How Long Can Cooked Bacon Sit Out?

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By: Rachae's Nosheri

Updated: 

Bacon is one of the most beloved breakfast meats. It’s salty, smoky flavor always adds an intoxicatingly delicious accent that can’t be beat.

However, cooked bacon is not safe to leave out for very long – so naturally, people are curious about how long can cooked bacon sit out before it should be put in the trash. The short answer is that cooked bacon can sit out for no longer than 2 hours.

With that said, there are some things to keep in mind about how long cooked bacon can sit out safely. Keep reading to find out more, from the guidelines for how long cooked bacon can sit out to what temperature it should be stored at.

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How Long Can Cooked Bacon Sit Out?

According to The USDA, cooked bacon can sit out no longer than 2 hours before it should be put in the trash. After this time period, bacteria can begin to grow on the cooked bacon, making it unsafe for consumption.

How to Store Cooked Bacon?

How Long Can Cooked Bacon Sit Out

Due to the fact that cooked bacon can only sit out for up to 2 hours before it should be put in the trash, the best way to store cooked bacon is in the refrigerator. When storing cooked bacon, you should ensure that it is kept at a temperature of 40°F or below.

Moreover, for longer-term storage, cooked bacon can be kept in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F or below.

How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Refrigerator?

How Long Can Cooked Bacon Sit Out

The refrigerator is a great place to store food – and cooked bacon is no exception. So, how long do cooked bacon last in the refrigerator?

According to the USDA, cooked bacon will stay good and safe to eat for up to one week when properly stored in the refrigerator. But from my point of view, cooked bacon should be eaten within 4 days of refrigerating, as this will help reduce any risk of food-borne illnesses.

To be sure your cooked bacon stays safe and delicious, it should be wrapped securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, placed in an airtight container, and refrigerated at 40°F or below.

How Long Does Cooked Bacon Last in the Freezer?

In addition, you may keep cooked bacon in the freezer for up to a month. To freeze your cooked bacon, wrap it tightly in a freezer bag or aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer.

To eat your frozen cooked bacon, simply thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop – or in a microwave – before eating.

How to Reheat Cooked Bacon?

There are a number of various methods to reheat your cooked strips and get them back to crispy perfection.

One option is to pop them in the microwave – just put them on a paper towel-lined plate and heat them for 30-45 seconds.

If you want to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F and place your bacon on a lined baking sheet, cooking for about ten minutes.

Finally, if the stovetop is more your style, throw the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until it’s just right.

How to Know If Cooked Bacon is Bad?

Now that we know how long cooked bacon can sit out, we need to know how to know if it is bad.

It’s pretty simple, actually – just look for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or slimy texture. If the cooked bacon looks or smells off, it’s best to put it in the trash and buy a new package.

In addition, keep in mind to check the ex-date on your cooked bacon before you eat it. Even if it looks and smells fine, eating expired cooked bacon can still cause food-borne illnesses.

How Should Leftover Cooked Bacon Be Used?

If you have cooked bacon leftovers, the best thing to do is wrap them up tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

You can also use your leftovers to create delicious, like BLT sandwiches, burritos, pasta, and more.

FAQs

Is It Safe to Eat Cooked Bacon Left Out Overnight?

No, it is dangerous to eat cooked bacon left out overnight because it can cause food-borne illnesses. Cooked bacon should not be left out of refrigeration for longer than 2 hours, so if your cooked bacon has been sitting out longer than that,  put it in the trash

Does Fully Cooked Bacon Need to be Refrigerated?

Yes, cooked bacon should always be kept in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. you can keep cooked bacon for longer than one week by storing it in the freezer at 0°F or below.

Can You Cook Bacon Ahead and Reheat it?

Yes, you can cook the bacon ahead and reheat it. To do so, wrap cooked bacon tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

To eat your cooked bacon, simply thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before eating.

How Long Can Cooked Nitrate-Free Uncured Bacon Sit Out?

Like traditional cooked bacon, cooked nitrate-free uncured bacon should not sit out of refrigeration for longer than 2 hours. Any longer than that and it can cause food-borne illnesses. It is best to store cooked nitrate-free bacon in the refrigerator and consume it within 4 days.

How Long Can Cooked Turkey Bacon Sit Out?

Cooked turkey bacon should not sit out for longer than 2 hours, so store cooked turkey bacon in the refrigerator and consume it within 4 days. You can also extend its shelf life by storing it in the freezer for up to a month.

What Kind of Bacon Does Not Need to be Refrigerated?

Broadbent Country Bacon is the only kind of bacon that does not need to be refrigerated. This unique bacon is smoked, dried and cured with salt, but no nitrates or nitrites are added during the process. As a result, it can be stored without refrigeration for six months.

However, it is important to note that this type of bacon is only fully cooked – meaning it is not safe to eat without cooking.

How do You Store Bacon Without Refrigeration?

To store bacon without refrigeration, cure it yourself using salt, nitrates, and nitrites and then store it in a cool, dry place. Ensure the temperature stays below 70°F and that your bacon is sealed tightly in an air-tight container or jar.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, we all have answer to the question of how long cooked bacon can sit out. If the bacon has been stored correctly, it can typically sit out for no longer than 2 hours and no longer than a week in the refrigerator before it must be put in the trash. To prolong its shelf life, store it in the freezer. 

But remember, if the bacon looks or smells off in any way, it is best to put in the trash. It is always better to be safe than sorry in terms of food safety.

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Rachae's Nosheri

Rachael’s Nosheri is a Jewish deli located in 120 S. 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103. We serve breakfast and lunch comfort foods and deli sandwiches. Our extensive menu and reasonable prices make us a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Our food is pretty good if you’re in the mood for deli sandwiches, and we’re known for our American, Bagels, Breakfast, Lunch Specials, and Sandwiches.

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