Can you freeze turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon is a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon due to its lower fat content and reduced fat. If you have excess turkey bacon and want to extend its shelf life, freezing is a viable option. Freezing turkey bacon allows you to preserve its quality and enjoy it at a later date. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of freezing turkey bacon, whether it’s cooked or uncooked.
Freezing Uncooked Turkey Bacon
Freezing raw turkey bacon is a simple process. If you have an unopened package of turkey bacon, you can simply place it in a heavy-duty storage bag and place it in the freezer. However, if the package is open, you have two options: freeze the whole package or freeze individual slices.
To freeze the entire package, wrap the turkey bacon in wax paper and place in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. It’s important to note that if you freeze the whole package, you should plan to use it all at once.
If you prefer to freeze individual slices, follow these steps:
- Roll the turkey bacon into small coils resembling a snail shell.
- Place the coils on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer, leaving the bacon uncovered.
- Freeze the bacon coils overnight or at least 6 hours until firm.
- Transfer frozen coils to a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label, date, and seal the package.
- Store frozen turkey bacon for up to 6 months for the best quality.
Remember that thawed raw turkey bacon should be used within 5-7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cooked Turkey Bacon
If you have leftover cooked turkey bacon and would like to freeze it, you can do so with a few extra steps. Freezing cooked turkey bacon requires a pre-freezing process to prevent the slices from sticking together.
Follow these steps to freeze cooked turkey bacon:
- Allow cooked bacon to cool to room temperature.
- Pat the bacon dry to remove any excess fat.
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer.
- If desired, create multiple layers of bacon, separating each layer with wax paper.
- Cover the top of the bacon slices with plastic wrap or another layer of wax paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and pre-freeze the bacon for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Once frozen, transfer the bacon to a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
- To prevent the bacon from sticking together, place a layer of wax paper between each slice or layer.
- Label, date and seal the package.
- Frozen cooked turkey bacon can be stored for up to 6 months for best quality.
It’s important to note that if you skip the pre-freezing process, the cooked turkey bacon slices may stick together in the freezer. If this happens, defrost and use the entire batch at once.
Using Frozen Turkey Bacon
When it comes to using frozen turkey bacon, the thawing process is relatively quick. If you froze individual slices using the wrapping method, you can defrost them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. However, if you froze an entire package or a large quantity of bacon, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to prevent it from sticking together.
Once thawed, you can use turkey bacon in any recipe or dish that calls for bacon. Whether it’s for breakfast sandwiches, salads, casseroles or soups, frozen turkey bacon can be a convenient and versatile ingredient.
Bottom line
Freezing turkey bacon is a convenient way to extend its shelf life and ensure that you always have a supply of bacon on hand. Whether it’s raw or cooked turkey bacon, the freezing process is relatively simple. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can properly freeze turkey bacon and enjoy its delicious flavor for months to come.
FAQS
Can I freeze raw turkey bacon?
Yes, you can freeze raw turkey bacon. Just wrap it properly and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How should I package raw turkey bacon for freezing?
You can wrap uncooked turkey bacon in wax paper and place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices by pre-freezing them in coils and then transferring them to a freezer bag or container.
Can I freeze cooked turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey bacon can be frozen. Follow the pre-freezing process outlined in the article to make sure the slices don’t stick together.
How long can I keep frozen turkey bacon?
Frozen turkey bacon has a shelf life of up to 6 months. While it may still be safe to eat beyond that time, the quality may begin to deteriorate.
How do I defrost frozen turkey bacon?
If you froze individual slices, you can thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For larger quantities or entire packages, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I refreeze defrosted turkey bacon?
We do not recommend refreezing thawed turkey bacon. Once thawed, it’s best to use it within 5-7 days if stored in the refrigerator.