Many of us love making hard-boiled eggs for snacks or salads, and there are so many creative ways to use them. But before you fill that pot with fresh eggs and water, it's important to know that hard-boiled eggs only last for up to a week with the right storage techniques.
There's a reason why the phrase "smells like rotten eggs" is associated with bad news. The overwhelming stench of sulfur and spoiled eggs is not a pretty one, and if it's come to that, you've likely broken some food storage rules. Here's a quick review of how long cooked eggs last, plus how to safely use, store, and consume hard-boiled eggs for whatever you have in mind.
Shelf Life of Hard-Boiled Eggs
Temperature is the most influential factor in the shelf life of a hard-boiled egg, so it matters whether it's stored in the fridge or left out on the kitchen counter.
Refrigerated Eggs
According to the FDA, refrigerated hard-boiled eggs, peeled or unpeeled, last for exactly one week. This means it's safe to cook a batch of hard-boiled eggs for your weekly meal prep—but cook no more than you and your family will consume in a week.
Dishes made with hard-boiled eggs safely last 3 to 4 days when covered and stored in the refrigerator (think egg salad toast). If you're purchasing a pre-made salad that's topped with hard-boiled egg slices, check the packing date (not the sell-by date) to tell when the eggs were likely prepared.
Unrefrigerated Eggs
The FDA advises leaving cooked eggs out at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. If the temperature climbs above 90°F, that time limit is shortened to just 1 hour.
If you've dyed hard-boiled Easter eggs and hid them outside for eager hunters to find, the FDA cautions against eating the found hard-boiled eggs. They warn that bacteria and viruses picked up from the ground can permeate the shell and contaminate the edible part of the egg.
Use caution for an indoor hunt, too. Before eating hard-boiled Easter eggs found indoors, confirm they weren't left out of refrigeration for longer than 2 hours, and wash your hands and the eggs' shells thoroughly.
Can You Freeze Hard Boiled Eggs?
The FDA recommends not freezing hard-boiled eggs, not so much because of a safety issue but more for the unappetizing result. The texture of cooked egg whites takes a turn for the worse when frozen. When thawed, whites lose their structure—turning hard and rubbery—and weep water.
You can freeze hard-boiled egg yolks separately. You can also freeze raw eggs for up to one year as long as they're not in their shells. To do this, pour thoroughly whisked raw eggs—yolks mixed with whites—into ice cube trays with one egg in each compartment. Thaw and use these frozen egg cubes in any recipe that calls for fresh eggs.
Signs of a Bad Egg
You might have to crack the shell before you catch a whiff, but a pesky, foul, sour smell means the shelf life of your hard-boiled egg is over, and the egg should be thrown away. There are other clues that a bad hard-boiled egg should be tossed:
- Sliminess or liquid leaking out of the egg
- A dry, chalky texture and taste
If a hard-boiled egg shows any of these signs, toss it immediately because it's past its prime. A too-old egg is vulnerable to salmonella bacteria, and eating one can cause illness with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
How to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs to Last
When, where, how, and what you store hard-boiled eggs in has a lot to do with how long they last. Follow these tips for optimal longevity.
Step 1: Cool in an Ice Bath
After hard-boiling eggs, store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible: that is, immediately after they've cooled. Just 2 to 3 minutes in an ice bath is all it takes to sufficiently cool them. Without an ice bath, 10 minutes at room temperature is enough.
Step 2: Store Unpeeled Eggs in Damp Paper Towel
You can store hard-boiled eggs in the fridge with their shell intact or peeled, but leaving them unpeeled provides more protection, making them less vulnerable to moisture loss and deterioration. To prevent peeled eggs from drying out, line their container with a damp paper towel to help them retain moisture.
Step 3: Put Eggs in an Airtight Container
Store hard-cooked eggs—unpeeled or peeled—in an airtight container to protect them from bacteria and to keep them from absorbing odors from other food. To prevent cross-contamination, avoid storing eggs in a container with other foods.
Step 4: Place on the Middle Shelf
Place your container of cooked eggs on your refrigerator's middle shelf, where its temperature is most stable. Avoid storing cooked eggs in the refrigerator door, where temperature fluctuates with every opening and closing.
