Cooked BaconShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
Not RecommendedUnsafe
Cooked bacon should not be stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C).
Refrigerator
4-5 days
Store cooked bacon in a shallow airtight container or wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorb odors. Ensure refrigerator temperature is 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer
1 month
Wrap cooked bacon tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap, or place in heavy-duty freezer bags. For best quality, use within 1 month. Freezing to 0°F (-18°C) or below keeps food safe indefinitely, but quality may decline over time.
Signs of Spoilage
- Sour or off-odor
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Discoloration (e.g., greenish or grayish tint)
- Presence of mold
Room Temperature Safety
The 'Danger Zone' for food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly to dangerous levels.
Refrigerate or freeze cooked bacon promptly after cooking. Discard any cooked bacon that has been left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time limits.
Safe Handling
Always wash hands with soap and water before and after handling cooked bacon.
Reheat cooked bacon to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for cooked foods and raw foods.
Never leave cooked bacon at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C).