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Making hard-boiled eggs is easy! Whether you're planning to dye eggs for Easter this year, make deviled eggs for a party, or just boil them in advance for weekday meal prep, chances are you're cooking up a big batch at once. And while they tend to disappear quickly, any extra eggs at the end of the day might have you thinking: How long do hard-boiled eggs last?
That's an egg-cellent question! You don't want anything going to waste, and there's so much you can do with leftover hard-boiled eggs. For one thing, you'll want to be sure your eggs don't sit out on the counter (or in the sun) for too long. Remember, the FDA states that you shouldn't leave "egg dishes out of the refrigerator for more than two hours," so they should definitely be stored in the fridge.
So read on for how long hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge, plus tips on whether or not you should peel the eggs, and the best way to store them. Also, it's important to know how to tell if they've gone bad. Here's everything you need to know according to experts. (Or should we say "eggs-perts?")
How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last?
According to the American Egg Board, hard-boiled eggs in their shells will last up to one week in the refrigerator. Keeping their shells on will help them stay fresher for longer and prevent the eggs from absorbing any odors in the fridge.
Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last Longer Peeled or Unpeeled?
The simple answer is hard-boiled eggs last longer unpeeled! Peeled eggs should be used the same day for best quality, according to the American Egg Board. If the eggs have already been peeled, refrigerate them in a container or resealable plastic bag. That's especially true if you're wondering how long deviled eggs will last in the fridge.
How Do You Store Hard-Boiled Eggs Safely?
Storage depends on whether you have peeled your eggs or not. For unpeeled eggs, you can store them in the refrigerator uncovered in a bowl or in a topped container. If you have peeled eggs, store them in an airtight food storage container or a zip-top plastic bag. Either way, the USDA recommends refrigerating the eggs within two hours of cooking them.
Can You Tell If a Hard-Boiled Egg Has Gone Bad?
A rotten egg can make you sick, so it's always best to err on the side of caution. If the egg is still in its shell, start by noticing if the egg looks chalky or slimy or otherwise "off" in any way that is unusual. Once the shell passes inspection, peel and remove it. A bad egg will give off an unpleasant odor. That's a tell-tale sign of a rotten egg! Sure, some eggs release a sulfurous smell once hard-boiled—a chemical reaction that occurs when eggs are over-cooked—but a rotten egg will have a distinctive smell.
Can You Eat Hard-Boiled Eggs After 10 Days?
The truth? Possibly, but you'll need to use your better senses to test if the egg is still safe to eat. That includes assessing the shell and whether the egg releases an odor. If the egg has no offensive properties, it's likely still fit for consumption. But in most cases, it's probably not worth the risk.
Can You Freeze a Boiled Egg?
If you thought you were being clever by freezing your hard-boiled eggs for longer storage, we hate to break it to you: you can't! Neither the American Egg Board nor the USDA recommends freezing whole hard-boiled eggs since they can become rubbery and tough. However, you can freeze raw eggs or just the cooked yolks.
How Can You Use Leftover Hard-Boiled Eggs?
A simple way to use them is just to slice them up for a classic Cobb salad, but they're also the perfect starting point for making egg salad sandwiches or a fun twist on deviled eggs. Plus, any Southern potato salad will include hard-boiled eggs, too. Of course, you can't go wrong with just a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of hot sauce for an afternoon snack.
