Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional bacon. It is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to add some variety to your meals. Also, it can replace pork bacon for those who don’t eat pork.
Only one problem, though; turkey bacon does not come cheap. So what’s a bacon-loving-foodie to do if you are not able to use your turkey bacon quickly? Can you freeze it?
Fortunately, yes you can freeze turkey bacon. Freezing turkey bacon is an excellent way to preserve flavor and prevent waste.
Read on to learn more about freezing turkey bacon.
How To Freeze Turkey Bacon
If you love turkey bacon and don’t want to waste any, then freezing it is the way to go. This way, you can have your turkey bacon ready for a quick meal even if you don’t have time to shop.
Here are steps to follow to freeze turkey bacon properly:
Step 1: Remove The Bacon From Its Pack And Separate Each Strip
Turkey bacon usually comes in packs of six or twelve. The number of strips will vary depending on each brand and pack size. However, to make the freezing process easier, separate each strip from the pack and wrap them separately. It will also make sure they stay fresh.
Step 2: Wrap The Strips Individually In Plastic Wrap
This step is to make sure that the bacon stays fresh and will not stick together. Plus, it will also make sure that there is no moisture as moisture can cause freezer burn.
Step 3: Place The Wrapped Strips in a Freezer Bag
Place the wrapped bacon in a freezer-proof container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Get rid of the excess air inside before sealing. Ensure there are no air pockets inside the bag; otherwise, your bacon might end up with freezer burn.
We have compiled a list of the best freezer bags for meat for you.
Step 4: Date and Label
Date and label your bags. This is a really important step that many miss out but it’s important for safety.
Step 5: Place The Bacon In The Freezer
Ensure your freezer is at its coldest setting and that you don’t leave your bacon there for more than six months.
Does Turkey Bacon Freeze Well?
Yes, it does! Freezing bacon is a great way to store it for an extended period. Usually, turkey bacon can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. But, if you want it to last even longer, store it at a constant -0 degrees.
The quality of turkey bacon can diminish over time. Freezing it will keep its freshness and flavor intact. However, it will also cause it to lose some of its crispy texture, and for me, that’s one of the best things about bacon.
However, there are some dishes you can use your defrosted turkey bacon in where this loss in texture really doesn’t matter.
Is It Better To Freeze Turkey Bacon Cooked Or Uncooked?
Both cooked and raw bacon can be frozen, but raw bacon is easier to freeze. It will help preserve its flavor more effectively since you can wrap it tightly to avoid air. You can wrap each strip separately or place them in freezer-proof containers.
Whether cooked or raw, bacon can be frozen successfully for six months. Just make sure to put it in the freezer as soon as possible after cooking, and to also wrap it first before freezing.
How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last In The Freezer?
Similar to freezing salami, if stored properly, turkey bacon can last up to four to six months in the freezer.
How Do You Defrost Turkey Bacon?
There are different ways to defrost bacon. The method you choose will depend on your available time and how you plan to use it.
Refrigerator
This is the safest way to defrost your bacon. However, it is also one of the slowest ways to. It will take up to overnight to completely thaw your bacon. All you have to do is take out your turkey bacon from the freezer, unwrap the packaging, place the bacon in a container, and put it inside the fridge.
Cold Water
This method is fast, but you’ll have to be careful because you might end up with soggy bacon instead. It will take around 30 minutes or so, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Here’s what you need to do:
- Place the frozen bacon inside a freezer bag and seal the bag tightly.
- Get a bowl and fill it with cold water.
- Place the bag containing your turkey bacon into the cold water.
- Let it sit inside for around 30 minutes. This way, you can defrost your turkey bacon quickly.
Microwave
If you want to defrost your bacon faster, you can use the microwave. All that’s needed is for you to place it between some paper towels and nuke it for a few minutes. However, this might cause the turkey bacon to lose its crispy texture, so be careful.
Each method takes a different length of time to thaw and produces different results. Using a microwave is the best option if you are in a hurry and it is also easy to do. However, make sure to defrost it properly.
Can You Refreeze Turkey Bacon?
This is a question that many people ask. If your turkey bacon is thawed at room temperature, you should not refreeze it. Doing so will risk your health. However, if you have not yet cooked it, you can cook it and then refreeze it.
Freezing Different Types Of Turkey Bacon?
All kinds of turkey bacon, whether cooked, raw, butterball, or Oscar Mayer turkey bacon can be frozen. But, there are some steps to follow when freezing different types of turkey bacon.
Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey bacon. This is beneficial, especially if you have cooked leftovers. You can freeze cooked turkey bacon for up to 6 months.
Can You Freeze Raw Turkey Bacon?
It is possible to freeze raw bacon. You have to properly wrap the raw bacon in a freezer bag to do so. This way, you can keep air from coming in contact with it and avoid freezer burn. Then, place it in the freezer, and it can last up to six months.
Can You Freeze Butterball Turkey Bacon?
Butterball turkey can last up to 3 days in a refrigerator; however, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it.
Can You Freeze Oscar Mayer’s Turkey Bacon?
Like the other types of turkey bacon, Oscar Mayer’s turkey bacon can also be frozen.
Turkey Bacon Ideas
Turkey bacon can be cooked to add flavor to dishes that typically call for regular bacon. Here are just some of the recipes which your defrosted turkey bacon will be good for:
- Egg Muffins with Turkey Bacon
- Creamy pasta with turkey bacon
- Turkey Bacon quesadilla
- Turkey bacon pizza topping
- Turkey Bacon omelet
- Turkey bacon frittata
- Turkey bacon with scrambled eggs
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Cooked Turkey Bacon Last In The Fridge?
Cooked turkey bacon in the fridge can last for around seven days.
How Do You Store Turkey Bacon?
You can either freeze it or keep it in the fridge.
How Long Is Thawed Turkey Bacon Good?
Thawed turkey bacon should be cooked immediately. If you want to save some for later, then you should refreeze it.
How Can You Tell When Turkey Bacon Is Bad?
The best way to check the quality of your bacon is by looking at its color. If it gets too dark or black, it has gone rancid. Also, if it has a foul smell, then do not eat it.
Conclusion
We hope that you found this article helpful. We tried to cover most of the basics about turkey bacon and provided freezing tips to choose from.
You can let us know if we missed anything or got something wrong.
Please leave your comments and questions below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!
