Bacon is one of those foods that’s easy to love. It’s fantastic with breakfast, but it’s equally good when chopped up on a salad, draped over chicken on a sandwich or tossed with vegetables for a side dish. That sweet, salty and smoky flavor has the ability to light up a dish, and the smell of bacon in the oven is enough to make anyone hungry.
But despite bacon’s beloved status, it’s tough for most of us to eat an entire package in one sitting. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason.
This brings us to all kinds of questions: How long does bacon last in the fridge? Can you save leftover cooked bacon for later? How do you freeze bacon? Read on for the answers!
How Long Does Bacon Last?
The USDA has created guidelines to help consumers understand how long food lasts in the fridge. When it comes to bacon, it depends on whether the bacon is cooked or uncooked, and refrigerated or frozen.
How Long Does Uncooked Bacon Last in the Fridge?
You’ll find that some manufacturers include a sell-by or use-by date on the packaging, though it’s not required by the USDA. You can keep unopened bacon until it reaches that date. If it doesn’t have a date, you can generally count on about 2 weeks from when you leave the grocery store. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longer—up to 3 weeks.
Once you open the package, use all types of bacon within 7 days (or less, if the printed date is sooner).
How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Leftover cooked bacon lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge. It’s best to store it in an airtight container (we like glass containers because they don’t absorb odors).
If you purchased a shelf-stable cooked bacon from the store, you can keep it unopened in the pantry until the use-by date. After opening, you’ll want to use it within 5 to 14 days, depending on the package specifications.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Freezer?
If you can’t use your bacon in time, pop it into the freezer. Both uncooked and cooked bacon can be frozen, but you’ll want to use both within 4 months for best quality. Unopened packages of bacon can be tossed straight into the freezer, but keep in mind that you’ll have to thaw the entire package at once.
If you want to freeze individual bacon strips, lay the bacon pieces on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper, making sure the strips don’t overlap, and place in the freezer. When the bacon is completely frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. You can use the same sheet pan method to freeze cooked bacon.
How to Cook Frozen Bacon
Bacon can be cooked from frozen, so you don’t need to thaw it. It will take longer to cook compared to thawed bacon, though.
If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. Most frozen bacon packages will thaw overnight in the refrigerator and should be used within 7 days. Bacon thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, if needed. Thawing bacon in cold water or the microwave takes less time (about 30 minutes in cold water or as quickly as 5 minutes in the microwave), but needs to be cooked immediately. Because bacteria can grow more rapidly during these thawing methods, this bacon can’t be refrozen unless it’s cooked first.
How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?
Throwing away bacon grease is one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking bacon. This stuff is liquid gold! Store it in a mason jar or bacon grease container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will solidify in the fridge, making it easy to scoop and portion.
Bacon grease will keep indefinitely in the freezer, or about 3 months in the refrigerator. You’ll know when it’s no longer good to use because it will smell rancid, and it will make anything that’s cooked in it taste a little funky.
How to Store Bacon
In the Fridge
Opened packages of uncooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container, plastic bag, in plastic wrap or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. Once bacon has been cooked, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. We like to layer bacon strips between sheets of paper towels. Otherwise, the fat will solidify in the refrigerator, causing the strips to stick together.
In the Freezer
Keep frozen bacon in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. We like using resealable bags—especially if you used the sheet pan freezing method above—because it allows you to pull out a strip or two and toss the rest of the bag back in the freezer.
How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
Uncooked bacon is usually bright red, so you’ll know it’s going bad when the color fades to a dull pink. Once it turns brown, gray or has a greenish hue, it’s definitely time to toss it. You’ll also want to toss any bacon that’s sticky, slimy or has a strong sour aroma. Cooked bacon that’s past its prime will have a rancid smell, and it will lose its crisp texture and become soft and sticky.
