Eggs have a limited shelf life. For this reason, some people store eggs in the fridge, but you can store them longer if you freeze them. Read on to find out how to freeze eggs properly so that you'll always have some on hand for your recipes, including a variety of delicious egg recipes.
How to freeze eggs
There are two main ways to freeze eggs to ensure they stay in good condition when you want them. Either way, you will need to remove the eggs from their shells since they do not freeze well.
How to freeze raw eggs
To freeze whole raw eggs, you will need to:
- Break each egg into a cup. Doing so will allow you to assess the freshness of each egg.
- Good eggs should be carefully poured from the cup into a bowl. Bad ones should be discarded. Note that if you crack eggs directly into a bowl and just one is bad, the whole batch will be ruined.
- Once the eggs have all been removed from their shells, lightly whisk them together. The aim isn't to make a meringue-like texture but simply to combine the white with the yolks.
- Pour the lightly beaten eggs into a suitable airtight container, seal it and place it in the freezer.
You can also freeze egg whites and egg yolks separately, which can be useful for certain recipes that call for one but not the other. To do this, separate the eggs and place the whites and yolks into different containers. There's no need to whisk them if you are freezing them separately. Just place them in different freezer containers and mark them accordingly.
How to freeze cooked eggs
Cooked eggs can easily be frozen —simply by allowing them to cool and then putting them in a sealable freezer bag. Scrambled eggs work well with this technique, but fried and poached eggs need more care because they tend to have more delicate yolks. If you want to freeze a fried egg, then a good tip is to cook it sunny-side down. That way, it doesn't matter if you break the yolk while freezing it.
If you're looking for more meal ideas, consider checking out our meals for one and discover easy recipes using frozen eggs.
Why you shouldn’t freeze eggs in their shell
Eggshells tend to crack when frozen. This means the insides can go off —or worse still— get mixed in the fragments of shell, which will be unappetising to cook with. To make the most of your eggs, explore some vegetarian options in our vegetarian recipe collection for creative ways to use them in your cooking.
Tips for cooking frozen eggs
- Consider cracking raw eggs into a muffin tray. This will allow you to subsequently remove them as solid eggs, like ice cubes. You can then defrost just the right amount for the recipe you're following.
- Hand whisk raw eggs before freezing them. This ensures you don't overdo the process and bind in too much air, as is often the case with food blenders.
- Avoid refreezing eggs that have already been thawed to prevent the risk of food poisoning.
- When thawing eggs out, slow is best. Place them in a suitable container and allow them to defrost overnight.
The best egg recipes
Eggs are incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes, whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. There are just so many excellent egg recipes out there!
From bacon and egg brunch burger to this classical Middle Eastern shakshuka recipe, eggs are a perfect addition to your breakfast. But also as a main meal, they don’t disappoint, with dishes like prawn and egg fried rice being among the most popular ones in the Asian cuisines.
FAQs
Can you freeze eggs in their shell?
No, freezing eggs while they are in their shell is not advisable. Although it is possible to freeze eggs, their shells are unsuited to this method of storage.
What happens when you freeze eggs in the shell?
Due to the sudden drop in temperature, it is highly likely that the shell of an egg will crack when it is frozen. This means the egg will go bad. Discard any eggs that have been frozen in this way, as they should not be eaten.
Should you keep eggs in the fridge?
Eggs can be kept in a dry cupboard or larder without needing to be chilled in the fridge. Typically, they will last longer when stored in the fridge. However, if eggs are constantly exposed to changing temperatures because the door keeps being left open, this can reduce their shelf life.
Can you freeze raw eggs in Ziploc bags?
Yes, Ziploc bags are ideal for freezing eggs. Uncooked whites and yolks can be poured into them, and the air can be expelled before freezing. Ziploc bags are also good for cooked eggs, particularly scrambled eggs.
What is the best way to store uncooked eggs?
Be sure to keep eggs stored upright in the carton. A dark, dry location away from strong-smelling or tasting foods is ideal. If you put them in the fridge, then place them in the back, where they will be exposed to less dramatic temperature changes. Freezing eggs is also possible, but you'll need to remove them from their shells first.