You opened a package of bacon—but couldn't use it all. It happens! So how long does bacon last in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh and ready to use? Read on to find out.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Updated on Jul. 17, 2024
Bacon is one of those foods that’s easy to love. That sweet, salty and smoky flavor has the ability to light up any recipe—from breakfast to a BLT for lunch. Plus, that signature baked bacon smell is hard to resist!
Despite bacon’s beloved status, it’s tough for most to eat an entire package in one sitting. Some bacon brands even have resealable packages for this reason. That’s why we’ve all wondered at some point how long bacon lasts in the fridge. Fortunately, we have the answer for you.
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?
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 in the fridge until it reaches that date. If it doesn’t have a date, you can generally count on about two weeks from when you leave the grocery store. Bacon cured without nitrites (a common type of bacon) keeps a little longer in the fridge—up to 3 weeks.
Once you open the package, use the bacon within seven days (or less, if the printed date is sooner). Always cook it before you eat it, since you can’t eat raw bacon.
How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?
Leftover cooked bacon lasts four to five days in the fridge. Like cooked chicken, 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. For best quality, use within 4 months. 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
Frozen bacon can be cooked without thawing it first—just keep in mind it will take longer to cook than thawed bacon. If you have time, thaw bacon in the refrigerator. Most frozen bacon packages will thaw overnight in the fridge 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! Instead of tossing it, 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 when you cook with it later.
Bacon grease will keep indefinitely in the freezer or about three months in the refrigerator. You’ll know when it’s no longer good to use because it will smell rancid, and anything that’s cooked in it will taste a little funky.
How to Store Bacon
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.
How to store bacon 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. Resealable bags work for so many of our favorite foods beyond bacon—you can use them when freezing avocados or strawberries, too.
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 spoiled and 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.
Our All-Time Best Bacon Recipes
Bacon-Wrapped Avocado WedgesWe 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 Recipes Deputy Editor
Here are some more bacon-wrapped recipes for you!
Orange-Glazed BaconJust when you thought bacon couldn't get any tastier, our Test Kitchen staff whipped up this tasty recipe starring the favorite breakfast meat drizzled with a sweet orange glaze. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato SandwichTake 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 Recipes Food Stylist
Pressure-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Ale DipMy tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Bacon Avocado SaladEveryone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Bacon Hash Brown BakeThis tasty side dish has wonderful from-scratch flavor since it starts with fresh potatoes. It's very popular with guests at my bed-and-breakfast.—Mark Clark, Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
BLT MuffinsThese muffins prove that the classic combo of bacon, lettuce and tomato is good for so much more than a sandwich. They're winners at both breakfast and dinner. —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
Bacon Cheeseburger CasseroleThis casserole has it all: ground beef, bacon, onions and cheese, all baked up in your trusty 9x13 pan. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped AsparagusI serve this air-fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus with grilled meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Bacon Parmesan PopoversThis 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
Bacon Collard GreensCollard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often eaten alongside smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
BLT Twice-Baked PotatoesTwo favorites go together in this hearty dish: BLTs and twice-baked potatoes. I like to serve these potatoes with grilled steaks or barbecued chicken. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
BBQ Chicken BitesChicken 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
Beer and Bacon Macaroni and CheeseWe 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
Pull-Apart Bacon BreadI stumbled across this recipe while looking for something different to take to a brunch. Boy, am I glad I did! Everyone asked for the recipe and was surprised it called for only five ingredients. It's the perfect treat to bake for an informal get-together. —Traci Collins, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Bacon Cream Cheese PinwheelsIt'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 BarkSweet, salty, crunchy, smooth—bacon and chocolate is a match made in heaven in this chocolate bacon bark. —James Schend, Taste Recipes Deputy Culinary Editor
Bacon Cheeseburger RollsMy 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
Bacon Quiche TartsFlavored with vegetables, cheese and bacon, these memorable morsels are bound to be winners at any brunch. The tarts are impressive but also quite easy to make. For garnish, sprinkle on some chopped green onion.
—Kendra Schertz, Nappanee, Indiana
Cheddar Corn Pudding with BaconThis 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-UpsThis family recipe dates back to the 1930s, when my grandmother started making these hearty breakfast rolls. —Janet Abate, North Brunswick, New Jersey
Upside-Down Bacon PancakeMake 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
Bacon-Wrapped ChickenIntroducing your newest weeknight recipe obsession: bacon-wrapped chicken breasts.
Dutch Oven Cheesy Bacon & EggsFor 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
BLT BitesThese quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit...even my kids love them. —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Bacon Corn PancakesPancakes 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 SproutsThis 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 BreakfastI 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
French Toast CasseroleOur overnight French toast casserole is made for laid-back weekends. Assemble everything the night before so the bread can slowly soak up the rich custard, then pop the casserole in the oven to bake the next morning.
