The question of the day is, “Can you freeze eggs?” The answer is yes! I will teach you how to safely freeze raw and cooked eggs in just a few simple steps.
We have four sweet little chickens that we’ve raised. They normally give us about 3-4 eggs every day. Some weeks that many eggs for my family is not enough, but other times (when we haven’t been using them as much), my containers and bowls fill up to the brim and eggs are coming out of our ears!
I love to give the extras away and never seem to have anyone turn them away. However, if I’m trying to save money it’s really easy to simply freeze the eggs and use them myself later too.
Can You Freeze Eggs?
Yes, you can! And they taste darn near the same after they have thawed too. You can fry them, bake with them or add them to casseroles or other recipes even after they have been frozen and thawed.
What Are the Benefits of Freezing Eggs?
- Cost. This is a fantastic way to stock up on eggs when they are on sale, or a great idea to use them up when you have a lot about to expire too. When you see those sales on eggs..have no fear. Now you can go crazy. So easy AND practical! Doing this can save you money.
- Supply. Always have eggs on hand when you use frozen eggs. Nothing is worse than going to bake a cake and realizing you’re an egg or two short!
- Time. Save yourself time by having eggs already prepped for cooking or baking ahead of time. Sometimes those little steps, like freezing eggs, can add up to shave valuable time off cooking!
- Space. Raw eggs can take up a lot of room in the fridge. Freezing them will move them from the fridge into the freezer, and will save you a ton of space!
HOW TO FREEZE EGGS
The Best Method
- Lightly scramble the eggs. Stir with a fork until the yolk and whites are blended together without incorporating air.
- Add salt or sugar to your eggs – don’t skip this part!! Egg yolks have a gelatinous property in them that will thicken when frozen. By adding in salt or sugar before freezing, it will stop it from happening.
>>> Add in 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of eggs for eggs that will be used for savory items like scrambled eggs, omelets or souffles.
>>>Add in 1 teaspoon of sugar per cup of eggs for eggs that will be used for cake, desserts or sweet items.
>>> If you are freezing individual eggs, use 1/8 teaspoon of salt or sugar for each egg. - Store your eggs. Cover and freeze in a muffin tin or ice cube tray until frozen (about 4-6 hours), and then transfer them to freezer containers or freezer-safe bags.
- Label your eggs. Add the date, the quantity and make a note on your storage container if you used salt or sugar in the eggs. Make sure you adjust the recipe to compensate for the sugar or salt that you used in your eggs. Your eggs are now good for up to a year.
The Old Fashioned Way
For years I used the method of cracking an egg into an ice-cube tray, covering it and allowing it to freeze, and then storing it in a freezer-safe bag to use for up to a year. When thawed the eggs didn’t make the perfect fried egg. The yokes got thicker and the texture changed. After more research and testing, it’s better (and my recommendation) to use the Best Method above.
Freezing Egg Whites
Stir the egg whites together with a fork, and then freeze and package them in quantities you will use for recipes etc. It’s good to note that egg whites seem to whip up better and fluffier than after they’re frozen – so freeze away!
Freezing Egg Yolks
Beat the egg yolks slightly with a fork, add your salt or sugar to them with the same quantities as above, and then freeze and package the same way as you would whole eggs above. It’s also good to note here that egg yolks don’t freeze as favorably as egg whites, but are still usable in sauces etc.
Thawing Eggs
To thaw eggs, always do so in a closed container in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours or overnight and use immediately. To thaw the ice cubes, use a small covered dish. To speed up thawing, place container in a bowl of cold water. Egg whites can be stored, thawed, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. DO NOT REFREEZE EGGS.
Can You Freeze a Hard Boiled Egg?
If you freeze a whole hard-boiled egg, the egg whites will be chewy and watery when thawed, and not enjoyable! So, no, you don’t want to freeze a hard boiled egg. Egg yolks can be frozen to use later for toppings and garnishes, but you will need a little prep first.
How to Freeze Hard Boiled Egg Yolks
If you want to use the egg whites for another recipe and then cook & freeze the yolks to use on tops of salads or other toppings, you can simply separate the whites from the yokes and cook just the yokes.
- Carefully place the yolks in a single layer in a saucepan and add enough water to come to at least 1 inch above the yolks.
- Cover and bring the water just to boiling.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the yolks stand, covered, in the hot water for about 12 minutes.
- Remove the yolks with a slotted spoon, drain them well and package them for freezing.
Can You Freeze Scrambled Eggs?
Yes, you can freeze scrambled eggs! You can freeze scrambled eggs raw, or cooked, using different simple methods below. This is GREAT for meal-prep breakfasts!
