How to Make Sure You’re Always Prepared with Ready-to-Eat Bacon
August 8, 2023
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For a bacon lover like myself, there’s no such thing as too much bacon for me. Whether you enjoy it crispy or chewy, on its own or as a part of various dishes, having bacon ready at a moment’s notice can be a true delight. Let’s discuss some simple tips on how you can always have bacon ready to satisfy your cravings.
Cooking and Freezing Bacon: Did you know that you can cook and freeze bacon for later use? This nifty trick can save you time and effort on busy days when you just want a quick and delicious meal. Here’s how you can do it:
Cooked Bacon:
1. Cook It Right: Start by cooking your bacon until it’s just the way you like it – crispy or tender. You can use a skillet, oven, microwave, or even an air fryer to cook your bacon. Whatever method you prefer, make sure to drain the excess grease to keep your bacon from getting soggy when you freeze and reheat it.
2. Cool It Down: Allow the cooked bacon to cool down completely. You can place it on a paper towel to absorb any remaining grease. Letting it cool prevents condensation from forming when you freeze it, which can lead to freezer burn.
3. Freeze It: Lay the cooled bacon slices on a baking sheet or a tray, making sure they don’t touch each other. Place the tray in the freezer for a few hours until the bacon slices are frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together in a clump.
4. Package It: Once the bacon is frozen, transfer the slices into a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Don’t forget to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Label the bag with the date, so you can keep track of when you cooked the bacon.
Uncooked Bacon:
1. Separate and Package: If you have a package of uncooked bacon, you can freeze it for future use. Before freezing, divide the bacon into portions that you’re likely to use in one go. Place each portion in a separate resealable plastic bag to prevent freezer burn.
2. Label and Date: Just like with cooked bacon, make sure to label each bag with the date before putting it in the freezer. This helps you keep track of how long the bacon has been frozen.
Thawing Your Frozen Bacon:
Now that you have frozen bacon ready to go, it’s time to enjoy it! Here’s how to thaw your frozen bacon safely:
1. In the Fridge: The best way to thaw frozen bacon is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge. Allow it to thaw slowly in the fridge over the course of several hours or overnight. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the bacon.
2. In a Pinch: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost function on your microwave to thaw the bacon. Be careful not to cook it accidentally – use the lowest power setting and check on it frequently.
3. Cooking from Frozen: Alternatively, you can cook frozen bacon directly without thawing. Just be prepared for it to take a bit longer to cook through. Adjust your cooking method and time accordingly.
Having bacon ready at a moment’s notice is totally achievable with a little preparation. Whether you freeze cooked or uncooked bacon, the key is to package it properly to avoid freezer burn and ensure its deliciousness when you decide to enjoy it. Thawing can be done in the fridge, microwave, or even during cooking. So, go ahead and stock up on bacon – your future self will thank you for it!