How Long Is Bacon Good For In The Fridge?
Have you ever wondered, how long is bacon good for in the fridge? Or the different types of bacon you can use in most bacon recipes? Find the answers to those questions and more – plus 21 of my favorite easy bacon recipes!
How Long Is Bacon Good For In the Fridge?
Everyone in our family loves bacon, so leftover bacon isn’t really a thing around here. But I often make extra bacon, for quick and easy use in other recipes, such as my bacon ranch pasta salad and my mom’s broccoli salad. And sometimes I open a pack of bacon and don’t cook the whole pack.
Both scenarios – cooked bacon and uncooked bacon – beg the question…
“How long does bacon last?”
- Sealed, unopened bacon: Bacon just purchased at the store is typically good for 2-3 weeks in the fridge, though you should always check the package for a “use by” date.
- Opened raw bacon: Once you open a package of bacon, its shelf life will shorten whether you cook it or not. As long as you seal the open package tightly or place it in a ziploc bag, opened raw bacon should keep well for up to 1 week. The exception would be if you were already close to the “use by” date when you opened it.
- Cooked bacon: Cooked bacon will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Bacon?
You bet – I freeze bacon all the time!
To store bacon in the freezer:
- Sealed, unopened bacon: You can easily toss a whole package of uncooked, unopened bacon straight in the freezer. It’ll keep well for up to six months.
- Opened raw bacon: If you want to freeze an open pack of uncooked bacon, I recommend sealing the package and then placing the package in a freezer-safe baggie. Be sure to squeeze all the air out of both packages. You could also wrap the package in heavy-duty foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Cooked bacon: Simply transfer the cooked, cooled bacon to a freezer baggie. If I know it will be more than a couple weeks before I use it, I double-bag the bacon for extra protection, or wrap the baggie in foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
How to Tell If Bacon Is Bad
Because of bacon’s high fat content, it can go rancid quickly when not stored properly. There are several ways to tell if your uncooked bacon has gone bad in the fridge.
- Color. If your bacon has faded to a lighter pink color, it’s probably time to toss it. And it’s DEFINITELY time to toss it if you notice any brown, gray, or greenish coloring.
- Smell. If the bacon smells sour or rancid, it’s definitely gone bad. Cooked bacon will also smell “off” once it has gone bad. If you detect any funky smells, just get rid of it.
- Texture. Uncooked bacon that has gone bad will often have a sticky or slimy feel to it.
Different Types of Bacon
Did you know there are actually many different types of bacon and some of them don’t look like the bacon we typically picture? Here’s a rundown of the most popular types you’ll find used in bacon recipes:
- American-style bacon. This is the bacon used in almost all of my bacon recipes and the one we typically think of. Bacon is pork belly cured with salt and then smoked and sliced.
- Slab bacon. Slab bacon is simply a whole smoked pork belly before it’s sliced into the familiar bacon strips. Then you can slice it however you like: thick or thin!
- Canadian bacon. Canadian bacon is circular and cut from the back loin of the animal. It has a ham-like flavor and is often smoked.
- Pancetta. Pancetta is cured with salt, black pepper, and spices and rolled into a cylinder. You’ll often find it diced in packages. It’s often used in pasta dishes, though it can be served for breakfast too, like in baked eggs with pancetta.
How to Store Bacon
So let’s wrap this up. Here’s how to store bacon in the fridge and freezer:
- Fridge. Store unopened packages of bacon as-is in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, depending on the “use by date”. Store opened, uncooked bacon in the fridge for up to a week, sealed tightly inside a baggie for up to 1 week – be sure to squeeze out excess air. Store cooked bacon in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer. Store unopened packages of bacon in the freezer for up to 6 months. If the package has been opened, place the package in a freezer-safe baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Store cooked bacon in a freezer baggie if freezing for a short amount of time or double-bag the bacon for extra protection – you can also wrap the baggie in foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
21 Easy Bacon Recipes You’ll Love
Now that you know all about the different types of bacon and how to tell when it’s gone bad, let’s get to the fun bacon – cooking with bacon!
For an elegant appetizer guaranteed to impress, you can't go wrong with these Bacon Wrapped Scallops. I love the crispy, salty bacon with succulent scallops!
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Bacon, eggs, and potatoes come together in one hearty, filling dish with this Skillet Fried Potato Hash. Perfect for breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner!
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus makes an easy and elegant side dish for any meal. It pairs beautifully with a grilled steak!
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Armadillo Eggs feature jalapeno poppers covered in sausage and wrapped in bacon. A southern BBQ classic that's sure to be a hit at any party!
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These Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the perfect game day appetizer. Whether you choose the original bacon wrapped smokies with brown sugar or shake things up by adding some pineapple or jalapeno slices, you can't go wrong with this easy cocktail weiner recipe.
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Bacon in a cocktail? Yup! This Old Fashioned Bacon Bourbon is strong and smooth, with a super fun hint of salty bacon flavor and aroma.
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These Cheesy Grilled Skillet Potatoes with Bacon & Herbs is layered with sweet onions, bacon, herbs, and cheese. Butter adds richness. Our family loves this dish!
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Lemon Broccoli with Beans and Bacon is an easy great northern beans recipe with roasted broccoli, chewy-crisp bites of bacon, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s humble, yet stunning!
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This Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Hotdish brings two classic dishes together to make the ultimate comfort food. A family favorite that's perfect for busy weeknights.
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This Crustless Quiche with Crab and Bacon is easy to make and full of flavor. It's perfect for brunch with the girls and can easily be passed off as dinner too.
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This breakfast egg salad is creamy and loaded with flavor. There’s just something magical about the addition of bacon. It’s the perfect way to get your day started off on the right foot!
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These Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Rolls are a fun party appetizer but can also be enjoyed as lunch or dinner. Kid-approved and easy to make!
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Move over, baked beans! These Cowboy Beans, made with beans, bacon, and beef, are here to steal the show. The perfect addition to grill night or your next family gathering.
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With bacon, cheddar cheese, and almonds, this Million Dollar Dip is an addicting party appetizer everyone is sure to love. Quick and easy to prepare!
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A fun twist on the classic, this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup has all the flavors of your favorite burger. A cozy, filling soup for those chilly nights!
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This Butter Board with Bacon Butter will become a new favorite for all your gatherings. Similar to a charcuterie board, it's made with bacon butter and a mixture of sweet and savory toppings. Just swipe and enjoy!
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This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad features elbow macaroni and bites of bacon, bell pepper, tomato, and cheddar cheese, all folded together in a creamy, tangy ranch dressing. It's a potluck side that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Topped with a simple dressing that's lightly creamy and full of tangy flavor, this homemade Broccoli Salad is loaded with fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots – plus bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. It's an easy side dish with big-time flavor!
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This warm German Potato Salad recipe features tender red potatoes and bites of bacon in a delightfully tangy bacon, vinegar, and mustard dressing. Our family enjoys this salad all year 'round!
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Buttery crackers, salty bacon, and brown sugar are a match made in heaven. You'll love this fun Bacon Bow Ties appetizer!
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My Holiday Wild Rice Salad is a beautiful deconstructed salad featuring nutty wild rice, bacon, blue cheese, and sweet winter fruits. Paired with an easy-to-make DELICIOUS maple Dijon dressing, you're going to want this salad all winter long!
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