How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last In The Refrigerator? [Critical Details]

 
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Well-made scrambled eggs are delicious, easy to make, nutritious, and make perfect combinations with most meals. Sometimes, however, we overdo the love for it and our tummies end up not taking as much as our eyes thought we could, leaving us with leftovers.  Knowing that trashing some good scrambled eggs will be wasteful and painful, it only makes sense to have them stored in a refrigerator. But with that comes the question: how long do scrambled eggs last in the refrigerator?

A scrambled egg dish is protein-rich and is one that is very prone to microbial growth and spoilage. So, attention must be paid to how, where, and how long it should be stored.

It means that whether you love to make and store scrambled eggs in bulk, have been hosting and have leftovers or you are just unable to finish your plate, it is important to know how long scrambled eggs last in the refrigerator before you have to eat or throw them away.

Scrambled eggs can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days within a temperature range of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

So, when thinking of storage generally, you need to understand, first off, that food should not be stored above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is because bacteria will easily thrive at temperatures higher than this benchmark. Moreover, eggs generally do not keep well and improper storage can lead to spoilage and food poisoning.

How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last in The Refrigerator? – Storing Them Properly

Scrambled eggs should be eaten or stored within 2 hours of preparation and not left to sit out for long.

If the scrambled eggs have been allowed to sit out at a temperature that is higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then make sure it doesn’t exceed 1 hour before it is eaten or stored.

To store scrambled eggs:

  1. Place the scrambled eggs in an airtight and clean container(preferably glass).
  2. Cover the container properly and then place it in the refrigerator.
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Never place cooked eggs in the refrigerator door compartment. The temperature instability in that section will prevent the eggs from cooling properly. Instead, place the egg container on a shelf in the main body of the refrigerator.

Also, allow just enough time for the eggs to cool down before storage. Otherwise, it would be too hot and the refrigerator would have to do more work and will take longer to cool the eggs down.

By the way, if you have a large bulk of scrambled eggs to refrigerate, it is better to divide them into smaller portions and put in shallow glass containers to allow them to cool quickly and evenly.

It is much easier to bring out the one or two containers you need per time, thaw, and heat, rather than bringing out the whole bulk and having to return after use. This also reduces the risk of contaminating everything else.

 

How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last in The Freezer?

Note that if you were to store your scrambled eggs in a freezer, it would keep for a longer period than it will in a refrigerator.

Typically, scrambled eggs will last in the freezer for 3 to 6 months.

Storing scrambled eggs in the freezer also requires a different packaging from what you will normally use when storing the eggs in the fridge. The emphasis on the packaging is to prevent freezer burn – which doesn’t make the eggs unsafe for consumption but reduces the quality.

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How Do I Know When To Discard My Scrambled Eggs?

Typically, any dish that has sat out for a very long time should be disposed of to reduce the risk of food poisoning if consumed.

If it has also stayed in the refrigerator for over 4 days, then you may want to discard it. If you’re not sure you’ll be able to finish or eat it before then, then you can store in the freezer instead of the refrigerator as it would be preserved for a longer time when frozen.

All that said, it is important to check well and be on the lookout for signs of spoilage before using scrambled eggs that were stored in the refrigerator.

Here are some signs to look out for to know if scrambled eggs have gone bad:

  1. Funny smells: Do a quick sniff test when you remove the scrambled eggs from the refrigerator. If the scrambled eggs smell off, then you should discard.
  2. Sliminess: A slimy dish is no good as it indicates bacterial contamination. Save time and your health by getting rid of slimy scrambled eggs immediately. Also, make sure to clean the container thoroughly in hot soapy water before using it again.
  3. Powdery appearance: If you notice powdery stuff on your scrambled eggs, that means mold has started to grow on it. Eggs with such signs should be trashed.
  4. Discoloration: Pink and green color streaks are cute, but not in this case! A total or partial change in the color of your scrambled eggs also points to bacterial growth. So, it would do you good to discard right away.
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Joe is a Dietician and Nutritionist. In the video below, he offers scientifically-proven tips on how long eggs in different forms last; including hard-boiled eggs, eggs whites, and eggs yolks.

