How To Properly Store Candied Bacon

Candied bacon, with its crispy, chewy texture and sweet, smoky flavor makes for a delicious side dish or garnish. It is so good, in fact, that you may find yourself making an extra large batch — and while we wouldn't be surprised if you finished the entire pan, it is also possible that you might have some bacon left over. If this is the case, it is important to be sure that you store the candied bacon properly in order to indulge in it for as long as possible. Read on to learn the best way to keep candied bacon fresh and how to tell when it has gone bad.

Much like traditional bacon, it is best to store candied bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While regular cooked bacon lasts only four to five days when stored in the fridge, candied bacon will last a little bit longer — up to three weeks. To optimize the quality of the bacon as it is being stored, be sure to allow it to cool fully to prevent moisture build up. Then, when placing the strips into the container, add parchment paper or foil in between layers to keep the individual slices of bacon from sticking to one another.

Storing candied bacon properly will help to stave off spoilage, but not forever. It is important to be able to check your bacon and identify signs that it has gone bad in order to keep yourself from ingesting harmful pathogens. First, inspect the bacon visually to see if the texture or color has changed significantly. The meat should not be gray or green, and while it is normal for there to be some stickiness, it should not be excessively wet or slimy. Next, check for unpleasant tastes or smells — as with most foods, if the scent or flavor is not appetizing, you should not eat it.

If you find that you are running out of time to enjoy your candied bacon even with these storage tips, you can freeze it in order to prolong its life, where it will last for up to six months. When you are ready to enjoy it, you can simply thaw it out in the fridge or warm it up using the oven. This leftover candied bacon is excellent for being enjoyed as is, or used in another dish. Try including it as a sweet element in a bacon sandwich, as a savory surprise in baked goods like cookies, or even chopped up and sprinkled into popcorn or a salad for added textural interest.