Bacon is a versatile and popular ingredient found in many households, making it a common item on grocery lists. However, with a shelf life of only 2 weeks unopened in the refrigerator and 1 week when opened, there can be times when it’s not consumed fast enough and goes to waste. Thanks to freezing, you can preserve your uncooked bacon for much longer periods without losing its delicious taste and aroma.
Freezing uncooked bacon is not only possible, but also an excellent way to ensure you always have some on hand when needed. Proper preparation and storage, as well as the right defrosting method, can greatly extend the life of your bacon – up to 8 months for unopened, frozen bacon, and around 6 months for opened, frozen bacon. Read on to discover the steps to freeze, store, and defrost uncooked bacon without losing its flavor and texture.
Key Takeaways
Freezing extends uncooked bacon’s shelf life up to 8 months for unopened and 6 months for opened packages.
Proper preparation, storage, and defrosting methods can help maintain the quality of your bacon.
Freezing is an excellent way to reduce waste and ensure you always have bacon ready for use.
How to Freeze Uncooked Bacon
Freezing uncooked bacon is a great way to preserve it and extend its shelf life. With the right freezing technique, you can enjoy crispy and delicious bacon for months to come. The process of freezing uncooked bacon varies depending on whether the bacon is opened or unopened. Follow these steps to freeze your uncooked bacon properly:
Unopened Bacon
If your uncooked bacon is still in its original packaging and unopened, freezing is very simple:
Place the unopened pack of bacon in the freezer. You may place it in a freezer bag, but it’s not necessary.
Optional: Label the packaging with the date before freezing to keep track of when you put it in the freezer.
Opened Bacon
For freezing uncooked bacon that has been opened, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Decide whether you want to freeze all or just a few slices of the opened bacon.
Roll each slice of bacon individually into a tight coil, similar to a snail shell.
Line a small tray with a baking sheet and place the bacon coils on the tray, ensuring they don’t touch.
Put the tray with the bacon coils in the freezer for a few hours.
After freezing, transfer the bacon coils into a freezer-safe bag or container. Consider using multiple bags or containers to make defrosting easier.
Label and date the freezer-safe containers or bags to keep track of the time they’ve been in the freezer.
Place the bags or containers with bacon slices back in the freezer. You can store your bacon in the freezer for up to 12 months, but it’s recommended to consume it within 6 months for the best taste.
That’s it! Now, you can freeze your uncooked bacon and preserve it for later use. Just remember not to refreeze bacon once it has been defrosted, as freezing it multiple times may affect its taste and texture. Enjoy your tasty bacon whenever you’re in the mood for it!
How to Defrost Uncooked Bacon
Defrosting the Bacon in a Microwave:
When you need to defrost bacon quickly, the microwave is your best friend. This method takes no more than 5 minutes and is perfect for busy schedules.
Here’s how to do it:
Grab a microwave-safe dish and line it with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb excess water and bacon fats as it defrosts.
Place the frozen bacon on the plate, spreading out the slices as much as possible for even defrosting. If the bacon is coiled, let it defrost for 2 minutes, then spread the slices out.
We recommend placing another paper towel on top of the bacon to prevent fats from splattering in the microwave.
Put the bacon in the microwave and press the ‘meat defrost’ button. If not available, set the timer for 5 minutes and check the progress. If it’s not fully defrosted, add another 5 minutes.
After defrosting, cook the bacon immediately. Cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to another 5 days.
Defrosting the Bacon in Cold Water:
Defrosting bacon in cold water is another quick option when you’re short on time. It should take around 30 minutes, depending on the thickness and quantity of bacon.
Here’s how to do it:
If the frozen bacon is in its original closed packaging, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, place the frozen bacon pieces in a watertight plastic bag or ziplock bag.
Fill a sink or bowl with cold water and submerge the watertight bag with the bacon. Make sure the water is cold because warm water can cause harmful bacteria to grow.
After 30 minutes, check the bacon. If it isn’t fully defrosted, replace the water and leave it for a bit longer until it’s thawed.
Once the bacon is defrosted, cook it immediately. Cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to another 5 days.
