Cooking bacon in advance saves you a lot of time, especially if you are someone who always has a busy schedule. However, it is worth noting that cooked bacon that is stored the wrong way has a tendency of tuning bad easily. Therefore, it is important to learn about how to store cooked bacon, so that it lasts for a longer period of time. Below are a few methods that you can use to store cooked bacon. Carefully follow the steps for the best results.
Contents
Store cooked bacon in the fridge
NB: this method only preserves cooked bacon for a short period of time. Therefore, only use it when you are certain that you will consume the bacon within a short space of time.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked bacon in the fridge you need to ensure that it has cooled down. This is because you cannot store it while hot. It will cause the temperature of the fridge to change which will in turn affect other foods.
Step 2
When the cooked bacon has cooled down, the next step will be to place it in an air tight container or a freezer bag. Before closing the freezer bag you need to take out as much air as possible.
Step 3
Place the cooked bacon in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Therefore you need to use it within that time frame.
Store cooked bacon in the freezer
NB: this is the best method of storing leftover cooked bacon. This is because it really extends the shelf life of the cooked bacon for up to 6 months.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked bacon in the freezer you have to make sure that it is not hot. This is mainly because if you place it in the freezer while hot it will cause the temperature of the freezer to change.
Step 2
When the cooked bacon has cooled down the next step is to take a baking tray and line it with wax paper. Place the bacon on top and line it in such a manner that it is not overcrowded. Place another piece of wax paper on top of the cooked bacon. This will help to protect its crispiness.
Step 3
Place the baking tray in the freezer and let the leftover cooked bacon freezer for about 2 hours. After the 2 hours, remove it from the freezer and transfer the cooked bacon into freezer bags. Take out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them. This will help to protect the cooked bacon from freezer burn.
Step 4
Label the freezer bags with the date in which you are storing leftover cooked bacon in the freezer. This will help you to recall when it is likely to turn bad. The last stage is to place the cooked bacon in the freezer. Cooked bacon that is stored in the freezer can last for about 6 months. Therefore, you should consume it within that time frame to avoid getting sick.
Tips to storing cooked bacon in the fridge or freezer
- Do not let the cooked bacon sit at room temperature for more than 2 hour after preparation. This is because you will be exposing it to bacteria.
- Always make sure that you place the leftover cooked bacon in an air tight container. This helps to prevent air and moisture from entering. They tend to affect the shelf life of the cooked bacon.
How to defrost cooked bacon
If your cooked bacon is stored in the freezer then you need to defrost it before using it. This is because frozen bacon can be hard to work with. In order to defrost your cooked bacon simply transfer it from the freezer into the fridge. The cooked bacon should be left to thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid thawing cooked bacon on the counter top. This is because you will be exposing it to bacteria.
How to reheat cooked bacon
Reheat cooked bacon in the microwave
NB: this is the fastest and easiest way of reheating leftover bacon.
To reheat leftover cooked bacon in the oven you need to place it on a microwave safe plate. Cover the bacon with wet paper towels so that it does not become too dry. Microwave the cooked bacon for 30 to 45 seconds. When the cooked bacon is warm enough you can then serve it and enjoy.
Reheat cooked bacon in the oven
NB: this method is ideal for reheating a large amount of bacon.
The oven method can also be used to reheat leftover cooked bacon and it actually helps to retain the crispiness of the bacon. When using the oven to reheat cooked bacon you need to start by finding a baking tray and then place the cooked bacon inside. Cover the tray with aluminium foil and place it in an oven that was preheated to 210 degrees. Reheat the bacon for about 5 minutes in the oven or until you start hearing a sizzling sound. When the bacon is done, serve it immediately.
Reheat cooked bacon on the stove
The stove is a decent option for reheating cooked bacon. In order to use this method you need to find a skillet and place it on a stove that is switched on between medium and low heat. Add bacon grease or a few teaspoons of oil to the skillet. When the oil is warm enough, add the cooked bacon inside and let it reheat for about 3 minutes on both sides. You should cover the skillet so that heat really circulates around the bacon. When the bacon is ready, remove it and serve. Reheated cooked bacon should be eaten on the same day.
Conclusion
Learning how to store cooked bacon is easy, especially if you follow the steps in above article. Always remember that the freezer is the best option is you are planning on extending the shelf life of your leftovers.
