Can You Freeze Eggs? Yes, Here’s How

Updated: Jan. 31, 2024

Raw eggs chicken with one yolk in the paper carton

Shutterstock / Poppaperer

Breakfast prep just got so much easier!

Freezer-friendly foods go way beyond meat and vegetables. Did you know you can freeze eggs? Yep! Add this to the list of foods you didn’t know you could freeze.

Freezing eggs properly can help preserve their taste and texture for future use. Freezing eggs can also be a time-saving and convenient solution for meal prep! And freezing eggs is also a fantastic way to store eggs properly and eliminate food waste in your household.

But we still have questions, like can you freeze cooked eggs and are there any tricks to freezing raw eggs? The answers are yes and yes!

Can you freeze eggs?

Yes! Freezing eggs will allow you to meal prep with ease. Not only is it possible to freeze cooked eggs, but they actually taste better when reheated than cooked eggs stored in the refrigerator. On the weekend, you can meal prep breakfast burritos or egg sandwiches and toss them into the freezer. Then, thaw them overnight in the fridge for an easy breakfast on the go.

You can freeze raw whole eggs by mixing the yolk and egg whites together or freeze them separately. For best results, store your eggs in a muffin tin and cover with plastic wrap. And never freeze them in the shell. The water content in the egg will cause the shell to shatter!

While you can freeze cooked eggs for up to a year, we find they taste best within six months. We recommend thawing raw eggs in the refrigerator overnight. For best quality, use them the same day they’re thawed. For reference, three tablespoons of thawed eggs roughly equal one fresh egg.

Freezing whole eggs

To freeze eggs whole, the white and yolk need to be whisked together. Pour the contents of the egg white and yolk into a freezer safe food container, seal and freeze.

Freezing egg whites

Egg whites freeze easily! Our favorite way to freeze egg whites is in an ice cube tray (these ice cube tray hacks are pretty cool, too). Two tablespoons of egg whites roughly equals one large, fresh egg white, so portioning them ahead of time makes them easier to work with. Freeze until they are solid and then transfer the egg whites into a freezer safe container to prevent freezer burn. After you’ve thawed your egg whites, let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes; they will beat to a better volume with this extra step.

Freezing egg yolks

You can freeze egg yolks, but be warned that over time, they can become gelatinous and unusable. We recommend adding salt or sugar to prevent them from thickening. Simply add 1/8 teaspoon of salt or 1-1/2 teaspoons of sugar for every 1/4 cup of egg yolks (about four yolks).

Freezing hard-boiled eggs

Hard-cooked eggs won’t taste great frozen. The whites become tough and rubbery, and they release excess water when they’re thawed. The cooked yolks freeze exceptionally well, though, so we recommend eating the boiled whites fresh and freezing the yolks by themselves in an air-tight bag.

Freezing deviled eggs

Just like hard-boiled eggs, the white part of a deviled egg will turn rubbery in the freezer, so you really only want to freeze the yolk. You might want to envision a deviled egg makeover if you’re freezing leftovers, like piping the thawed filling onto toasted baguette slices or whipping up some cloud eggs as the white replacement.

Freezing scrambled eggs

Scrambled eggs are easy to freeze, and they taste great when reheated. We like to cook them so they’re slightly runny, which helps retain a soft texture when they’re warmed through. Let your scrambled eggs fully cool before packing them into individual portions in freezer-safe bags. Then, let them thaw in the refrigerator or use the microwave to thaw them before reheating.

Freezing egg casserole

Freezing egg casseroles or frittatas is a great way to make breakfast in advance! It works the exact same way as scrambled eggs—just choose between freezing the casserole whole or in individual portions.

How to Thaw Frozen Eggs

You should always defrost frozen eggs before using them. This will decrease the likelihood of bacteria exposure. To defrost, move your eggs from the freezer to the fridge overnight. Use the eggs as soon as they are thawed. Keep in mind that if you freeze raw eggs, they will have a gel-like consistency when frozen. Raw eggs can be frozen for up to a year but we recommend using them within four months for freshness.

Ways to Use Frozen Eggs

The possibilities are endless when it comes to the many different ways to use frozen eggs. For starters, you can use your frozen eggs to make a tasty vegetable omelet. You could also bake them into a stunning quiche for brunch. Or, use them in baked goods like muffins or cookies.

Here’s what that secret code on your egg carton means.

Try These Recipes Using Frozen Eggs

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Bacon and Eggs Casserole Because it's fast to fix and such a great hit with family and friends, this egg casserole with bacon is a favorite of mine to make for brunches. Served with a fruit salad, hot muffins and croissants, it's excellent for an after-church meal. —Deanna Durward-Orr, Windsor, Ontario. Also, check how to crack an egg perfectly every time. Go to Recipe Do you know what are Turkish eggs? Here’s everything you need to know about them.

Taste of Home

Fluffy Scrambled EggsWhen our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota