Bacon is a popular breakfast food that is loved by many for its savory, smoky, salty flavor. While raw bacon must be kept refrigerated, many people wonder how long cooked bacon can be safely left out at room temperature before it goes bad.
Quick answer
Cooked bacon can be safely left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After this time, harmful bacteria can start to multiply quickly and cause foodborne illness. For best quality and food safety, cooked bacon that will not be eaten right away should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
How long can cooked bacon be left unrefrigerated?
According to food safety experts, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooked bacon can be safely left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it is considered unsafe to eat.1
Once cooked bacon has been left out for more than 2 hours, it enters the “Danger Zone” of 40-140°F, which is the temperature range where bacteria multiply rapidly. Some of the dangerous bacteria that can begin to grow rapidly on cooked bacon after more than 2 hours at room temperature include:
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Bacillus cereus
- Clostridium perfringens
- Campylobacter
Consuming bacon that has been left out too long and contains high levels of these bacteria can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. In some cases it can even lead to severe illness or death.
What affects how long cooked bacon lasts unrefrigerated?
There are a few factors that can affect how long cooked bacon can safely be left out at room temperature:
- Temperature – The warmer the temperature, the faster bacteria can grow. Bacon should not be left out for longer than 2 hours, but if the room is especially hot, bacteria growth could speed up.
- Preparation method – Bacon cooked at very high temperatures (e.g. fried crispy) has less moisture, which reduces bacterial growth. Moist bacon reaches the Danger Zone faster.
- Amount – The more bacon is left out, the longer it takes for the heat from cooking to dissipate. A large amount of bacon may stay warm longer, allowing bacteria to multiply faster.
- Exposure – If cooked bacon is left uncovered, bacteria from the air can contaminate it and speed up spoilage. Covering can extend the 2 hour window slightly.
How to store cooked bacon safely
To keep cooked bacon safe from spoiling and prevent foodborne illness, it’s important to store leftover bacon properly. Recommended storage methods include:
- Refrigerating within 2 hours – Place cooled bacon in a sealed container or plastic bag and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Freezing for longer term – Allow bacon to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze. It will keep for 1-2 months frozen.
- Reheating thoroughly – Prior to eating bacon that was previously refrigerated, reheat thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F.
How to tell if cooked bacon has gone bad
It can be difficult to tell when cooked bacon has spoiled, since there are no definite signs to look out for. Here are a few indicators that bacon may have gone bad:
- Slimy texture
- Off smell – if it smells sour or “off”
- Mold growth
- Change in color – greenish, grayish, or dull
Bacon that sits out for more than 2 hours should not be consumed and should be thrown away. When in doubt, remember the 2 hour rule – if it’s been out over 2 hours, throw it out. Don’t risk eating bacon that could be harboring dangerous bacteria.
Frequently asked questions
How long can cooked bacon be left unrefrigerated at room temperature?
Cooked bacon should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly on cooked bacon if left out longer than this.
What happens if you eat bacon left out overnight?
Eating bacon that has been left out overnight poses a high risk of food poisoning. Bacon left at room temperature for several hours enters the Danger Zone, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe illness.
Can you recook bacon left out overnight?
It is not recommended to recook bacon that has been left out overnight, as bacteria may have grown to unsafe levels that can cause foodborne illness. Reheating does not necessarily kill the toxins produced by bacteria that has overgrown.
How can you tell if cooked bacon is bad?
Signs that cooked bacon has gone bad include slimy texture, foul “off” odor, mold, and unnatural color changes. Bacon that sits out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
How should you store cooked bacon properly?
For proper storage, cooked bacon should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. It can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container or bag for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap bacon tightly and freeze for 1-2 months.
Conclusion
When left out at room temperature, cooked bacon can only be safely left unrefrigerated for up to 2 hours. After this time, harmful bacteria start to rapidly multiply, making the bacon unsafe to eat. For best food safety and quality, cooked bacon should be refrigerated within 2 hours, and if any leftover bacon will not be eaten right away, it should be promptly frozen for longer storage. With proper storage methods, cooked bacon can be enjoyed days or even weeks after cooking.