There are some earthly delights, such as delicious bacon, that we wish were available in perpetuity. Whenever the fancy strikes, this crispy wonder immediately satisfies our cravings — turning a mediocre sandwich into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece; an uninspiring salad into a healthy wonder; or even just snacking on a solitary piece in all its unadulterated glory.

Thankfully, these scenarios can be easily transplanted from your dreams into your kitchen. By learning how to store cooked bacon, you can ensure that your favorite meal companion or feature is always readily on hand.

This way, there’s never a need to worry about what to do in the incredibly rare instance you don’t manage to finish a pack of bacon that you’ve opened. Let’s explore the best ways to store cooked bacon, while learning some warning signs for when it’s gone bad (heaven forbid).

Making the most of your bacon

The question of how to store meat has been top-of-mind for generations. Of course, we’re more refined in our bacon-storing methods today. Here are a few that are effective and not labor intensive.

Unopened bacon package

Refrigerator: You’ve yet to crack into your bacon, but the occasion will come soon enough. Every time you open your fridge, the package stares at you, reminding you of the spectacular salty, crispy bounty it contains despite its humble appearance. Always check the code date, but remember that an unopened packet of bacon is good to (literally) chill in your fridge for about two weeks. After that, it will demand immediate attention.

Freezer: Perhaps you’ve reached an existential crisis where you can’t eat another piece of bacon until you decide whether you’re team turkey bacon or team beef bacon. This deliberation can take months. But not to fear — unopened bacon can last up to eight months in your freezer. This gives you plenty of time to come to your decision.

Uncooked, but open, bacon package

Refrigerator: As you’re undoubtedly aware, bacon goes with almost anything. Still, you’re having a hard time deciding how to best feature the Organic Uncured Turkey Bacon you have partially gotten through. That’s fine — uncooked but open bacon can last approximately one week when it’s stored in the fridge, as long as it’s within its best-by date.

Freezer: There are so many meal possibilities that are made better by bacon that you can’t decide on a short-ish one week timeline. It shouldn’t be a daunting prospect — bacon enhances almost everything — but still, decision paralysis has taken hold. No worries, as popping the bacon in the freezer gives you up to one month to plan accordingly.

Cooked bacon

Refrigerator: Cooked bacon needs refrigerating, but resist the temptation to haphazardly close the original packaging on the leftover bacon you have. Bacon deserves respect, so store it in an airtight zip-top plastic bag. This gives you four or five days to introduce bacon to the other leftover ingredients in your fridge.

Freezer: You loved your Maple Turkey Bacon breakfast so much, you’re not ready to say goodbye to the rest of the package. Freezing cooked bacon is easy — just think of each piece as a little hero, and give them a hero’s sendoff before you relegate them to their temporary icy home. Again, use zip-top plastic bags to tightly wrap up these stalwarts of sustenance, and you can confidently store them for up to a month.

Bacon fat 

Refrigerator: As if bacon itself wasn’t enough, it creates bacon fat — an incredibly versatile byproduct that can be used for frying up your favorite breakfast, adding a dynamic punch to various sauces, and even bringing a savory kick to baked goods. Does bacon fat need to be refrigerated, you ask? Indeed — just toss it into a jar and it will be good for up to six months.

Freezer: Bacon grease will last in your freezer for up to nine months, which gives you ample time to digest these 15 facts about Godshall’s bacon. Don’t worry, there’s not going to be an exam. But if there was, bacon would be able to help you ace it (what can’t it do?).

Signs that your bacon has gone bad

It seems unfathomable, but there are certain regrettable circumstances which lead to bacon actually going bad. Always check the expiration date on the package, and avoid consuming if the bacon has been left out at room temperature for too long. If the bacon appears slimy; if it’s emitting a sour smell; or if the coloration seems funky, then it’s time to bid adieu to this old bacon and introduce a new package into your life.

Bacon: The constant companion

There will be many meals when you’ll need to use the entire package of bacon. But there will be other times where moderation of appetite or bank account creates leftovers, and you certainly wouldn’t want to let this precious resource go to waste. The good news is that we’ve come a long way since we preserved pork in salt — and with these simple storage techniques, you’ll be able to safely have bacon in your life whenever you want it.

Interested in discovering some sources of lean protein? Find out how bacon can help address this vital part of your nutritional needs.