How To Store Cooked Bacon So It Stays Crispy

Let's be real: soggy bacon is a crime. And after you've worked so hard to get that perfect crisp, the last thing you want is to mess it up with bad storage. Whether you're meal-prepping or just ended up with more bacon than expected (no complaints here), keeping it crispy is all about how you store it. First, let your bacon cool completely before storing. And for the love of all things bacon, don't forget about that liquid gold known as bacon grease. It's one of those tips you should know when cooking bacon, and trust us, you'll want it for frying up eggs or roasting veggies later. 

Once your bacon is cooled, seal it in an airtight container or zip-top bag and throw it in the fridge — because moisture and air? Bacon's worst enemies. If you want to go the extra mile, wrap each piece in parchment paper. This method will keep your bacon crispy for up to five days ... but let's be honest, it's not lasting that long, is it?

If you somehow cooked more bacon than you can handle, freezing is the move. Once it's cooled, seal that bacon in freezer bags to keep the moisture out. For extra protection, layer parchment paper between slices so they don't stick together. Done right, your bacon will stay crispy for up to a month. So when that bacon craving strikes, you'll be ready with your crispy stash.

So, you've got a stash of frozen bacon, and you want that crispy magic back. If you've got time, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If not, no worries, as you can just toss it straight from the freezer into a skillet. Start slow and let the bacon heat gently, because adding a bit of water helps get the crispiest bacon. As the fat melts, those edges will crisp right back up, like it just came off the pan. And if you're in a real hurry, a quick trip to the microwave (with paper towels to avoid sogginess) works too — just keep an eye on it.

You don't even need to thaw the bacon if you're making a big dish like soup or a casserole — just throw it straight in, and it'll crisp up while adding that smoky goodness. Bacon can sneak into just about any dish and make it better. And if you're planning to use it as a topping (whether it's for salads, potatoes, or whatever you please) it's as versatile as making pancake tacos for breakfast. Crumble it before freezing so you've got pre-portioned bacon bits ready to go. Toss those crispy bits on anything, and boom — bacon magic, no matter how you use it. Store it right, and bacon will always have your back, adding that crispy touch whenever you need it.