Ah, the incredible, edible egg! It is such a versatile ingredient. You can bake, fry, and scramble them in just a few minutes for quick breakfasts. And if you learn how to boil eggs and how to poach eggs, you're on your way to fancier applications like deviled eggs and eggs Benedict. And don't even get us started on all the desserts you can make!
But most egg recipes don't call for a whole carton. And since they are most often sold in dozens, you might find yourself up against an impending expiration date on the side of the carton before you know it. Rather than throw them out or risk waiting until after that date to test your luck, you might want to consider a longer term solution like freezing them.
Can you freeze eggs, you might be wondering? The short answer is: yes! You can freeze whole eggs, egg whites, and egg yolks. No matter what types of eggs you have, they can last a lot longer―we're talking months longer―if you freeze them. You just need to follow a few eggs-pert tips, which we've got for you right here.
Now, before we crack open the details, we need to clarify that we're discussing chicken eggs here. While these tips might work for other eggs like duck and quail, this advice is for everyday standard chicken eggs that you would easily find at the store.
What is the best way to freeze fresh eggs?
First, make sure your eggs are fresh. For pasteurized eggs and store-bought, you can trust the expiration date on the side of the carton. But if they are slightly over the date or you get fresh farm eggs without an expiration date, try the egg float test to make sure they are worth using.
The easiest way to freeze full eggs is to grab clean, empty ice cube trays. A standard ice cube tray should hold one cracked egg per slot. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over each cracked egg, cover the tray securely with plastic wrap, and stash in your freezer on a flat surface until they are frozen solid. At this point, you can pop them out, place them in an airtight plastic bag that is labeled with what they are and the date.
If you find yourself with excess yolks (say from making an egg white omelette), you can repeat the same exact process for freezing them as you would full eggs. Don't worry if they are whole or if they break, because most recipes will have you whisking the egg yolks anyway. Save them for yummy ideas like lemon curd ice cream, cream puffs, and Hollandaise sauce.
Egg whites are magical and worth saving for a whole host of ideas. From buttercream to royal icing to pies piled high with meringue, they whip up so gloriously for so many applications. Follow the same process as you would for whole eggs or egg yolks to freeze eggs whites, but omit the salt. Or, if you use them a lot in baking, take a tip from pro pastry chefs and freeze them in bulk. Measure the egg whites in a liquid measuring cup in half-cup or whole-cup increments, pour them into plastic containers, and freeze. Just be consistent with the measurements and label accordingly.
Can you freeze eggs in the shell?
You shouldn't freeze eggs that are still in their shells. The biggest reason why is that liquid in the eggs will expand when frozen and crack the shell. This may cause shell pieces to break or mix in with the eggs. It may also cause spoilage, bacterial contamination, and also change the texture of the eggs. You can easily avoid these risks by removing the eggs from their shells and following the instructions above.
Do frozen eggs taste different?
You may have been wondering why you add a dash of salt to the eggs before freezing them. Egg yolks have a tendency thicken and change texture when frozen, and the salt helps prevent that. Egg whites are fine, which is why you don't need the salt when they are separated. If you add the salt, then frozen eggs should not taste vastly different than fresh eggs, other than being a bit saltier. The amount of salt is negligible, so shouldn't affect recipes. But if you want to be safe, simply reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly to compensate.
How long do frozen eggs last?
When properly stored, frozen eggs can last up to a year in the freezer. But, they will taste best if consumed within four months of the day you freeze them. Remember, like any item that you store in the freezer, you should label what it is, the quantity if applicable, and the date you put it in. That way, you're not guessing what it is or when you put it there six months later!
To defrost whole eggs, yolks, or whites, take out the quantity you need and put them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. You can also keep them in a plastic bag and thaw them in a bowl of cold water or running cold water to speed up the process. Just remember, cold not hot water, so you don't accidentally cook the eggs.
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FAQs
Place egg whites, yolks, or a mixture of yolks and egg whites into a standard ice cube tray or muffin tin. Once the contents have frozen after a couple of hours, pop the eggs out of the container and transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or other freezer-safe container for long-term storage.
What is the proper way to freeze fresh eggs? ›
Break and separate the eggs, one at a time, making sure that no yolk gets in the whites. Pour the whites into freezer containers, seal tightly, label with the number of egg whites and the date, and freeze. For faster thawing and easier measuring, first freeze each white in a standard ice cube tray.
Can you freeze raw eggs in Ziploc bags? ›
Mix gently to avoid incorporating lots of air. Pour into a zip lock bag, squeeze out excess air and freeze flat, or freeze in individual portions before moving into zip lock bag. Don't freeze eggs in the shell, as they're prone to cracking.
