Time to thaw bacon you had stored properly in the freezer. Once it thaws, you have options, but getting there means thawing it correctly in the first place. Here are tips for thawing frozen bacon.
The best way to thaw the bacon depends on what you need it for and how soon you need it. But it also depends on how it was stored. Separate slices of bacon, together in the original packaging
How to Defrost Bacon Quickly
Microwave
Place the bacon on a microwave safe plate, separating the individual pieces or strips. Use the defrost setting and defrost for 1-2 minutes. then flip the bacon strips and repeat.
Oven
You can defrost the bacon in the oven. Set the temperature to 275F. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the oven and the bacon will defrost in about 5 minutes.
Be sure to remove it or immediately cook the bacon.
Counter Top
If you thaw on the counter, then make sure it is covered and set it on parchment paper or a paper towel. Depending how many pieces you need to thaw it might take 15 minutes to 30 minutes to fully thaw.
Cold Water
Take the package of bacon out of the freezer and place in a large bowl or container of cold water. Do not use warm water or hot water or it will start to cook it at an unsafe temperature. This process takes about 30 minutes.
Refrigerator
This is the safest way but also takes the longest. Place the bacon in the refrigerator. I like to wrap the package in paper towels, put in on a plate or in a container in case there is any leakage.
To thaw it completely might take between 4 hours to overnight. Depending on the temperature settings in the refrigerator.
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Do you have to thaw frozen bacon before cooking?
If the bacon has not previously been cooked and you bring it out of the freezer, then you do not have to thaw it before you cook it.
The only challenge when cooking frozen bacon is if you prefer to have strips or if you are chopping it into small pieces for a recipe.
If the bacon is pre-sliced, then the only reason to thaw it partially before cooking it is to pull the slices off easily. If you don’t need it pre-sliced, or it is a slab, then having it frozen helps to make even slices from the slab. Or, be able to chop it into little squares to make bacon bits.
How long should you defrost bacon in the microwave?
In the microwave, a pound of bacon takes between 3 – 6 minutes to thaw. Be careful though. Make sure your microwave settings are actually for low (change power level) or set for “thaw/defrost”.
It will be even quicker if you separate the individual strips of bacon.
After the first three minutes, then check it, turn it over, and start it again. Check about halfway through the second pulse to see if it is ready.
More Kitchen Basics
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If your family loves bacon as much as mine does, then these handy tips on how to thaw bacon will be helpful! This way you will never be without in a bacon emergency.
Bacon Recipes
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Bacon Wrapped Pickles
- Easy Spaghetti Carbonara
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Tomato Bacon Jam
How to Quickly Thaw Bacon
Check out these tips on how quickly thaw frozen bacon before cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of bacon
- cold water
- microwave
Instructions
Microwave
Place the bacon on a microwave safe plate, separating the individual pieces or strips. Use the defrost setting and defrost for 1-2 minutes. then flip the bacon strips and repeat.
Oven
You can defrost the bacon in the oven. Set the temperature to 275F. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the oven and the bacon will defrost in about 5 minutes. Be sure to remove it or immediately cook the bacon.
Counter Top
If you thaw on the counter, then make sure it is covered and set it on parchment paper or a paper towel. Depending how many pieces you need to thaw it might take 15 minutes to 30 minutes to fully thaw.
Cold Water
Take the package of bacon out of the freezer and place in a large bowl or container of cold water. Do not use warm water or hot water or it will start to cook it at an unsafe temperature. This process takes about 30 minutes.
Refrigerator
This is the safest way but also takes the longest. Place the bacon in the refrigerator. I like to wrap the package in paper towels, put in on a plate or in a container in case there is any leakage.
To thaw it completely might take between 4 hours to overnight. Depending on the temperature settings in the refrigerator.
Notes
Be sure to cook your thawed bacon immediately.
Do not refreeze thawed bacon before cooking.
Wash all the containers and cooking pans with hot soapy water.
Recommended Products
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 4 ouncesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 956mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 19g
This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and we can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.
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