When properly stored, bacon can remain safe to eat for an extended period in the freezer. While frozen bacon won't spoil, its quality can degrade over time, leading to changes in texture and taste, including potential freezer burn. To maximize the shelf life of bacon in the freezer, it's essential to use proper storage practices.
Here are some general guidelines for freezing bacon:
Unopened store-bought bacon: If the bacon is still in its original packaging and unopened, it can last in the freezer for up to six months beyond the "use-by" or "best-by" date printed on the package.
Opened store-bought bacon: Once the original package is opened, transfer the remaining bacon slices to airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Properly wrapped and sealed bacon can last for about one to two months in the freezer.
Cooked bacon: If you have leftover cooked bacon, you can freeze it as well. Place the cooked bacon in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should stay good for one to two months in the freezer.
Always label the packages with the freezing date so you can keep track of how long the bacon has been frozen. This will help you use the oldest bacon first to maintain the best quality.
While frozen bacon is safe to eat beyond the recommended storage times, it's essential to use your senses (smell, appearance, texture) to assess its quality before cooking and consuming. If the bacon shows signs of freezer burn or has an off-putting smell or taste, it's best to discard it.
Remember that freezing preserves the quality of bacon, but it won't improve the quality of bacon that was already poor before freezing. So, for the best results, freeze fresh bacon or bacon that is still in good condition.