How to Freeze Raw Scrambled Eggs
- Scramble raw eggs in a bowl.
- Add one teaspoon of salt for each cup of raw eggs.
- Transfer the eggs to a muffin tin or ice cube tray and cover to freeze.
- Remove them from the containers the eggs were frozen in, and transfer them to a labeled freezer bag to store in the freezer.
- Thaw and cook as usual within one year of freezing.
How to Freeze Cooked Scrambled Eggs
- Let the cooked scrambled eggs cool completely.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, pressing down gently to remove any air.
- Cover with foil, or store in freezer bags.
- Label them and place in the freezer.
- Thaw and reheat within one year of freezing.
Can You Freeze an Egg in the Shell?
No! According to the USDA, if an egg cracks while it freezes, it needs to be thrown away. Alternatively, if it doesn’t crack while freezing, the egg white and yolk don’t blend well together after being frozen this way, making the uses limited.
That being said, egg freezing in the shell can end up costing you money, instead of saving it, and could waste eggs that very well may have been saved and stored if frozen in another method. We want to save money, not waste it!
Tips and Tricks for Egg Freezing
Always freeze eggs in the amount that you will use at one time. Believe me me, it doesn’t work to try to chisel off part of a frozen egg block!
Use ice cube trays or muffin tins to portion the eggs out correctly. I use this conversion guide.
1-1/2 tablespoons yolks = 1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons whites = 1 egg white
3 tablespoons eggs = 1 whole egg
If you have trouble removing the frozen eggs from the muffin tins or ice cube trays, simply sit the bottom of the trays in warm water for a few seconds, and they should slip right out. Plastic ice cube trays work best for this method.
If you are freezing multiple eggs in a jar or container, make sure you leave 1/2 inch head-space for expansion before freezing.
Clearly mark your freezer bags with the date one year from freezing to make sure you use your frozen eggs within the safety window.
Want Some Recipes You Can Use Frozen Eggs In?
- Basic Muffin Recipe – use this recipe, or any of the variations, to use your frozen eggs!
- Make Ahead Freezer French Toast Sticks – a freezer-friendly breakfast recipe!
- French Toast Casserole – a great way to use up lots of eggs.
- Vintage Banana Cake – this recipe is vintage, from my Great-Grandmothers old recipe box.
- German Pancakes (aka Dutch Babies) – this uses several eggs so it’s perfect when you need to use up lots of eggs.
So, can you freeze eggs? Yes! Now that you know how to freeze eggs, and just how simple it is, you most certainly should!
How to Freeze Eggs
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 1 tsp salt or sugar
Instructions
- Lightly scramble the eggs. Stir with a fork until the yolk and whites are blended together without incorporating air.
- Add salt or sugar to your eggs – don’t skip this part!! Egg yolks have a gelatinous property in them that will thicken when frozen. By adding in salt or sugar before freezing, it will stop it from happening.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of eggs for eggs that will be used for savory items like scrambled eggs, omelets or souffles.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of sugar per cup of eggs for eggs that will be used for cake, desserts or sweet items.
- If you are freezing individual eggs, use 1/8 teaspoon of salt or sugar for each egg.
- Store your eggs. Cover and freeze in a muffin tin or ice cube tray until frozen (about 4-6 hours), and then transfer them to freezer containers or freezer-safe bags.
- Label your eggs. Add the date, the quantity and make a note on your storage container if you used salt or sugar in the eggs. Make sure you adjust the recipe to compensate for the sugar or salt that you used in your eggs. Your eggs are now good for up to a year.
Notes
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Grace says
I’ve never considered freezing raw eggs but this article provided food for thought. I typically either A) boil them to use during the week for snacks and salads or pickle them if we can’t eat them fast enough; or B) bake quiche(s) and freeze for later. Having raw eggs available gives a lot more options for usage. Thanks for the tip.
connie says
whats different between freezing scrambled eggs and your regular process of freezing eggs ( that you also scramble and put salt or sugar in)
Brandy Alexandre says
I recently froze eggs I bought on a special deal after the “Egg Famine of 2023” (two 18-count cartons for 97¢ each!) and have some thoughts to add. I didn’t add any salt or sugar because I didn’t know what I might eventually use them for. I read that 1/4 cup equals one large egg, so I beat two dozen on low speed and made sure they were thoroughly mixed. I used an 8 well mini loaf pan, that perfectly fit three “eggs” per well, and froze them.
My biggest problem was getting them out again! I highly recommend a light coat of neutral cooking oil to help release them. I had to get them to slightly melt to get them out of the pan. From there I used a vacuum sealer and returned them to the freezer. Next time, I might just measure into the bags and freeze them before vacuum sealing (to make sure it’s not sucked out). Nevertheless, they are working just fine! Usually I would just leave them in the deep freeze, but I wanted to make sure it works. I have used them for cake mixes, omelettes, and crepes. I see no difference from using fresh.
