Here's The Right Way To Store Bacon Bits In Your Kitchen

Stocking your kitchen with pre-prepped garnishes can effortlessly add an extra pop to your dishes. For a twofold kick of crispiness and savoriness, bacon bits present an excellent option. You can use them in classic applications, like atop a salad or loaded baked potato, as well as creative takes such as bacon-cheddar drop biscuits or inside waffle batter. Naturally, having a generous batch ready to go is convenient; no need to fry up bacon every time.

However, while homemade or real store-bought bacon bits are cured and cooked, it's still crucial to monitor their shelf stability. This is further complicated by the fact that many commercially available "bacon-flavored bits" are actually made from soy, oil, and seasonings, with no meat involved whatsoever. Therefore, not all bacon bits are alike, meaning you should always triple-check the product's label to ensure proper storage and safe kitchen use.

Thankfully, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers helpful guidelines: For unopened, shelf-stable, soy-based bacon bits, it's best to follow the manufacturer's suggestions, often allowing pantry storage for up to four months. Once opened, however, all varieties of bacon bits — whether soy-based, real, or homemade — should be stored in the refrigerator. For homemade or real bacon bits, consider freezing them for maximum assurance; they can easily last for several months (up to six months or even longer) and taste delicious whether used cold or hot.

Depending on the curing method and preparation style, bacon offers wildly different compositions. Although rare, you could buy a dry-cured bacon bit which, as opposed to wet-cured bacon, can even last for 10 days at room temperature. Furthermore, factors like whether the bacon is raw, cooked, or canned at purchase also distinctly impact its shelf stability.

Even the method of preparation can sway what you get out of a bacon bit. When you slowly render bacon — letting the water cook out — you'll get extra durability in contrast to quickly crisped and broken slices. So to manage such complexity (yet still enjoy the convenience of pre-batched bacon bits), look to the freezer for the most stress-free storage. No matter if you buy bacon bits at the store or make your own, throw the meat morsels into a freezer-safe container. Mark the preparation date with kitchen tape on top, and then freely sprinkle on the food for weeks to come. You can reheat them on a stovetop or in the microwave, or simply enjoy them chilled, relishing the salty, crackly, and deeply savory tasting notes.