Bacon Breakfast Pizza
Whether you're frying up bacon to have alongside scrambled eggs or chopping it up to sprinkle over this pizza, be sure to use one of the best bacon brands as chosen by our Test Kitchen. Also check out this farmhouse-style bacon grease container that has nearly 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
Turkey Corn Chowder
This thick and rich turkey corn chowder uses up Thanksgiving leftovers. Every so often, my grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder to give it a nice richness. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
BBQ Chicken Bites
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Bacon Parmesan Popovers
This recipe proves that simple ingredients often result in the best-tasting dishes. These popovers are a nice change from ordinary toast or muffins. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania
Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon and tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Beer and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
We put a creative spin on classic mac and cheese by adding our favorite beer and bacon. Six tests later, we are happy. —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, Idaho
Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky
Chocolate Bacon Bark
Sweet, salty, crunchy, smooth—bacon and chocolate is a match made in heaven in this chocolate bacon bark. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor
Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls
My husband and I both love these cheeseburger rolls. I often serve them with broccoli and cheese. They must be good because this recipe won the first-place prize at the Iowa State Fair! —Jessica Cain, Des Moines, Iowa
Air-Fryer Bacon Egg Cups
These adorable bacon egg cups are a fresh take on the classic breakfast combo. I originally baked these, but they're amazing in the air fryer—no need to heat up the oven! —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois
Maple Bacon Bread
Swirled with maple syrup, raisins, bacon and brown sugar, this crave-worthy maple bacon bread is one they'll remember. Plus, the dough is easy to work with and roll out! —Alicia Rooker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cheddar Corn Pudding with Bacon
This cheddar corn pudding can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. Remove from the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. —Lynn Albright, Fremont, Nebraska
Bacon Roll-Ups
This family recipe dates back to the 1930's, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Tender chicken gets a special treatment when spread with a creamy filling and wrapped with tasty bacon strips. This easy bacon-wrapped chicken recipe is frequently requested by my bunch. —MarlaKaye Skinner, Tucson, Arizona
Dutch Oven Cheesy Bacon & Eggs
For campouts, my sister and I escape on horseback into the woods. We make this Dutch oven breakfast casserole the first morning, then love the leftovers for the rest of the trip. —Mary Burris, Okeechobee, Florida
Bacon Corn Pancakes
Pancakes are always tops in my book. But stir in bacon and corn, and they become the best breakfast-for-dinner option. I always cook gluten-free, but you can easily use regular all-purpose flour to make these corn fritters. —Anne-Marie Nichols, Watkinsville, Georgia
Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts
This is my family's absolute favorite dish on my holiday table. What's not to love with the mixed aroma of garlic, onions, bacon, and blue cheese floating through your home? —Jana Gooding, Carlsbad, California
Sheet-Pan Eggs and Bacon Breakfast
I saw this sheet-pan eggs and bacon recipe on social media and decided to re-create it. It was a huge hit! Use any cheeses and spices you like—you can even try seasoned potatoes. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
You're-Bacon-Me-Crazy Potato Salad
The stuff from the deli just isn't our thing, but for us it isn't a summer cookout without potato salad! I toyed with many recipes until I developed this one. Now if I even mention grilling or barbecuing, this side dish is my family's top request. —Paul Cogswell, League City, Texas
Maple Bacon French Toast Bake
Our family loves Sunday brunch. Each season I try to bring a little different flavor to the table. This French toast bake reminds us of fall. Whole or 2% milk works best, but I use regular almond milk because I can't have dairy and it works, too! —Peggie Brott, Milford, Kansas
Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake
Wake up the sleepyheads in your household with this moist, tender coffee cake that’s both sweet and savory. Bacon and nuts in the crumbly topping blend with flavors of maple, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum! —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Bacon Cabbage Stir-Fry
For a flavorful side dish, try this fried cabbage and bacon. It's not only delicious, but fast to fix when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. —Lori Thompson, New London, Texas
Bacon-Topped Meat Loaf
My family loves meat loaf—and this one in particular. I created this bacon meatloaf after trying and adjusting many other recipes over the years. Cheddar cheese tucked inside and a flavorful bacon topping dress it up just right for Sunday dinner! —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Dijon-Bacon Dip for Pretzels
With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina
