The Ultimate Guide to Bacon: How to Cook It, How to Store It, and Whether Your Dog Can Eat It
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Bacon is one of America’s most iconic foods — smoky, savory, and irresistible whether it’s part of a hearty breakfast or layered on a burger. Here in Wisconsin, we take pride in crafting old-fashioned smoked bacon with the perfect balance of salt, sugar, and hardwood smoke.
But while bacon is universally loved, many people have questions about how to prepare it, how to store it, and whether dogs can safely have a taste.
In this all-in-one bacon guide, we’ll cover:
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How to cook bacon in the oven
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How to cook bacon in the microwave
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How long bacon lasts in the fridge
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Whether dogs can eat bacon
Let’s get started.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
Oven-cooked bacon is a game changer. It’s one of the best ways to get evenly crisp, flat bacon slices with minimal mess — and without standing over a splattering pan.
Here’s how to do it:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
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Lay the bacon strips flat in a single layer on the sheet. Overlapping pieces won’t crisp as well.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, checking around 12 minutes to gauge how quickly it’s browning.
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Remove from the oven when it reaches your preferred crispness, and place the slices on paper towels to drain.
Pro tip: For extra-crispy results, place the bacon on a metal rack over the baking sheet so the fat drips away.
How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave
If you’re short on time, microwave bacon is fast and surprisingly tasty.
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Line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels.
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Place bacon strips in a single layer, with another paper towel on top.
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Microwave on high for about 1 minute per slice, adjusting as needed based on your microwave power and bacon thickness.
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Check and rotate if needed to prevent uneven cooking.
Microwave bacon tends to cook faster and can be less messy than stovetop frying, but it won’t get quite as crisp as oven-baked bacon.
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge?
Proper storage is important to keep bacon safe and delicious.
Unopened bacon:
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week past the sell-by date if sealed and cold.
Opened bacon:
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Once you open a package, use the bacon within 5–7 days.
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Keep it sealed tightly in its original packaging or move to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Always store bacon at 40°F or below in the fridge.
How Long Is Bacon Good for in the Fridge?
People often ask how long is bacon good for in the fridge — and it depends on whether it’s opened or unopened.
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Unopened packages: best within 1 week after the date on the label.
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Opened packages: eat within 5 to 7 days.
If bacon develops a slimy feel, off smell, or a dull gray-brown color, throw it away. Better safe than sorry.
Can You Freeze Bacon?
Absolutely. Freezing bacon is a great way to extend its shelf life. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty freezer bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 6 months. You can even portion bacon slices with wax paper between layers so you can grab a few at a time.
When you’re ready to use frozen bacon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can Dogs Eat Bacon?
Bacon smells so tempting to dogs, but should they really eat it?
It’s best to avoid giving bacon to dogs. Here’s why:
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Bacon is very high in fat, which can upset your dog’s digestive system and even cause pancreatitis.
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Bacon is loaded with salt, which can lead to dehydration or sodium poisoning in dogs.
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Seasonings and additives in flavored bacon (like maple or peppered) can be harmful.
If your dog steals a tiny piece of bacon, it probably won’t be dangerous in a healthy dog, but bacon should never become a regular treat. For a safer, protein-rich snack, stick to lean cooked meats with no added seasoning.
Tips for Cooking and Serving Bacon
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Always cook bacon until it reaches at least 145°F for food safety.
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Avoid burning bacon, since charred portions can taste bitter and potentially create unhealthy compounds.
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Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
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Save the bacon fat in a glass jar for flavoring vegetables or frying eggs later.
How to Tell If Bacon Has Gone Bad
When bacon spoils, you’ll notice:
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Sour, off, or rancid smell
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Slimy or sticky texture
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Discoloration from pink/red to dull gray or brown
If you see any of these signs, throw the bacon away to stay safe.
Why Wisconsin River Meats Bacon Is Different
At Wisconsin River Meats, we craft bacon with time-honored methods and premium pork, then smoke it slowly over real hardwood for an authentic, rich flavor you won’t find in mass-produced brands. Our bacon is made in small batches for true Midwestern quality and consistent results.
If you want to experience honest, handcrafted Wisconsin bacon, check out our bacon selection here.
Final Thoughts
Bacon is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and with the right techniques, you can prepare it easily in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Store it safely in the fridge, freeze extra portions, and always keep an eye on expiration dates.
While dogs might beg for a strip, bacon is best left to human plates — but don’t worry, there are plenty of dog-safe meaty treats out there you can offer instead.
Whether you’re cooking a big weekend breakfast, building a burger, or prepping a snack board, bacon will always deliver that classic smoky, savory punch we love so much here in Wisconsin.
