How To Freeze Eggs

Learn how to freeze eggs safely and effectively for long-term storage without losing their nutritional value.

If you've ever found yourself with an abundance of fresh eggs and wondered how to store them for later use, learning how to freeze eggs can be a game-changer. 

Whether you raise chickens, buy in bulk, or simply want to avoid food waste, freezing eggs is an excellent way to ensure you always have them on hand when you need them.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about it, including the right techniques, tips for maintaining their quality, and the best ways to use them once thawed.

Why Freeze Eggs?

Eggs are a staple in many households, providing a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

However, their relatively short shelf life can be a challenge, especially if you buy in bulk or have a homestead with egg-laying hens.

Freezing eggs is a practical solution that allows you to preserve their freshness and nutritional value for up to a year.

Frozen eggs can be used in cooking, baking, or even scrambled for breakfast, making them just as versatile as fresh eggs.

Can You Freeze Eggs In Their Shells?

The short answer is no.

Freezing eggs in their shells is not recommended because the liquid inside expands when frozen, causing the shell to crack.

This can introduce bacteria or cause the egg to spoil once thawed.

For optimal results, eggs should be removed from their shells and prepared before freezing.

Luckily, the process is straightforward, and with a few simple steps, you can have eggs stored safely in your freezer.

How To Freeze Eggs

What You'll Need:

• Fresh eggs
• A bowl or mixing container
• Fork or whisk
• Ice cube trays or silicone muffin molds (optional)
• Freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags
• Permanent marker (for labeling)

Crack and Prepare the Eggs

Start by cracking the eggs into a clean bowl.

If you're freezing multiple eggs at once, you can either crack them all into the same bowl or separate them if you want to freeze egg whites and yolks individually.

Give the eggs a gentle whisk using a fork or whisk to break up the yolks and mix them evenly with the whites.

You don’t need to whip them into a froth—just enough to blend the components.

If you're freezing egg whites and yolks separately, be sure to label them accordingly once packaged for freezing.

Pour Eggs Into Ice Cube Trays (Optional)

A handy method for freezing eggs in small portions is to use ice cube trays or silicone muffin molds which I prefer to use.

This allows you to freeze individual portions, making it easy to thaw only what you need later.

• For large eggs, one cube in an ice tray typically holds about one egg.
• If using muffin molds, you might want to measure so that each cup holds the equivalent of one or two eggs, depending on your preference.

Carefully pour the whisked eggs into each section, filling them just below the top to leave room for expansion during freezing.

Freeze Until Solid

Once your eggs are portioned into trays or molds, place them in the freezer and allow them to freeze until solid.

This usually takes a few hours, depending on your freezer.

It's important to ensure the eggs are fully frozen before transferring them to storage containers to prevent them from sticking together.

Transfer Frozen Eggs to Containers

Once the eggs are fully frozen, pop them out of the ice cube trays or molds and transfer them to resealable freezer bags or airtight containers.

Be sure to label each bag or container with the date and the number of eggs (or egg whites/yolks) in each portion.

This will help you keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer and ensure you're using them within their optimal storage time.

Store in the Freezer

Now that your eggs are securely packaged, store them in the freezer where they can last for up to 12 months.

Be sure to place them in a part of the freezer where they won’t get crushed or damaged.

Tips For Freezing Eggs

Here are a few additional tips to ensure you get the best results when freezing eggs:

• Add a pinch of salt or sugar: When freezing whole eggs, you can add a pinch of salt (for savory recipes) or sugar (for baking) to prevent the yolks from becoming too thick or gelatinous when frozen. This isn’t mandatory but can help improve texture.

• Separate whites and yolks: If you know you'll be using egg whites or yolks separately in specific recipes, it's a good idea to freeze them individually. Egg whites freeze particularly well and maintain their consistency when thawed.

• Avoid over-whipping: When preparing eggs for freezing, you only need to gently mix them. Over-whipping can incorporate too much air, which may affect their texture when thawed.

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers: Airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags are key to preventing freezer burn. Make sure they are sealed tightly before freezing.

How To Thaw Frozen Eggs

Once you’ve frozen your eggs, thawing them correctly is crucial for maintaining their quality and safety.

• Thaw in the fridge: The best way to thaw frozen eggs is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process ensures they return to a liquid state safely without risking bacterial growth.

• Use promptly: Once thawed, use the eggs within 24 to 48 hours. Thawed eggs cannot be re-frozen, so only thaw as much as you need.

• Don’t use raw in recipes: It’s important to note that thawed eggs should be fully cooked before consuming. While they are safe to use in cooked dishes, they should not be used raw in recipes such as homemade mayonnaise or dressings.

How To Use Frozen Eggs

Frozen eggs are just as versatile as fresh eggs and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate them into your recipes:

• Scrambled Eggs: Thawed eggs are perfect for making scrambled eggs. Simply thaw the number of eggs you need, season, and cook as you normally would.

• Baking: Frozen eggs can be used in most baked goods, including cakes, muffins, and cookies. Thaw the eggs in the fridge and add them to your recipe just like fresh eggs.

• Omelets and Frittatas: Whether you’re making an omelet or a frittata, frozen eggs can be used without any issue. Add your favorite fillings, and you’ve got a quick and easy meal.

• French Toast: Thawed eggs work wonderfully in French toast recipes, blending perfectly with milk and spices to create a custardy coating for bread.

• Casseroles and Quiches: If you’re whipping up a casserole or quiche, frozen eggs can be a time-saver. Thaw them in advance, mix them into your recipe, and bake as usual.

Freezing Egg Yolks and Whites Separately

If you frequently use egg whites for recipes like meringues or need just yolks for custards or sauces, freezing them separately is a great option.

• Egg Whites: Egg whites freeze exceptionally well without losing their consistency. Simply pour the egg whites into your ice cube tray and freeze as you would whole eggs.

• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks can become gelatinous when frozen, but adding a small amount of salt or sugar can help preserve their texture. Whisk the yolks with a pinch of salt or sugar (depending on whether you’ll use them for savory or sweet dishes), then freeze.

How To Freeze Eggs for Long-Term Use

Freezing eggs is a simple, cost-effective way to preserve their freshness and ensure you always have this essential ingredient on hand.

Whether you’re freezing whole eggs, yolks, or whites, following these steps will help you extend their shelf life and make meal prep easier.

Now that you know how to freeze eggs, you can reduce waste and keep your kitchen well-stocked with minimal effort.