Bacon & Mushroom Omelets
I had grown tired of the same breakfast meals, so I wanted to make something more interesting. These fresh and flavorful omelets come with a versatile sauce that can also be used as a nacho dip. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Upside-Down Bacon Pancake
Make a big impression when you present one family-sized bacon pancake. The brown sugar adds sweetness that complements the salty bacon. If you can fit more bacon in the skillet and want to add more, go for it. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Caprese Chicken with Bacon
Smoky bacon, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes and gooey mozzarella top this appealing chicken caprese recipe. The aroma as it bakes is irresistible! —Tammy Hayden, Quincy, Michigan
Barbecue Chicken Pizza
My husband and I love this BBQ chicken pizza recipe, especially when we take it up a notch by adding other toppings that we love, including smoky bacon and creamy Gorgonzola. My mouth starts to water just thinking about it! —Megan Crow, Lincoln, Nebraska
Gentleman's Whiskey Bacon Jam
Bacon's not just for breakfast or for slipping in a BLT. Turn this salty treat into a jam and spread it on everything from crackers to burger buns! Not sure which brand of bacon to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Easy Glazed Bacon
Brown sugar, mustard and wine make bacon a little more special in this recipe. It's easy to prepare while working on the rest of the meal. —Judith Dobson, Burlington, Wisconsin
Beans, Bacon & Tomato Bake
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey. —Karen Kumpulainen, Forest City, North Carolina
Chicken Bacon Triangles
We host an annual Christmas party, and I whip up a new menu item every year. These golden chicken and bacon appetizers were an absolute hit. —Annette Fecht, Sorrento, British Columbia
Canadian Bacon Onion Quiche
For more than 20 years, we sold our homegrown specialty onions at the farmers market. I handed out this favorite recipe for a classic quiche to all our customers. —Janice Redford, Cambridge, WisconsinBacon-Wrapped Shrimp
I tweaked this bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe to please my family, and boy were they glad! For less heat, skip the jalapenos. —Debbie Cheek, State Road, North Carolina
Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread
When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Bacon and Eggs Casserole
Because it's fast to fix and such a great hit with family and friends, this egg casserole with bacon is a favorite of mine to make for brunches. Served with a fruit salad, hot muffins and croissants, it's excellent for an after-church meal. —Deanna Durward-Orr, Windsor, Ontario
Mini Sweet Potato Scones with Rosemary & Bacon
Everyone who tries these scones thinks they're delicious! To save a little time in the morning, combine the dry ingredients and cut in the butter the night before. I usually stir in the crumbled bacon at that time, too. Cover and refrigerate overnight and proceed with the recipe the next morning. In addition to saving time, this also allows the rosemary and bacon to come through, and chilling the butter in the mix results in tender scones. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese
All my dishes use ingredients that are usually sitting in the fire department pantry. I just adjust amounts depending on how many people we have on duty that day. This is always popular. —Nick Kaczor, New Hudson, Michigan
Yorkshire Pudding with Bacon and Sage
Individual souffles are a nice change from traditional dinner rolls. The savory treats are tastefully topped with crumbled bacon and fresh sage. —Melissa Jelinek, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Bacon Tortellini Bake
I stirred up this easy tortellini bake and figured if we all like it, others might, too. Broccoli and bacon add color and crunch to this creamy casserole. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Bacon-Potato Corn Chowder
I was raised on a farm, so a warm soup with homey ingredients, like this corn chowder with bacon, was always a treat after a chilly day outside. My hearty chowder nourishes the family. —Katie Lillo, Big Lake, Minnesota
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
It's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this salty-sweet concoction at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
A real Southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread Pudding
I had this dish at a bridal brunch many years ago. It was so delicious that I created my own version, and this is the result. Now I make it all the time. Enjoy! —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
Turkey and bacon give the classic sloppy joe a frightfully tasty new spin. Freddy Krueger may invite himself to dinner! —Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina
Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches
Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I made this family favorite for a big summer party. It was so easy to prep the parts separately, then toss it all together right before chow time. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Puff Pastry Apple Strudel
This puff pastry apple strudel is such a fun recipe. It can be served alone or with a side salad. Different types of cheese, like goat, feta or jack, can be used in this dish. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Bacon Breakfast Cups
