Pre-cooked bacon is not only a time-saver, but it can also add a delicious smoky flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some other ways to use pre-cooked bacon:
1. Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers: Wrap pre-cooked bacon around bite-sized pieces of cheese or vegetables, secure with a toothpick, and bake until crispy.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Add pre-cooked bacon to the top of your favorite meatloaf recipe before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
3. Bacon-Ranch Dip: Mix pre-cooked bacon with sour cream, ranch seasoning, and chopped green onions for a tasty dip that pairs well with fresh veggies or chips.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with goat cheese and wrap with pre-cooked bacon before baking until crispy and caramelized.
5. BLT Salad: Toss pre-cooked bacon with lettuce, tomato, and croutons for a classic salad with a twist.
6. Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crumbled pre-cooked bacon to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an indulgent twist on a classic dish.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Wrap pre-cooked bacon around chicken breasts or thighs before baking for a flavorful and juicy main dish.
No matter how you use it, pre-cooked bacon is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and convenience to any meal.
