How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last?
Turkey bacon is a favorite for many cooks looking to prepare delicious, flavorful meals with the added health benefits of leaner protein. But how long does turkey bacon last? It’s an important question because you want your meal to be flavorful and not spoiled or unsafe.
In this article, we’ll be delving into the information you are searching for about how long your turkey bacon will remain fresh and when it should safely be discarded from your kitchen pantry.
Contents
What Is Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon is a food product made from chopped or minced turkey meat that has been cured and smoked to give it the smoky flavor and texture of traditional pork bacon.
Cured vs. Uncured
Cured turkey bacon is usually a processed meat product with nitrates which can react with meaty proteins to form carcinogenic compounds. On the other hand, uncured bacon usually skips these additives; however, depending on production techniques, it may come with pros and cons.
Without nitrates, uncured turkey bacon has a much shorter shelf-life but does not contain any cancer-causing agents. Furthermore, in terms of flavor, cured turkey bacon’s richer flavor interplays better with more traditional blends used for most dishes than does the taste of uncured versions.
Is Turkey Bacon Healthy?
It is usually lower in fat and calories than traditional pork bacon, making it an attractive option for those looking to eat healthier.
Does Turkey Bacon Go Bad?
Yes, Turkey bacon can go bad. Like most food products, how long it lasts before it goes bad depends on how it’s stored and how quickly you consume it.
How to Store Turkey Bacon
Unopened Turkey bacon can last in the fridge for around one month in its original packaging.
When storing turkey bacon, please keep it in the airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the moisture. It can last up to a week if stored correctly.
Uncooked turkey bacon can last up to one week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
More Options for Storing Fresh Turkey Bacon
Storing fresh turkey bacon can be a tricky task. A suitable container is key to maintaining its flavor and texture. Here are four options for storing your delicious turkey bacon:
- Storage Containers – Using shallow airtight containers can help keep your bacon in the fridge as fresh as possible while providing easy access when cooking it up.
- Plastic Wrap – Also known as cling wrap, plastic wrap is another great option for keeping turkey bacon fresh and tasty. Just make sure to seal it tightly, so no air gets in.
- Aluminum Foil – Covering your bacon with aluminum foil is a great way to create an effective barrier from the outside elements that can spoil your bacon before you can enjoy it.
- Freezer Bag – A durable freezer bag is perfect for preserving your bacon’s taste and texture over long periods, making it convenient to save your favorite recipes for later use or pop a few pieces into the microwave whenever needed!
How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last?
If you ask yourself, “How long does cooked turkey bacon last?” you’re in luck. Cooked bacon will remain fresh and tasty when it is stored properly.
How Long Does Cooked Turkey Bacon Last?
Cooked turkey bacon can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Store it in the airtight container to ensure it stays that long, or wrap it in aluminum foil before keeping it in its designated spot in the fridge.
It’s also essential to ensure that the cooked turkey bacon does not come into contact with any raw meat or poultry when placed into the refrigerator; doing so can cause bacteria growth and spoilage.
How Long Is Turkey Bacon Good in the Fridge When Unopened?
Unsurprisingly, turkey bacon is so popular – it’s a great way to get a delicious flavor while being mindful of one’s health. But how long can you store unopened turkey bacon in the fridge?
The answer is that it depends on when you purchased it and the type of unopened package of turkey bacon you have, but generally speaking, an unopened raw turkey bacon has a good shelf-life of about one month. After this period, unopened bacon won’t be safe to eat anymore.
How Long Is Turkey Bacon Good in the Fridge When Opened?
If raw turkey bacon is stored correctly, it stays good in the fridge for up to seven days after opening. The key is to wrap it securely and place it in an airtight container. To help turkey bacon last as long as possible, returning it to the fridge within two hours of opening and ensuring that it does not come into contact with other food items will help keep it fresh.
Can You Freeze Turkey Bacon?
The answer to whether or not you can freeze turkey bacon is an emphatic ‘Yes!’ Freezing turkey bacon will kill any bacteria it may contain and help store your turkey bacon for up to two months without risking spoilage or flavor loss.
You can store turkey bacon by slightly wrapping it in heavy-duty aluminum foil or in re-sealable freezer bags to avoid freezer burn; placing it in the freezer until ready to use. To store large amounts of leftover bacon, consider slicing it into smaller portions before freezing. It will help make thawing much easier when you’re ready to enjoy your yummy meal.
