Wasting bacon is pretty much a culinary crime. Still, if you buy it in bulk, it won’t last long in the fridge. Which begs the question: can you freeze bacon? Let’s find out.
Can you freeze bacon?
Absolutely! When done properly, freezing bacon extends its shelf life considerably.
Still are a few things to consider before storing it in the freezer. Also, there are a few different ways to go about freezing your bacon.
Products you need to freeze bacon
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Why freeze bacon?
Buying bacon by the bulk load is a great idea, especially if it’s on offer. If you’re a bargain hunter like me, chances are buying in bulk and freezing for a later date is a tactic you already use.
Bacon is easy to freeze and doesn’t suffer too much in the way of changes to taste and texture. It’s also quite easy to use once defrosted.
Can you freeze opened bacon?
Yes, you can keep it in the freezer once you’ve opened it. Keep in mind that the longer it has been open, the more you risk losing the quality of bacon and the more you risk food poisoning.
Freezing bacon stops any bacteria growth, but it doesn’t kill the bacteria that’s already on the bacon.
Only freeze bacon that has been open for less than three days and that is within its use by date.
You can either freeze opened bacon by placing the whole thing in an airtight container or by freezing each slice individually.
You can do this by placing wax paper between each slice or by rolling each slice up into a coil. Coiling the bacon is simple, allows you to defrost a piece at a time and maximizes storage space. See below for instructions on how to do this.
Does freezing bacon make it salty?
When bacon is stored in the freezer, water is drawn out of it causing it to become saltier. So, yes, thawed bacon may taste a little saltier.
How long does bacon last in the fridge?
Unopened bacon usually lasts up to a week in the fridge. When opened and stored in the fridge, it will last up to three days.
How long does frozen bacon last?
The longer bacon is stored in the freezer, the more its taste and texture will be affected. It will last up to 12 months, although 6 months is your best bet to avoid affecting its quality.
For best results, store it in the fridge before putting it in the freezer and freeze your bacon the day you bought it.
How do you know when bacon has gone bad?
When bacon starts to change color, you know it has gone off. That appetizing reddish color will start to turn a pallid gray and, if it’s going REALLY bad, a greenish color.
You can also tell if it is going bad if it feels slimy and if it smells sour.
Can you freeze cooked bacon?
Yes, you can. If you want to freeze it after it’s been cooked, store it in individual slices, to make thawing easier. Once cooked, it will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months.
How do you thaw frozen bacon?
There are three ways to thaw frozen bacon:
In the fridge: nice and simple. Just transfer the sealed airtight container or freezer bag from the freezer to the fridge. Leave to thaw for a few hours, preferably overnight.
In cold water: place it in a bowl of cold water on the kitchen surface. Replace the water every 30 minutes. The bacon should defrost within 2–3 hours.
In the microwave: remove the bacon from packaging and container and place on a microwaveable plate. Select the defrost setting on your microwave and defrost for a minute. Turn the bacon and defrost for another minute. Repeat until fully defrosted.
📖 Recipe
How to freeze bacon
Can you freeze bacon? Yes, you can. Whether it's unopened, raw or cooked, there's a way to freeze it.
Materials
- Wax paper
- Freezer bag
- Freezer labels
- Sharpie pen
Tools
- N/A
Instructions
Scenario 1: How to freeze unopened bacon
- When unopened, it can be kept in its vacuum sealed packaging. Simply put the bacon in the freezer.
Scenario 2: How to freeze individual bacon slices
- Coil the individual slices of bacon up into round shapes. Kind of like a snail.
- Flash freeze the coiled slices of bacon on a baking sheet.
- After an hour or two, once frozen, transfer each piece into a freezer bag or freezer safe airtight container. This will stop the pieces from sticking together.
- Label the bag or container with the contents and date of freezing.
Scenario 3: How to freeze individual bacon slices
- Lay out a sheet of wax paper over a baking sheet.
- Lay one slice of bacon at the edge of the sheet.
- Fold the wax paper over and then lay the next slice on top.
- Continue to fold the wax paper and place each slice along the sheet.
- Place the bacon in a freezer bag or freezer safe airtight container.
- Label the bag or container with the contents and date of freezing.
Scenario 4: How to freeze cooked bacon
- Cook the bacon, then line a baking sheet with wax paper.
- Place each piece of bacon on the cookie sheet, making sure there’s a space between each.
- Flash freeze the bacon for an hour or two, or overnight.
- Lay one slice of bacon at the edge of the wax paper.
- Fold the sheet over and then lay the next slice on top.
- Continue to fold the wax paper and place each slice along the sheet.
- Place the cooked bacon in a freezer bag or freezer safe airtight container.
- Label the bag or container with the contents and date of freezing.
Can you refreeze bacon?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Refreezing it will affect the taste considerably.
Instead, store it in small portions the first time round. Then, when defrosting, only take the amount you need.
How soon should you cook bacon after defrosting?
When defrosted, it will stay good for up to 2 days in the fridge.
If you thaw it in the microwave or in water, you should eat it immediately.
How to use frozen bacon
Once you’ve defrosted your bacon, try it in any of the following recipes:
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