Eggs are a kitchen staple, but sometimes you buy more than you can use before they go bad. Whether you found a great deal on eggs, have backyard chickens producing more than you need, or just want to reduce food waste, freezing eggs is a great option.
But here’s the thing: you can’t just toss a carton of eggs in the freezer and call it a day. Eggs have a unique structure, and freezing them the wrong way can lead to unpleasant textures and weird consistency when thawed.
So, can you freeze eggs? Yes! But you have to do it the right way. Let’s go over the best methods to freeze eggs and how to use them later.
Why Freeze Eggs?
There are plenty of reasons to freeze eggs, especially if you use them frequently for baking, cooking, or meal prepping:
- Extends Shelf Life – Fresh eggs last about 3-5 weeks in the fridge, but frozen eggs can last up to a year.
- Reduces Food Waste – If you have eggs that are close to expiration, freezing them prevents waste.
- Convenience – Pre-cracked and frozen eggs make baking and cooking easier.
- Saves Money – Buying eggs in bulk and freezing them can help you save on groceries.
- Great for Meal Prep – If you bake a lot or make breakfast often, frozen eggs are a time-saver.
Now that we know why it’s useful, let’s talk about the right way to freeze eggs so they don’t lose their texture and taste.
Can You Freeze Whole Eggs in the Shell?
No, you should never freeze whole eggs in the shell.
When eggs freeze, the liquid inside expands. This can cause the shell to crack, exposing the egg to bacteria and ruining the texture. Instead, use one of the methods below to freeze eggs properly.
How to Freeze Eggs (The Right Way)
Method 1: Freezing Whole Eggs (Best for Baking & Scrambled Eggs)
- Crack the eggs into a bowl.
- Gently whisk them together until fully blended (don’t whip too much air into them).
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, muffin tins, or small freezer containers.
- Cover and freeze for 3-4 hours, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.
- Label with the date and store for up to 12 months.
✅ Best for: Scrambled eggs, omelets, baking, casseroles.
Method 2: Freezing Egg Whites Only (Best for Meringues & Frosting)
- Crack the eggs and separate the whites from the yolks.
- Pour the egg whites into ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container.
- Cover and freeze for a few hours before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Label and store for up to 12 months.
✅ Best for: Meringues, macarons, angel food cake, frosting.
❌ Tip: Don’t whisk the egg whites before freezing; it affects their structure and makes them harder to whip later.
Method 3: Freezing Egg Yolks (Best for Custards & Sauces)
Egg yolks can turn gelatinous when frozen, making them difficult to use. To prevent this, mix in either:
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt per 4 yolks (for savory dishes).
- 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar per 4 yolks (for sweet dishes).
Steps:
- Separate the yolks and whisk in salt or sugar.
- Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
- Once solid, transfer to a labeled freezer bag.
- Store for up to 12 months.
✅ Best for: Custards, sauces, mayonnaise, hollandaise.
How to Thaw Frozen Eggs
Using frozen eggs correctly is just as important as freezing them properly. Here’s how to thaw them the right way:
- Refrigerator Method (Best for Safety) – Place frozen eggs in the fridge and let them thaw overnight.
- Cold Water Method (For Quick Use) – Submerge the frozen eggs (sealed in a bag) in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
- Never Microwave to Thaw – This can cook the eggs unevenly and ruin the texture.
How to Use Thawed Eggs
- For Scrambled Eggs & Omelets: Use thawed whole eggs as if they were fresh.
- For Baking: Replace fresh eggs 1:1 with thawed eggs in recipes.
- For Meringues & Whipped Egg Whites: Let egg whites come to room temperature before whipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Freezing Whole Eggs in the Shell – They can crack and become unsafe to eat.
🚫 Not Labeling – You’ll forget if the eggs have salt, sugar, or are whole vs. yolks.
🚫 Thawing at Room Temperature – This increases the risk of bacterial growth.
🚫 Using Ice Trays Without Covering – Eggs can absorb freezer odors if not stored properly.
FAQs About Freezing Eggs
Q: How long do frozen eggs last?
A: Up to 12 months if stored correctly in an airtight container.
Q: Can you freeze cooked eggs?
A: Scrambled eggs freeze well, but hard-boiled eggs do not (the whites get rubbery).
Q: Do frozen eggs taste different?
A: If frozen and thawed properly, there is little to no taste difference.
Q: Can I use frozen eggs for frying or poaching?
A: No, frozen eggs won’t hold their structure well enough for frying or poaching.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can freeze eggs, and if done correctly, they can last for up to a year without losing quality. Whether you’re trying to reduce waste, save money, or prepare for the future, frozen eggs are a smart kitchen hack.
Now that you know how to freeze eggs properly, try it out and enjoy having eggs ready to use anytime! 🚀