Can you freeze scrambled eggs? Eggs are quite delicate and freezing them can be tricky, depending on how they were cooked. You see, eggs tend to develop a rubbery texture when frozen or chilled. Freezing can be an unconventional way of preserving this quintessential breakfast option but surprisingly, scrambled eggs freeze beautifully! That’s because the yolk is mixed with the egg whites and this helps retain the original texture of the dish.
If say, you have lots of leftovers or you simply want to whip up a large batch of scrambled eggs to save time in the mornings, freezing won’t alter the flavor of the dish. That being said, you cannot freeze this dish willy-nilly. There are important steps to consider to maintain the quality of the dish. If you’d like to know how to freeze scrambled eggs successfully, follow this step-by-step guide:
How to Freeze Scrambled Eggs?
The key to minimizing texture changes when freezing scrambled eggs is to cook the eggs only until runny or underdone.
Because the eggs are only cooked halfway through, they will retain their softness once the dish has been defrosted and reheated. Cooking the scrambled eggs all the way through, on the other hand, may lead to spongy, dry results.
Wait until the scrambled eggs have cooled completely before packing the dish for freezing. If you are anticipating leftovers, divide the dish into two, one for serving and another for freezing. Once the scrambled eggs have cooled completely, prepare a resealable plastic bag.
Carefully spoon the scrambled eggs into the plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing, write the storage date then store flat in the freezer.
Freezing and Storage Tips
For faster cooling, place the freshly cooked scrambled egg in a shallow container. Spread the eggs in a thin layer and it should cool down within minutes.
Never save scrambled eggs that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The likelihood of contamination is high at this point.
Never store scrambled eggs in the fridge door. The unstable temperature will cause the dish to go bad much more quickly. Store in the coldest part of the fridge only if you have plans of eating the leftovers right away. Otherwise, freeze the scrambled eggs immediately.
Try to hold off the toppings and fillings when cooking the eggs so the quality of the dish won’t degrade once it’s been frozen. You can always add the toppings and fillings once you are ready to serve.
Shelf Life, Thawing, and Reheating Suggestions
When kept in the fridge, scrambled eggs will only keep for 4 days. But when stored in the freezer, scrambled eggs could keep for at least 4 to 6 months. Of course, don’t wait too long before consuming the scrambled eggs, eat the dish right away for optimal flavor.
To defrost the scrambled eggs, let the frozen dish thaw in the fridge overnight. You could also submerge the sealed pack of frozen scrambled eggs in a bowl of tap water. This will speed up the thawing process. Never leave the scrambled eggs to thaw at room temperature. This will increase the risk of cross-contamination.
To reheat the scrambled eggs, simply warm the dish up in the stove over low heat. You can also warm the scrambled eggs in the microwave but this may cause the eggs to lose their softness. You may also add your favorite toppings or seasonings, including salt, cheese, milk, etc. as you reheat the scrambled eggs.
Summary
Can you freeze scrambled eggs? If you love scrambled eggs in the morning but you have no time to prepare the dish, freezing the scrambled eggs is a great idea.
Of course, just make sure you cook the eggs properly so the end result stays delicious once the dish is thawed and reheated. Just keep all the storage and cooking tips we’ve outlined above to ensure great results.