My son joked about adding bacon to cupcakes. I made bacon cups the next morning. The look on his face was priceless. — Karen Burkett, Reseda, California
Cheeseburger Quesadillas
I created these fun cheeseburger quesadilla mashups in honor of my family's two favorite foods. They are so yummy and easy to make! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Bacon Potato Bake
This cheesy potato casserole is always popular. It's a nice change from mashed potatoes and with a bread crumb and crumbled bacon topping, it looks as good as it tastes. —Helen Haro, Yucaipa, California
Bacon Date Bread
Friends joke that whenever I’m asked to bring a dish to a party, my contribution always contains bacon. This recipe has the sweet and salty flavors of date-nut bread and bacon-wrapped dates. —Terrie Gammon, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pear Sauce
I enjoy cooking for my parents, and my bacon-wrapped scallops recipe is one of their favorites. If you prefer, replace the pear preserves with preserves or jam of a different flavor. —Ethan Hall, King, North Carolina
Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles
I love eating these truffles the day after I make them, after the full flavor of the bacon comes through. —Sylvia Shankle, Munhall, Pennsylvania
Bacon-Sausage Quiche Tarts
As a teacher, I attend many meetings and also have special celebrations with rest of the staff. The other teachers are very fond of this treat and often request that I bring it to our functions. —Jackie Milliken, Pittsboro, North Carolina
Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing
This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Buffalo dip is must-have dish at our annual Fourth of July backyard barbecue! It celebrates America's love for Buffalo chicken dipped in heaps of creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. And the bacon? That's just a bonus! My kids aren't big fans of blue cheese, but its strong flavor can be mellowed out by adding more mild cheddar in its place. —Katie O'Keeffe, Derry, New Hampshire
Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza
Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake
Sweet meets savory in this fun twist on the typical breakfast casserole. It's great for parties and potlucks because you can make it the night before. —Katie Osborn, Toledo, Ohio
Bacon Guacamole with Cotija Cheese
Take your game-day snack to a new level with this bacon guacamole. The bacon adds crisp, rich texture, while the cotija makes your guac extra creamy. If you’re feeling bold, use applewood smoked bacon for a more complex flavor profile. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread Muffins
My family can't get enough of bacon and peanut butter, so I created these quick and easy cornbread muffins using ingredients I regularly keep stocked in my pantry and fridge. The streusel topping adds a delicious sweet and salty crunch! —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
Stilton, Bacon & Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Bold, savory flavor from bacon, Stilton cheese and fresh garlic take mashed potatoes to a whole new level. This side dish is so rich and satisfying, it could be eaten as an entree! —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Pecan Bacon
Crispy, sweet bacon dresses up any breakfast. When my girls see this, they call it a special breakfast. The big flavor punch just may surprise you. —Catherine Ann Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Slow-Cooked Enchilada Casserole
Tortilla chips and a side salad turn this savory casserole into a fun and festive meal with very little effort. —Denise Waller, Omaha, Nebraska
Butterscotch Pie with Walnut-Bacon Toffee
This recipe started as an experiment in making bacon toffee, but by the time I was done I had this sweet and savory butterscotch pie. —Juliann Stoddart, Chicago, Illinois
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Figs
I stuffed figs with cream cheese and wrapped them in bacon and spices for an addictive flavor combo that’s sweet, salty and delicious. You can use dates, too. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Grits & Bacon Casserole
A Mississippi home cook gave me her recipe for grits casserole. It baked like traditional custard. I garnish it with parsley, crumbled bacon and cheese. —Theresa Liguori, Elkridge, Maryland
Air-Fryer Bacon Cheeseburgers
This juicy burger only takes minutes to cook in your air fryer. I enjoy topping it with crispy bacon and my special fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Bacon Horseradish Spread
This spread is a great choice for any occasion because it's loaded with flavor and comes together in a snap. Start with one or two teaspoons of horseradish and add more to suit your taste. —Terri Peterson, Spring Valley, Illinois
Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges
We all know almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Bacon & Eggs Pizza
I tried a breakfast pizza at a resort buffet and wanted to adapt it for home. I'm pleased with the results. It’s a fun alternative to the more typical egg bakes. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon
I've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, OklahomaThe post How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? appeared first on Taste of Home.
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