Can Scrambled Eggs Be Refrigerated? How Long you can store it?
Scrambled eggs are best enjoyed fresh off the pan and steaming hot. However, if you believe good food should feed twice, you might end up with extra servings of the breakfast staple.
This begs the question: Can scrambled eggs be refrigerated? Keep reading to find out!
Can You Refrigerate Scrambled Eggs?
Yes, you can definitely refrigerate scrambled eggs! It’s safe to store scrambled eggs in the fridge, preferably on the top shelf where the temperature is much more stable.
The ideal temperature for chilling cooked dishes is around 34–40°F. You can get a fridge thermometer online or from your local kitchen supply store to ensure your fridge stays within this range.
When Not to Refrigerate Scrambled Eggs
If your scrambled eggs are sitting on the counter for over two hours, chuck them in the trash bin.
Bacteria that have survived the cooking process can grow at room temperature at warp speed and cause food-borne illnesses.
How to Store Scrambled Eggs in the Fridge
Follow these steps for refrigerating :
- Allow the scrambled eggs to cool down to room temperature before stowing them in the fridge. It’ll prevent condensation from forming in the container and help maintain the texture of the eggs.
- Transfer them to a shallow dish so they’ll cool quickly. If you’re microwaving them later, use a microwave-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. You’ll have a meal ready for the oven anytime, minus the extra clutter.
- Seal the container or bag tightly to ensure there’s no excess air inside. Covering the dish prevents it from leaching odor into the fridge or picking up aromas from other food.
Eggs cook fast, and there’s a narrow window that scrambled eggs are perfectly done and taste good.
So, if you’re preparing make-ahead scrambled eggs, you want to under cook them before popping them in the fridge. This way, they won’t overcook and taste rubbery when you heat them the following morning.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy leftover scrambled eggs for later as a sandwich filling or in a salad for a tasty treat. As long as you store them properly, there’s no reason to waste a good chunk of this protein-rich dish.
Pro Tip: Label the container with the date you cooked the scrambled eggs so that you can keep track of their freshness.
How Long Can You Keep in the Fridge?
The US FDA recommends refrigerating cooked egg dishes for about 3–4 days.
After that, there’s no guarantee they’re still safe to eat. Chances are they taste like paper anyway, so it’s best to discard them immediately.
Remember that improper handling and storage of egg dishes can cause food poisoning. Certain disease-causing bacteria, like the Listeria monocytogenes, can thrive and multiply in refrigerated food over time.
Not to mention, molds can grow at cold temperatures too.
How to Reheat Scrambled Eggs
Here’s how to reheat scrambled eggs after taking them out of the fridge:
- Let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
- Place them in a microwaveable dish or bowl.
- You can add milk or butter for extra moisture and creaminess.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave the scrambled eggs on high for 15–20 seconds.
- Check and stir the eggs to make sure they’re heated evenly. Otherwise, microwave them for another 10–15 seconds, or until they’re heated through.
- Remove the scrambled eggs from the microwave and allow them to rest for a minute or two before serving.
Alternatively, you can reheat scrambled eggs in a skillet over low heat while stirring constantly. This method may take a little longer, but it can help preserve the texture of the eggs.
Note: When reheating refrigerated scrambled eggs, heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F to destroy any lingering bacteria.
How to Tell if Scrambled Eggs Have Gone Bad
Scrambled eggs that have gone bad are a serious health risk. Here are the telltale signs that scrambled eggs should go straight to the garbage can:
- Sour, sulfurous, or rotten smell
- Unusual colors, such as green or gray
- A slimy or rubbery texture
- Presence of mold
- Any weird taste
It’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. That said, discard any leftover scrambled eggs at the faintest sign of spoilage.
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Wrapping Up
To recap, you can refrigerate leftover scrambled eggs and use them for meal prep ideas for later. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days at 40°F or lower.
