Have you ever purchased turkey bacon before and are unsure how long it will last in the refrigerator?
We have all of your questions covered here, so don’t worry.
The good news is that you can keep turkey bacon fresh for a lot longer by using these methods for preserving raw, cooked, and frozen turkey bacon.
Another option for a bacon-like eating experience is turkey bacon. Because turkey bacon has less fat than typical pork bacon and can work better with more specific diets than “genuine bacon,” some individuals consume it.
What is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon isn’t bacon, as you surely already know. It’s a product made of ground turkey that has been combined with flavors and preservatives before being molded into strips like bacon.
Turkey bacon is often cured with sodium nitrite, similar to pre-cooked deli ham. Some producers even imitate the stripes in traditional bacon by using light and dark turkey meat.
How Long does Turkey Bacon Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?
You might be curious about how long turkey bacon will last in the fridge if you purchased a packet with your weekly grocery. This is particularly true if you have little prior knowledge about turkey bacon.
For safety reasons, turkey bacon that has never been opened should be consumed within a week after purchase. Some claim that, when kept in your refrigerator, it can even last up to 14 days after its expiration date.
Additionally, you should aim to use your turkey bacon within 3-5 days if it has been opened because once it has been exposed to air, hazardous bacteria might start to form. You may also preserve cooked turkey leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.
How Long can Turkey Bacon be Kept in the Freezer?
You can freeze turkey bacon to extend its shelf life if you bought it but aren’t ready to utilize it. This can give you a significant amount of extra time before removing and preparing the food.
Up to three months of freezer storage before the flavor of turkey bacon starts to deteriorate. For this reason, it is advised that you defrost it in the refrigerator and cook it as quickly as possible.
Turkey bacon should be frozen until it is time to use it again if you cooked the entire package but didn’t use it all. Only store cooked a turkey in the freezer for about two months because longer storage can cause the flavor to deteriorate.
In conclusion, if you are not going to consume your turkey bacon within the week, freezing it is an excellent way to store it. Remember that if you want to experience the same smokey flavors, you must remove them and prepare them within three months.
Fridge Storage Tips for Turkey Bacon
You can preserve leftover turkey bacon in the refrigerator or freezer to use later if you cooked the entire package but didn’t consume it all. Of course, this assumes that you have stored it properly to prevent harmful microorganisms from getting inside.
Turkey bacon shouldn’t be kept at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, as with any pork products. It would be best to refrigerate it as soon as it has cooled off after cooking.
Bacon from leftover turkey is best kept in an airtight container after being wrapped in plastic. With this technique, it will remain safe and fresh for 3–5 days before you should think about throwing it away.
While keeping it unwrapped and storing it in an airtight container is good, keeping it wrapped in plastic can assist in keeping the moisture in. As a result, it won’t dry up as quickly when you wish to reheat it.
Keeping Raw Turkey Bacon in the Freezer or Refrigerator
Like cooked bacon, uncooked bacon should be wrapped in tin foil or another airtight bag or container after being opened. To prevent freezer burn, double-wrap the food and put it in a freezer bag if you must store it in the freezer.
Never keep raw turkey bacon out in the open. To prevent bacterial growth and spoiling, meat must be chilled. The easiest approach to guarantee that your bacon stays fresh and prepared for cooking is to store it correctly in the refrigerator or freezer.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Bacon
Uncooked bacon can be defrosted by taking it out of the freezer and letting it sit for about 30 minutes. Transfer it to a dish of cold water after that.
Before properly draining it, let it soak for an additional 30 minutes.
Slice the drained food once it has been dried with paper towels. Try to stick to these instructions if you want a quicker method:
1. Cover the unwrapped bacon with plastic, cling, or aluminum foil.
2. Put in a microwave-safe dish and defrost over medium heat for 30 seconds.
3. Take the food out of the microwave, then serve it hot.
How Long will Thawd Bacon Last in the Refrigerator?
Bacon that has been frozen can be kept there for a few days. Nevertheless, experts advise against refreezing thawed bacon.
