Making your own bacon is rewarding, but knowing how to store homemade bacon properly is just as important as making it. Homemade bacon doesn’t have the preservatives of store-bought bacon unless you use curing salt #1, so storing it the right way ensures it stays safe and flavorful.
If you’re curious about how to use curing salts safely, check out my curing salt #1 vs #2 guide.
Refrigeration Tips
This is ok for the short term, and I think you should eat it within a few days.
- Keep bacon wrapped tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag for the best results.
- Shelf life: up to 2 weeks for cooked bacon, and about 1 week for raw cured bacon in the fridge.
Eddie’s Tip! Label your bacon with the date it was made so you always know its freshness.
Freezing Bacon
I use the freezer a lot and keep my bacon fresh for months. it is my preferred method!
- Slice or leave whole, depending on how you plan to use it.
- Wrap tightly in freezer paper, foil, or vacuum-sealed bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor.
Eddie’s Tip! Freeze in portions you’ll use in one go — no need to thaw a whole slab.
Cooked vs. Raw Bacon Storage
As I mentioned above. Refrigerated means eating it soon. Frozen can be kept for a long time.
- Cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Raw, cured bacon can last a little longer if properly wrapped.
- Consider pre-cooking some bacon for quick weekday meals.
Check out my step-by-step guide to making bacon at home for tips on cooking and storing your bacon safely.
Safety Reminders
When you work with food, you always have to keep the safety in mind. You don’t want anybody or yourself to get sick from your food.
- Always keep bacon at safe temperatures (below 40°F / 4°C in the fridge).
- Never leave bacon out at room temperature for long periods.
Eddie’s Tip! When in doubt, throw it out — it’s better to be safe than risk foodborne illness.
How To Store Bacon – My Experience
Proper storage keeps your homemade bacon safe, tasty, and ready to enjoy. Remember to:
I remembered from my restaurant days and the visits from the health department that you can’t fool with storing food the wrong way.
Storing bacon is no exception to that rule. Here are some tips.
- Wrap bacon tightly and store in the fridge or freezer.
- Label with dates.
- Keep cooked and raw bacon separate.
- Handle it safely at all times.
For more beginner tips and recipes, see my complete bacon pillar post.
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Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken