Bacon Cheese Wedges: Fridge Lifespan And Storage Tips

Bacon cheese wedges are a delicious snack, but how long do they last in the fridge? Well, it's bad news if you were hoping to keep them fresh for a while, as they only last up to two days before they should be thrown out. This is because the cheese can spoil and the bacon dries out and becomes rubbery. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them, which will give them a shelf life of around two months. However, they won't taste as fresh as they do when eaten within the first two days.

How long does bacon cheese last in the fridge?

Bacon cheese wedges are a tasty snack, but they don't last long in the fridge. You should aim to eat them within two days, as after that, the cheese can spoil and the bacon can become dry and rubbery. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them, which will extend their shelf life to around two months, although they won't taste as fresh.

If you're talking about a wedge of cheese, rather than cheese and bacon, then the timings are a little longer. Soft cheese wedges will last for about a week in the fridge, while hard cheese wedges will last for four to five weeks.

Of course, the timings for all of these are only a guide. The best way to tell if your cheese is off is to look for signs of spoilage. If you see any mould, or if the cheese smells bad, it's time to throw it away.

How long does cooked bacon last in the fridge?

Leftover cooked bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for four to five days. To ensure the best quality, it should be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass container, to prevent the bacon from drying out and to prevent the other contents of your fridge from smelling like bacon.

If you can't eat your cooked bacon within five days, you can freeze it for up to one month. To freeze cooked bacon, arrange the strips between layers of paper towels and place the stacked towels flat in a large zip-top bag. Carefully squeeze out any additional air before placing the bag in the freezer.

It's important to note that while frozen foods are safe to eat indefinitely, the USDA recommends using frozen bacon within four months to prevent the bacon's quality and flavour from deteriorating.

How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad

Bacon that has gone bad will exhibit some clear signs. Firstly, there will be a change in appearance. Good bacon is bright red, so you'll know it's going bad when the colour fades to a dull pink. Once it turns brown, grey, or has a greenish hue, it has definitely spoiled and should be discarded.

Additionally, rancid bacon will develop an unpleasant odour and may become sticky or slimy, indicating the presence of bacteria. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to throw the bacon out.

How long does uncooked bacon last in the fridge?

Uncooked bacon will generally last in the fridge for about two weeks if it's unopened, and for up to a week if the package has been opened. However, it's important to note that the shelf life of bacon may vary depending on factors such as the type of bacon, whether the package has been opened, and how it's stored in the fridge.

For example, bacon cured without nitrites, a common type of bacon, can last up to three weeks in the fridge. On the other hand, once the package is opened, it's recommended to use the bacon within seven days, or less if the printed date on the package is sooner.

To ensure the bacon stays fresh for as long as possible, it's important to store it properly. This includes keeping it in an airtight container, such as the original package, a plastic bag, or wrapping it tightly in aluminium foil. Additionally, make sure your fridge is maintained at a safe temperature, below 40°F (4°C), to slow down the growth of harmful microbes that cause spoilage.

It's also worth noting that uncooked bacon is usually bright red, and one way to tell if it's going bad is when the colour starts to fade to a dull pink, or turn brown, grey, or greenish. Other signs of spoilage include a strong sour aroma, and a sticky or slimy texture.

How to store uncooked bacon in the fridge

Bacon is one of those foods that is easy to love, but tough to eat all in one sitting. So, how do you store uncooked bacon in the fridge to make it last longer?

Firstly, it's important to note that unopened bacon will last longer than opened bacon. An unopened packet of raw bacon will usually stay in the fridge until the use-by date, which is typically a week to a month after the purchase date. If you leave it in the package and wrap it in an extra plastic bag, it will often be good for up to a week past the expiration date.

Once the packet has been opened, the leftover raw bacon should be stored in an airtight container, such as a sealed container, a resealable plastic bag, or the original packet covered with plastic wrap. It's recommended that you use the raw bacon within 4-5 days of opening the original package.

If you're storing cooked bacon, place the strips in a sealed container between sheets of paper towels or parchment paper. The paper will act as a cushion, preventing the bacon from breaking and the grease from crystallizing on the strips. You can also wrap crumbled bacon carefully in paper towels and then place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.

Cooked bacon should be stored in the fridge for no longer than 4-5 days, as the fat content in the bacon spoils rapidly.

To make uncooked bacon last even longer, you can store it in the freezer. However, it's recommended that you repackage the bacon before doing so.

How to tell if bacon cheese wedges have gone bad

Bacon cheese wedges are a delicious snack, but they don't last long in the fridge. While they can be frozen to extend their shelf life, it's important to know the signs of spoilage to ensure you don't eat anything that's gone bad. Here are some detailed instructions on how to tell if bacon cheese wedges have gone bad:

Check the Colour

The first thing to look out for is discolouration. Fresh, uncooked bacon is usually bright red. When it starts to go bad, it will lose this vibrant red colour and fade to a dull pink. If you notice this change, it's best to discard the bacon cheese wedges. If the discolouration has progressed further and the bacon has turned brown, grey, or has a greenish hue, it's definitely spoiled and needs to be thrown out.

Smell for Off or Sour Odours

Give the bacon cheese wedges a good sniff. Bacon should have a faint smokiness to it. If you detect any off or sour smells, that's a good indicator that the wedges are no longer safe to eat. Trust your nose—if something smells unpleasant or unusual, it's best to err on the side of caution and toss them out.

Look for Slime

Bacteria love to feast on bacon, and when they do, they leave behind a slimy residue. If you see any slime on your bacon cheese wedges, that's a sure sign that bacteria are present and actively breaking down the meat. This is definitely not something you want to eat, so discard the wedges immediately.

Inspect for Mould

Mould is never a good sign, especially on food. While it may be tempting to cut off the mouldy parts and hope for the best, it's not worth the risk. Mould can permeate other areas of the meat that you can't see, so it's best to throw out the entire wedge if you spot any mould, regardless of how small it may seem.

Texture Changes

Bacon cheese wedges should be juicy and moist. If the bacon has become dry and rubbery, that's a sign that it's past its prime. Similarly, if the cheese has started to spoil, it may develop a funky texture or an unpleasant odour. Trust your senses—if something looks, feels, or smells off, it's best to discard the wedges and make yourself a fresh batch!

Remember, these bacon cheese wedges are only safe to eat for up to two days in the fridge. After that, it's best to throw them out or freeze them for later consumption. Even if they look and smell fine, consuming them after this timeframe increases the risk of foodborne illness.

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