Canning bacon might sound like an unusual concept, but for those who love the convenience and flavor of this breakfast staple, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re stocking up for emergencies or simply looking to streamline meal prep, learning how to can bacon at home opens up a world of possibilities.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of canning bacon, from selecting the right cuts to ensuring safe storage. Get ready to elevate your pantry game and enjoy the deliciousness of bacon anytime, anywhere!
Why Can Bacon?
Canning bacon offers several advantages that make it worth considering for home cooks. First and foremost, it extends the shelf life of bacon, allowing you to stock up when it’s on sale or in season.
It has been reported and documented that canned bacon can last up to 10 years!
Additionally, canned bacon is incredibly convenient—it’s pre-cooked and ready to use straight from the jar, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. Plus, canned bacon retains its flavor and texture remarkably well, so you can enjoy the same delicious taste you love in fresh bacon, even months down the line.
While you hopefully never have to store it and eat 10-year-old bacon, it’s nice to know that it stands a chance in case of an emergency. The video below shows the opening of 5-year-old canned bacon:
Selecting the Right Bacon
The key to successful canned bacon starts with selecting the right cuts. Look for high-quality bacon with a good balance of meat and fat. Thick-cut bacon works best for canning, as it holds up better during the canning process and provides more meaty goodness in each jar. Avoid bacon with excessive marbling or trimmings, as these can lead to greasy or uneven results.
Preparing the Bacon
Before you can begin the canning process, you’ll need to prepare the bacon.
Start by laying out the bacon slices on a baking sheet or tray, making sure they’re not overlapping.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s partially cooked but still pliable.
This pre-cooking step helps render some of the fat and ensures that the bacon retains its shape and texture during canning.
Recommended Jars
Ball 64 ounce Jar! Don’t go with the small jars, we recommended the Ball Wide Mouth jars for canning bacon.
Canning Process
Once the bacon is partially cooked, it’s time to pack it into jars for canning. Carefully remove the bacon from the baking sheet and transfer it to clean, sterilized canning jars.
Pack the bacon slices snugly into the jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. If desired, you can add a little bit of the rendered bacon fat to each jar for extra flavor and moisture.
Processing the Jars
With the jars packed and ready to go, it’s time to process them for canning. Place the lids and bands on the jars, ensuring they’re tightened just enough to hold the lids in place without being too tight.
Then, place the jars in a pressure canner filled with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific canner model. Process the jars at the appropriate pressure and time recommended for canning meat products—typically around 10-15 pounds of pressure for 75-90 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Canning bacon at home is a rewarding and practical skill that allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of bacon anytime, anywhere. With the right cuts, proper preparation, and careful canning process, you can stock your pantry with this beloved breakfast staple and have it ready to go whenever hunger strikes. So go ahead, give it a try, and elevate your bacon game to new heights!
If you’re interested in long-term food storage, check out our guide on the 21 foods that can last decades when stored properly.