Now, you know the best ways to defrost uncooked bacon safely, quickly, and effectively. With these methods, your bacon will be ready for cooking and enjoying in no time.
How to Store Uncooked Bacon Properly
In the Fridge:
To store uncooked bacon in the refrigerator, keep it in its original package until ready to use. Closed packages can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Once opened, transfer the bacon to an airtight plastic bag or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. This way, it will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Here are some key points for refrigerator storage:
Store unopened bacon for up to 2 weeks
Store opened bacon for up to 1 week
Use airtight plastic bags or aluminum foil for opened bacon
In the Freezer:
For long-term storage, the freezer is your best option. Unopened bacon can last up to 8 months in the freezer, while opened bacon can stay good for up to 6 months. Store the bacon in a ziplock freezer bag or use vacuum sealing for optimal results. To make your life easier when it’s time to cook, separate the bacon into individual portions before freezing.
Keep these tips in mind for freezer storage:
Store unopened bacon for up to 8 months
Store opened bacon for up to 6 months
Use ziplock freezer bags or vacuum sealing
Separate into individual portions before freezing
Should You Freeze Uncooked Bacon?
PROS to Freezing Uncooked Bacon:
Longer shelf life: Freezing uncooked bacon extends its shelf life up to 12 months, giving you more flexibility to consume it at your convenience.
Simple packaging: You can easily freeze uncooked bacon in its original packaging, or freeze opened bacon by using individual slices as needed.
Quick defrosting: Freezing bacon doesn’t hinder its defrosting process, allowing easy and fast thawing when needed.
Taste preservation: If frozen within the recommended time frame, the taste and quality of the bacon will be well-maintained.
CONS to Freezing Uncooked Bacon:
Taste degradation: If left in the freezer for too long, uncooked bacon may lose its flavor and quality.
Potential bacterial growth: Improper defrosting can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, posing a risk of food poisoning.
Pre-freezing process: If the bacon is opened, you must follow a pre-freeze process to ensure it is properly frozen, which might require more effort than you’d prefer.
In Conclusion
Yes, you can freeze uncooked bacon! Freezing uncooked bacon is a great way to preserve it for up to 12 months, whether it’s in its original packaging or already opened. Just remember to prepare opened bacon properly before freezing. By doing so, you can extend its shelf life and enjoy your delicious bacon at a later time. Happy freezing!
Start by selecting high-quality bacon that is fresh and free from any signs of spoilage.
Lay the bacon slices flat on a baking sheet or a large plate, making sure that they do not overlap.
Place the baking sheet or plate in the freezer and let the bacon freeze for about an hour.
Once the bacon is frozen, remove it from the freezer and transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or a plastic freezer bag.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it back in the freezer.
The frozen bacon will stay fresh for up to six months.
Notes
When you're ready to use the frozen bacon, simply remove the desired amount of slices from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Nutrition
Calories: 233kcal
Keyword can you freeze uncooked bacon, how to freeze uncooked bacon
Uncooked bacon can last up to 6 months when properly frozen and stored. However, for the best quality and taste, it is recommended to consume it within the first month.
Can I freeze bacon that is vacuum packed?
Yes, vacuum-packed bacon can be frozen directly in its original packaging, as the tight seal helps to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to also note the expiration date before freezing.
Place them in layers in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.
Remove as much air as possible to minimize freezer burn.
Seal the container or bag tightly.
Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
How to freeze uncooked bacon without wax paper?
If you don’t have wax paper, you can use parchment paper or plastic wrap instead. Follow the same steps mentioned in the previous question, separating the slices with your chosen alternative before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Is it safe to eat frozen bacon after a long time?
As long as the bacon has been properly frozen, it should be safe to eat even after an extended period in the freezer. However, its quality in terms of taste and texture may be affected. It’s best to consume the bacon within 6 months for optimal results.
Does the taste of bacon change after freezing?
Freezing may slightly alter the taste and texture of bacon, but if it’s stored correctly and consumed within the recommended timeframe, the changes should be minimal. To maintain the best flavor and quality, it’s advisable to defrost the bacon slowly in the refrigerator before cooking.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