 

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A Quick Recap

A well-made scrambled egg dish is delicious, fluffy, and easy to make. Being simple and nutrient-packed, many people love to have it; especially for breakfast.

If for any reason there are leftovers or you made a lot to have kept for later use, then it is important to store the scrambled eggs properly and to know how soon they need to be used.

Scrambled eggs should be packed for storage within 2 hours of cooking and they can stay in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days and up to 6 months in a freezer.

Also, ensure that the storage temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

To know whether your scrambled eggs have gone bad in storage, look out for off smells, discoloration, or a slimy or powdery appearance.

If you notice any of the signs, then the safest option is to throw the dish away to avoid food poisoning.

How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last In The Refrigerator
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Related FAQs — How Long Do Scrambled Eggs Last In The Refrigerator?

How Do You Make Scrambled Eggs Taste Better?

Here are 10 ways to make your scrambled eggs taste better:

  1. Add salt first.
  2. Chop vegetables like onions, red pepper, and green pepper into your scrambled eggs.
  3. Put some yogurt as a substitute for milk.
  4. Try some cream cheese as a substitute for milk.
  5. Fry the egg mixture on sauteed spinach.
  6. Use fresh herbs like thyme.
  7. Add cooed bacon pieces into the scrambled eggs.
  8. Throw in a nutty flavor by whisking the eggs with a dash of pesto.
  9. Try bold flavors by adding curry powder, coriander, or red onions.
  10. Add cooked quinoa for some extra protein.
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How Do You Store Scrambled Eggs?

Scrambled eggs are best stored when you put them in glass containers that have a tight lid and store them in a refrigerator.

If you plan to store a large batch of scrambled eggs, then it is best you divide them into small portions and place them in small and shallow glass containers. Doing this will make them cool fast enough for you to place them in the fridge.

Also, don’t forget to monitor the temperature in the refrigerator to ensure that it is within a safe range.

Can I Freeze Scrambled Eggs?

Yes, you can freeze scrambled eggs for up to 6 months and still find them tasty when you eat them.

To freeze scrambled eggs:

  1. Avoid overcooking the scrambled eggs to prevent it from having a rubbery texture when it is thawed.
  2. Add some salt to the scrambled eggs to keep it moist.
  3. Leave the eggs to cool before you freeze them.
  4. Divide into small portions if it is a large batch of scrambled eggs.
  5. Put the scrambled eggs in freezer-safe bags.
  6. Squeeze out excess air from the bags.
  7. Place the freezer bags in the freezer or in a freezer-safe container.
  8. Label the bags with the date you placed them in the freezer.

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Can Scrambled Eggs Be Reheated?

Scrambled eggs can be reheated as long as they were properly stored. You can reheat scrambled eggs on the stove, in an oven, or in a microwave.

 To reheat scrambled eggs on a stove:

  1. Warm your frying pan on medium heat.
  2. Add a little oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Add your scrambled eggs and stir gently and continuously.
  4. Remove excess liquid from the eggs.
  5. Serve the scrambled eggs hot and immediately.

To reheat scrambled eggs in a microwave:

  1. Put the scrambled eggs in a microwave-friendly container.
  2. Cover the container loosely with a plastic wrap.
  3. Microwave the eggs for 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave.
  4. Get rid of excess liquid that collects in the bowl every 15 to 20 seconds.
  5. Serve the eggs hot.

Can You Get Food Poisoning From Scrambled Eggs?

You can get food poisoning from scrambled eggs if it is not well-cooked or it is not properly stored. For instance, scrambled eggs shouldn’t be runny because it increases the chances of Salmonella contamination which causes food poisoning.

To prevent food poisoning from scrambled eggs, ensure that it is well-cooked. And when you need to freeze or refrigerate it, ensure that it is stored properly and at the right temperatures. Also, separate cooked from raw food in your fridge.

Meanwhile, you shouldn’t eat scrambled eggs that have been left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

 

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