Bacon that has been defrosted can be kept in the fridge for up to 7 days. For optimum quality and freshness, it is advised to consume it within 1-2 days of thawing.
Food undergoing a second freezing process will likely have more contaminants and pathogens.
What is the Shelf Life of Cooked Turkey Bacon?
In the refrigerator, cooked turkey bacon will keep well for 3-5 days, and in the freezer, it will keep well for two months.
However, you might also think about freezing it if you won’t consume it immediately. Because of this, you must utilize it as soon as you get it home. This kind of bacon should be kept in the refrigerator until it is time to serve. You can reheat it by putting damp paper towels on top and putting it back into the oven or microwave for 15 to 30 seconds on medium-high heat.
It’s crucial to keep cooked turkey bacon away from direct heat sources like the cooktop and oven to prevent drying out.
Should Turkey Bacon be Refrigerated After Cooking?
Yes, after cooking, turkey bacon needs to be refrigerated.
It’s a fantastic way to store leftover food for later use. But there is a cap to it.
The best way to store it is in the refrigerator for up to three days. It may be kept for much longer, but the taste and texture may suffer. Reheat it on the stovetop or put it back in the oven if you plan to use it sooner.
How Long does Opened Turkey Bacon Last?
Bacon may lose flavor after being opened, becoming a little mushy and less crisp.
Wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap before storing it in the fridge. How long does opened bacon last?
According to my experiments, opened turkey bacon can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Is Turkey Bacon Healthy?
Since turkey is thinner meat than normal bacon, many individuals opt to use it as a healthy substitute. But is turkey bacon regarded as beneficial?
Remember that even though turkey bacon is a heart-healthier option than hog bacon, it has the same processing. This indicates that a significant amount of salt and other additives are added during the curing process to give it a smokey flavor.
Like pork bacon, turkey bacon should not be a regular part of your diet. It should only be eaten periodically. However, it is healthier because it is made from a thinner flesh cut than pork bacon.
How should I Use Leftover Turkey Bacon?
Therefore, you have a lot of leftover turkey bacon and are unsure what to do with it before it spoils. Not to worry!
Your leftover turkey bacon has aroundthree3 days to be used, so you have plenty of opportunities to cut, dice, sauté, and incorporate those leftovers into some seriously delectable dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Turkey bacon quesadillas or enchiladas
- Cream of turkey and wild rice soup
- Turkey bacon stuffed zucchini boats
- Pasta baked with turkey bacon
- Savory oatmeal with turkey bacon crumbles
- Turkey bacon soup
- Carbonara pasta with turkey bacon
- Turkey bacon salad sandwich
- Classic Cobb salad with turkey bacon
Can you Still Eat Turkey Bacon After a Week in the Fridge?
It depends on how well-cooked the bacon is. Eating is safe if you do not notice any signs of deterioration, as we said above.
However, it is better to toss it out for safety reasons and to avoid food poisoning if there are clear discoloration symptoms and a sour smell.
What Signs Point to Bad Turkey Bacon?
You might wonder if turkey bacon that has been kept in your refrigerator for a while has gone rancid. You can determine whether or not it is any good in several ways.
Observe the following indicators to see whether your turkey bacon has gone bad:
- Look at your turkey bacon; if it has gone bad, it will likely have a brownish or greyish tint or may develop mold. The typical color of good turkey bacon is pink with occasional white streaks.
- Good touch-it turkey has a little spongy, chilly texture that is neither slimy nor sticky. Your turkey bacon has likely gone bad if it feels dirty or sticky.
- The simplest method to tell whether your turkey bacon is good is to take a whiff. If the turkey bacon has gone bad, it will have an unpleasant scent, which is a solid sign that it is no longer safe to eat.
What Happens if you Consume Old or Expired Turkey Bacon?
You could have symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if you consume expired bacon. Consuming expired bacon frequently results in stomach pain and an upset stomach.
Consult a doctor immediately if you have any worries about your health or a family member’s health after eating outdated bacon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, turkey bacon should be edible for up to a week in your refrigerator before going bad. If you buy turkey bacon, cook it immediately or put it in the freezer to keep it fresh until you need it.