Loaded Red Potato CasseroleThis potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It's an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum JamAmong my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee CakeWake 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
“Everything” Mashed Potato CasseroleThe everything-mashed potato casserole seemed to evolve over a year and it’s a great dish to take to a covered dish event. If I need to keep it warm for a longer time, I sometimes place the mixture into a Crockpot and then add the sour cream, bacon, cheese and chives. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Bacon Cheeseburger SlidersDive into this comfort food staple: bacon cheeseburger sliders are bursting with flavor, thanks to gooey, melty cheese, loaded burger, and crispy, savory bacon. They're a mini version of your favorite bacon cheeseburger, but better.
Bacon Cabbage Stir-FryFor 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 LoafMy 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
Looking for more variations? Try our favorite bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
Dijon-Bacon Dip for PretzelsWith 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
Orzo with Caramelized Butternut Squash and BaconWhen my garden produced a bumper crop of butternut squash, I made multiple new dishes to use up my bounty! This is a tasty, easy side with pretty colors, and it makes plenty to fill your hungry family. To make it into a main, add shrimp or shredded chicken. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Chicken CapreseIf you can pan-fry a chicken breast, you can upgrade to chicken Caprese with ease. It’s a quick, flavorful weeknight recipe with a pleasant combination of sweet, sour and salty.
Bourbon Bacon JamBacon'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 Recipes Test Kitchen recommend.
Easy Glazed BaconBrown 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
Stuffed Sweet Onions with BaconThis unexpected side dish is perfect to serve alongside grilled steak or pork chops. Even if you're not an onion fan, the low heat and long cooking time of this dish mellows and sweetens the sometimes sharp raw onion flavors that many dislike.—Erin Chilcoat, Smithtown, New York
Beans, Bacon & Tomato BakeBacon, 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 TrianglesWe 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
Bacon-Wrapped ShrimpYou might want to make a double batch because these bacon-wrapped shrimp will disappear as soon as you bring out the platter!
Parmesan-Bacon Bubble BreadWhen 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 Egg CasseroleBacon and egg casserole features all your favorite classic breakfast ingredients in one dish. Serve it as the centerpiece of a brunch spread or a meal-prep dish for the week.
Hasselback Tomato ClubsThis no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger PastaWhen the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas
Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden SaladI love using fresh vegetables straight from the garden to prepare this salad. If I pick the squash and cucumbers early enough, their skins are so tender that there's no need to remove them! Best yet, the salad is easily adaptable—any fresh veggie from the garden can be put in with delicious results. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Yorkshire Pudding with Bacon and SageIndividual 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
Green Bean BundlesI found this recipe in a rural newspaper years ago and have made it often. The bean bundles are excellent with chicken or beef. Sometimes I'll arrange them around a mound of wild rice to make an appetizing side dish. —Virginia Stadler, Nokesville, Virginia
Corn Chowder with BaconWarm up on a cold winter day with corn chowder with bacon and potatoes. Our recipe is loaded with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, smoky bacon and sweet corn in a rich and creamy broth. We also use a smart ingredient swap so the soup can thicken naturally without cornstarch or flour.
Black-Eyed Peas with BaconA 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 PuddingI 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-Beef Barley SoupHere’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Deviled Eggs with BaconThese yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for holiday dinners, too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma
Turkey Sloppy JoesThese turkey sloppy joes take the classic comfort food in a bun and tweak it, swapping the ground beef for turkey, and adding fresh bell peppers and onions for wonderful flavor and crunch.
Easy Apple StrudelMy family always loves it when I make this wonderful dessert. Old-fashioned strudel was too fattening and time-consuming, so I changed it up a bit. This revised classic is just as good as the original. It's best served warm from the oven. —Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana
Cheeseburger QuesadillasThe cheeseburger quesadilla is a mash-up of comfort food's greatest hits. It takes all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—tangy, sweet condiments included—and packs them into the portable, dippable package of a quesadilla.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pear SauceI 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-Sausage Quiche TartsAs 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 DressingThis 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
Pecan BaconCrispy, sweet bacon dresses up any breakfast. When my girls see this, they call it "special breakfast." The big flavor punch just may surprise you. —Catherine Ann Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Buffalo Chicken DipThis is the best Buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring Buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Brat & Bacon Appetizer PizzaChopped 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
Air-Fryer Bacon-Peanut Butter Cornbread MuffinsMy 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
Air-Fryer Bacon CheeseburgersOur air-fryer cheeseburger recipe creates restaurant-caliber beef patties topped with a succulent sauce in about 20 minutes. Get ready to try your new favorite burgers!
Cornflake-Coated Crispy BaconI'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, Oklahoma