Janice Morgan says
My grandson accidentally put a carton of eggs in my freezer yesterday. I just saw them can they be used? I was going to use them for deviled eggs so I was going to fold them. Do I need to throw them away. Thank you.
Karrie says
Toss them.
jaymi rose says
Against what others say, i run a large farm in KY and on an average day get 20-32 fresh eggs, i freeze them in the shell and use them for anything i would use fresh eggs for except a sunny side up or “runny” egg.
connie cunningham says
how do they not break in the freezing process??
Donna says
Thank you for answering the question about scrambling before freezing. I have frozen whole eggs before and the yolks always had lumps that wouldn’t break up. I am excited to try the salt and sugar next time and stir them a bit. This was very helpful and educational.
LORI GALLANT says
Can we just crack the egg into a muffin tin without scrambling them?
Joyce says
We do. I have been freezing eggs for several years. I started doing it in order to leave eggs at my husband’s hunting cabin so he wouldn’t have to be bothered. I have used various of the instructions provided online. Now I freeze them whole individually in small rubber cups. I also use small plastic cups that were for takeout salad dressing. I put the cups on something rigid to place them in the freezer. After they’re frozen they are double bagged and dated. They have worked great for us for all baking and scrambled. Not sure if my hub has ever tried frying. Also, I don’t add any sugar, salt, etc. Good luck.
Nancy Kelly says
What an informative article! I think you covered all the questions I had floating in my head about freezing eggs. I now feel I am able to proceed with confidence.
Thank you for doing the research and posting this for us all to read.
Nancy K.
Toni says
Do you have to mix up the yolks,to freeze them?
Evelyn Fjeld says
Thank you for your method it was so timely! My neighbour dropped off a big box of eggs, yes a box! I estimate there are about 12 dozen.
I will try thawing one using the thaw setting in the microwave.
Ace says
These are exactly the answers to several questions and doubts that I had.
Thank you for sharing this excellent and comprehensive information.
Tomorrow will start testing, practicing and applying all tips.
Again, Thank You ⚘️
Blessings 🙏
Mary says
Hello, and thank you for this information! One question I have, however. Do we spray the muffin tins with oil before we put the raw eggs in? Thanks, Mary
Karrie says
You can spray if you want to, but if it’s a non stick pan its not necessary.
SuePea says
I use silicone baking cups inside the muffin pans and the eggs just pop cleanly out! Sometimes thawing them slightly to loosen from the pan is messy, wastes egg. I absolutely love this recipe for freezing eggs!
Brandy Alexandre says
I disagree. I used a non-stick mini loaf pan and totally regretted it. I had to let them melt a little to get them out.
Kelly K Hawes says
I’ve started looking for more local eggs during the shortage , just found some 2 miles away! At $5.00 a dozen ( remember years ago when they were $1.00 a dozen!) I’m happy to pay for fresh local eggs. I wanted to freeze some to use when the stand is out so this came at just the right time!
Vhon says
Hi everyone…
I was reading a news article on either Google news or BBC news (online), basically saying that some supermarkets were limiting the amount of eggs shoppers were buying, due to having to cull chickens because of the birds flu…
so therefore leaving a shortage of eggs, so finding this site reference how to freeze eggs and what methods, is brilliant and something I’ll be doing from now on thank you so much,this is exactly what I needed.
Julia says
Currently freezing my eggs and have confused myself. Must the eggs be lightly beat before freezing or can you sprinkle on sale or sugar and freeze in its whole form?
Thanks!
Mud Walker says
Hi, I’m always looking for ways make car camping and backpacking simpler and this might be the ticket for eggs.
Questions:
1). If you scramble a bunch of eggs and pour them into a container, do you how long will that be good for? Refrigerated or in ice chest of course.
2). Using your Best Method for freezing eggs, can they be cooked from the frozen state? Eg. We also use the boil in the bag method and was wondering if you froze the mixed eggs in the bag, could you place the frozen bag in the simmering water? Currently we use the OvaEasy powdered eggs but fresh would be nice
Karrie says
Hi! I’d use up pre-mixed eggs within 3 days in the fridge. And it’s better to thaw them before cooking for the best results. Great questions!
suzie says
Thank you so much for this post!
Diann says
So thankful for my friend who passed this along to me . Being prepared when it comes to feeding my family I feel very firmly about. Thieve method for eggs tops my list as I have a nice group of chickens.
Melanie says
This is so GOOD to hear Karrie! This makes raising chickens all the more valuable.. ;0))