How to Defrost Turkey Bacon
When you are ready to use your frozen turkey bacon, you can defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Defrosting Cooked Turkey Bacon
Although buying pre-cooked varieties is convenient, defrosting your own takes the experience up a notch. It’s easy to do — all you need is a microwave-safe plate covered with a paper towel and some frozen turkey bacon slices. Heat the slices on the plate for some minutes in the microwave oven until the pieces are no longer ice cold; drizzle them with olive oil for extra flavor if desired.
When to Throw Out Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon should be discarded if it has been left at room temperature for over two hours or shows signs of being spoiled.
How to Tell if Turkey Bacon Is Bad?
Turkey bacon is an excellent option for anyone looking for an alternative to traditional bacon. Knowing whether bacon has gone bad is an important skill – no one wants to consume spoiled turkey bacon as it can cause food poisoning. Here are some signs of bad turkey bacon:
Texture
If you feel the bacon has a sticky or slimy texture, it might be time to throw it out. It indicates that turkey bacon is bad due to lactic acid bacteria.
Color
If the bacon has a subtle pink color, it is fresh meat; however, if it appears more brown or grey, it has gone bad.
Mold on Turkey Bacon
The most apparent indication to tell if turkey bacon has gone bad is the presence of any mold on turkey bacon, which may range from light grey to black and can usually be spotted quite easily.
Turkey Bacon Smell
Fresh turkey bacon should have a distinct smell, like a mild and slightly sweet odor – but if your bacon has any sour smell, it means the bacon has gone bad. Trusting your nose when examining bacon is important – since even bacon that looks good on the outside can have a bad smell.
Turkey Bacon Taste
Taste-testing bacon should always be an avoided method of assessing its state – spoiled turkey bacon can contain bacteria that could make you sick if eaten. Instead, smell the bacon before cooking and discard anything that doesn’t seem right. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out!
Best Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Bacon
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs:
Turkey bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delightful way to enjoy the classic meal with a creative twist. These flavorful snacks are surprisingly easy to make and can be customized to fit any craving. Best of all, turkey bacon brings a healthy element to the dish that traditional hot dogs don’t offer. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them, turkey bacon-wrapped hot dogs will surely be a hit!
Read the recipe for Turkey Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs.
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Turkey bacon-wrapped asparagus is an upcoming food trend gaining traction over the past few years. It provides a delicious and savory combination for those who enjoy a low-carb diet and helps satisfy cravings for bacon without sacrificing taste or flavor. As an added bonus, the asparagus is carefully wrapped and sealed with the bacon to ensure it remains crunchy and tender, adding another layer of texture to this simple yet flavorful dish.
Read the recipe for Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Turkey Bacon and Egg Sandwiches
Turkey bacon and egg sandwiches are an easy and delicious way to start your day! The combination of flavors in this dish provides a unique taste that even picky eaters can enjoy. You can enjoy this sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or dinner if you want something different. Add some of your favorite condiments like mayo, mustard, or chutney for flavor!
Whether you prefer a classic bacon and egg sandwich with turkey bacon or vegetarian variations such as scrambled tofu and mushrooms, there’s sure to be something everyone can enjoy.
Turkey Bacon Avocado Toast
Turkey bacon avocado toast is the perfect way to switch up your toast routine! It’s easy to make, packs a nutritious punch, and tastes great. It starts with a slice of hearty bread, toasted until golden brown. Then top it off with some smoked turkey bacon cooked up crisp.
Finally, add a generous helping of creamy avocado slices for texture and flavor. The salty bacon and creamy avocado combo will undoubtedly make this turkey bacon avocado toast a hit with the whole family!
Tips on Cooking Turkey Bacon Dishes
Turkey bacon has become increasingly popular recently due to its low-fat content compared to regular bacon. Here are some tips on preparing delicious turkey bacon dishes:
- Ensure to cook the turkey bacon until it is crisp and golden brown. It will give it the flavor and crunch of regular bacon but with fewer calories.
- Add mustard seed, garlic powder, or paprika to get the best flavor when cooking your turkey bacon.
- Use a paper towel to eliminate any excess fat from bacon that may be released during cooking. It will help keep your turkey bacon dishes nice and healthy.
- Combine your cooked turkey bacon with other ingredients like onions, mushrooms, peppers, or tomatoes for an added layer of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Unopened packages of turkey bacon can be kept in your fridge for up to one month, while opened uncooked turkey bacon should be consumed within a week. Cooked turkey bacon will stay fresh and good in the fridge for up to four days, and you can freeze it for up to two months. Enjoy your leftover turkey bacon and enjoy experiments with turkey bacon recipes.
