Eggs are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many different ways. One popular egg dish is scrambled eggs. But if you’ve cracked eggs to make scrambled eggs and didn’t end up using them right away, you may wonder – how long do raw scrambled eggs last in the fridge?
How Long Do Raw Eggs Last?
Before determining how long raw scrambled eggs will keep, it’s helpful to understand how long raw eggs in their shells will last. Uncracked, raw eggs can be stored in their cartons in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 weeks past the pack date printed on the carton. The pack date is typically 3 to 4 weeks after the eggs were laid.
Here are some general guidelines for how long raw eggs in their shells will last refrigerated:
- Raw white eggs – 2 to 4 weeks after pack date
- Raw whole eggs – 3 to 5 weeks after pack date
As eggs age, the whites thin and the yolks flatten. But they are still safe to use for scrambling and cooking as long as they have been stored properly. However, old eggs are not recommended for dishes like sunny side up eggs or meringue where the eggs are not thoroughly cooked.
How to Tell if Raw Eggs are Bad
There are a few ways you can test raw eggs to determine if they have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Visually inspect the eggs. If the shells are cracked, throw them out. If the egg whites or yolks have turned pink, green, or gray, discard them.
- Check for any odor. Raw eggs should not smell unpleasant or sulfurous. A bad smell means they should be tossed.
- Do a float test. Place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it’s very fresh. If it tilts upwards or floats to the surface, it’s old and should be discarded.
Following the pack date codes, proper refrigeration, and testing methods will help ensure your eggs stay fresh and safe to eat.
How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last in the Fridge?
Once eggs are cracked and combined to make scrambled eggs, how long will the mixture keep refrigerated? Here are some general guidelines:
- Raw egg whites – 2 to 4 days
- Raw whole eggs – 1 to 2 days
- Cooked scrambled eggs – 3 to 4 days
The FDA actually recommends using eggs within 2 hours of cooking. But properly stored, cooked scrambled eggs can last 3 to 4 days.
The reason for the shorter time frames once eggs are cracked or combined is due to increased risk for bacterial growth. Whole eggs with intact shells have a protective coating that prevents bacteria from getting inside. But once cracked, eggs are more susceptible to contamination.
How to Store Raw Scrambled Eggs
To get the maximum freshness out of your raw scrambled eggs, follow these storage tips:
- Use clean, uncracked eggs. Inspect eggs before cracking to make sure the shells are not damaged.
- Make sure your hands, cooking tools, and preparation surfaces are clean to avoid introducing bacteria.
- Combined eggs in airtight containers. Plastic, glass, or ceramic containers all work well.
- Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below. Keep the egg mixture as cold as possible.
- Use within recommended time frames. 1 to 2 days for whole eggs, 2 to 4 days for whites.
How to Know When Scrambled Eggs Have Gone Bad
Here are some signs that your raw scrambled eggs have spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Appearance: Liquid is very thin, eggs have turned green or gray
- Texture: Eggs are slimy or sticky
- Smell: Strong sulfurous or rotten odor
- Float test: Eggs float to the top in water instead of sinking
WhenExpired, eggs can grow dangerous bacteria like Salmonella. Always discard scrambled eggs past the safe storage timeframe.
Does Cooking Extend How Long Scrambled Eggs Last?
Cooking scrambled eggs until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F can kill bacteria and make them safer to eat. Properly cooked scrambled eggs can be stored for 3 to 4 days refrigerated.
Here are some cooking tips to make sure your scrambled eggs reach a safe internal temperature:
- Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until eggs are cooked through.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook eggs in batches if needed.
- Use a food thermometer to check temperature. Insert into thickest part.
- Make sure no raw egg remains once removed from heat.
However, keep cooking time as short as possible to prevent overcooking. Scrambled eggs can quickly become dry and rubbery if cooked too long.
How to Store Cooked Scrambled Eggs
Follow these guidelines to safely store cooked scrambled eggs in the refrigerator:
- Transfer eggs to a shallow airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Make sure eggs reach 40°F within the first 2 hours.
- Use cooked eggs within 3 to 4 days for best quality.
- Do not freeze cooked scrambled eggs in the shell as this can increase risk of bacteria.
Reheating Scrambled Eggs
To enjoy your cooked scrambled eggs again, follow these reheating methods:
- Microwave: Reheat in 30 second intervals until hot, stirring between each. Use microwave-safe dish.
- Stovetop: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly to evenly heat.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F until hot, about 10 minutes.
Only reheat cooked scrambled eggs once for food safety. Do not save refrigerated cooked eggs beyond 3 to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Scrambled Eggs?
Scrambled eggs can be frozen for longer storage, but the texture and quality change when thawed. Follow these steps to freeze scrambled eggs:
- Scramble eggs and cook to safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label packages with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months at 0°F or below.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
Frozen scrambled eggs are best used for egg dishes like quiches, casseroles, and stratas where texture is less important. Avoid freezing hard cooked eggs in the shell as this can increase risk of bacterial growth.
Scrambled Egg Storage Chart
For easy reference, here are the shelf life limits for scrambled eggs:
| Eggs | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw yolks or whites | 2-4 days | No |
| Raw whole eggs | 1-2 days | No |
| Cooked scrambled eggs | 3-4 days | Yes, 3 months |
Conclusion
With proper storage and handling, raw scrambled eggs can keep 1 to 4 days refrigerated. Cooked scrambled eggs will keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze cooked scrambled eggs for up to 3 months. Follow safe refrigeration temperatures, cooking guidelines, reheating methods, and shelf life limits to enjoy scrambled eggs while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.