What is the procedure for egg freezing? ›
After eggs are harvested, they go through vitrification — a method of quickly putting eggs into a deep freeze. They're stored in liquid nitrogen tanks in an embryology lab.
Can I freeze raw scrambled eggs? ›
Raw eggs can be frozen, but not in the shell—which will likely crack when the contents expand as they freeze, leaving them open to contamination. Scrambled eggs are a safe bet for freezing (and we'll give you the tips for how to ensure they taste just as fresh when you reuse them).
What is the best form to freeze eggs? ›
The best way to freeze an egg is to freeze it in its whole form, Stankiewicz explains, as you cannot freeze eggs in their shells. You can use this method for as many eggs as you'd like (hopefully, at least 3 or 4!). The best way to freeze eggs often involves freezer-friendly plastic storage bags.
What not to do before egg freezing? ›
Don't drink alcohol
Not drinking alcohol is a key consideration when preparing to freeze your eggs. Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can negatively affect your reproductive health and may impact the quality of your eggs.
What happens if eggs freeze in the shell? ›
First of all, each egg needs to be cracked out of its shell. The egg white and yolk will expand when frozen so if left intact this could damage or break the shell. Only freeze eggs which are fresh and in date; all British Lion Eggs are labelled with a best-before date stamp on each individual egg shell.
What is the best way to store uncooked eggs? ›
Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerate eggs at 40°F or less. Store them in their original carton on an inside shelf and away from pungent foods. The temperature on an inside shelf remains more constant than one on the door, which is opened and closed frequently.
How long do frozen eggs last? ›
Using advanced egg freezing methods available at PFCLA, you can freeze the eggs indefinitely without weakening them. In fact, European countries like the UK have even proposed legislation to increase the storage limit up to 55 years. In the US, there is no limit on the number of years that eggs can be frozen.
The risks of freezing your eggs
- PMS-like side effects: The hormone injections you'll take at the beginning of the process can cause symptoms like bloating, irritability, cramping, and hot and cold flashes.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: This condition can cause your ovaries to swell and leak fluid into your body.
Egg freezing can cost up to $30,000+, but the average cost is around $11,000, with the typical range being $8,000 to $15,000 per cycle (if you pay out-of-pocket). Keep in mind, storage fees will cost you anywhere from $500 to $1,000 annually.
What is the operation for freezing eggs? ›
During a 15-minute surgical procedure, your doctor will remove follicular fluid, containing eggs, from your ovaries. You'll be under mild sedation, so it won't hurt. It's done by needle through your vagin*l wall—no cuts or stitches. Most people return to work the next day.
How do you freeze eggs before they go bad? ›
The easiest way to freeze full eggs is to grab clean, empty ice cube trays. A standard ice cube tray should hold one cracked egg per slot. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over each cracked egg, cover the tray securely with plastic wrap, and stash in your freezer on a flat surface until they are frozen solid.
Are raw eggs good after being frozen? ›
Do frozen eggs work as well as fresh? Well, almost. You probably can't make a souffle with them, but they work fine as scrambled eggs, in baked goods or in a recipe where they are blended with other ingredients. They don't work as well for fried or poached eggs where you want to keep the yolk intact.
Can milk be frozen? ›
Most milk is freezable and will maintain its quality if frozen for up to 3 months. People can also freeze soy milk and other dairy alternatives as well as breast milk. It also allows households to have a backup milk supply when they are running low.
What is the best way to freeze dry raw eggs? ›
Raw eggs or cooked eggs can be freeze dried. I prefer to blend my raw eggs first, then I place them in the freeze drying trays, stick them in the freezer until frozen, and then place in the freeze dryer.
Should you crack your eggs before freezing? ›
To freeze whole eggs, crack them into a bowl and whisk until the yolks are broken up and fully combined with the whites. Don't ever freeze shelled eggs; the egg whites expand as they freeze, ultimately rupturing the shell and leaving you with a messy freezer and an egg with an undesirable texture.
Is it okay to freeze eggs in the shell? ›
First of all, each egg needs to be cracked out of its shell. The egg white and yolk will expand when frozen so if left intact this could damage or break the shell. Only freeze eggs which are fresh and in date; all British Lion Eggs are labelled with a best-before date stamp on each individual egg shell.
Is it better to freeze your eggs yes or no? ›
Egg freezing can increase the likelihood of a future pregnancy, but it isn't a sure thing. "The overall success rate of egg freezing varies based on a number of factors," explains Dr. Mundy. "For instance, the quality of your eggs cannot be determined during egg retrieval, and your age can impact overall success.
