Can You Freeze Bacon?
Uncooked or cooked bacon strips.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze bacon. Yes. Both raw and cooked bacon freeze well.
Freezer Storage Time
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 30, 2026 | Our methodology
How to Freeze Bacon
- For raw bacon: freeze the unopened package directly, or separate slices with parchment paper, roll up, and place in a freezer bag.
- For cooked bacon: cool completely, layer between parchment paper, and store in a freezer bag.
- Press out all air before sealing.
Texture and Quality Changes
Raw frozen bacon tastes just like fresh when thawed and cooked. Cooked frozen bacon may be slightly less crispy after reheating but the flavor is preserved well.
How to Thaw Bacon Safely
Raw bacon: thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For quick thawing, microwave using the defrost setting. Cooked bacon: microwave for 30 seconds or bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Refreezing raw bacon that has been thawed in the refrigerator is safe but may affect quality.
Best Uses After Freezing
Frozen bacon works for everything cooked bacon does: breakfast, BLTs, salads, baked potatoes, pasta, burger topping.
Separate raw bacon slices with parchment paper before freezing. This lets you pull out exactly the number of strips you need without thawing the whole package. Roll the parchment-separated strips into a log shape for compact freezer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unopened raw bacon freezes for up to 4 months. Opened raw bacon is best used within 1 month. Cooked bacon freezes for 2-3 months.
You can start cooking raw bacon from frozen in a cold pan, but it takes longer and cooks unevenly. Thawing first gives better results. Cooked bacon can be reheated directly from frozen.
Yes. Bacon that is properly wrapped and frozen within its shelf life tastes virtually identical to fresh after thawing. The salt and smoke curing help preserve the flavor.
The Bottom Line
Freezing bacon is a great way to extend its shelf life. Raw frozen bacon tastes just like fresh when thawed and cooked. Cooked frozen bacon may be slightly less crispy after reheating but the flavor is pres