Scrambled eggs always make a delicious breakfast, though making them fresh in the morning can be a hassle. If you’re looking for a way to have a hot and ready breakfast in half the time, you may want to consider making them ahead and freezing them for later.
Freezing scrambled eggs is a simple process, and as long as you know how to do it right, it can make for a delicious meal. Take a look at the tips below to make sure your eggs are perfect every time.
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Should You Freeze Scrambled Eggs?
There are a few pros and cons to freezing scrambled eggs that are worth considering before trying it yourself. Check out these tips to get an idea before you get started.
Advantages of Freezing Scrambled Eggs
The greatest advantage of freezing scrambled eggs is that it saves you time in the morning. You can freeze them ahead and thaw them in a pan or in the microwave in as little as two minutes. You can even season them beforehand to simplify the process even more.
Of course, freezing scrambled eggs can also be a good way to cut down on waste. If your carton of eggs is about to expire, or you have a pan of eggs that isn’t getting eaten, freezing them can make sure they get eaten.
Disadvantages of Freezing Scrambled Eggs
The main problem with freezing scrambled eggs is that the texture changes because of how they are frozen. The longer they are frozen, the more moisture gets added to the mix, which can give your eggs a grainy texture.
You can help prevent this by thawing your eggs beforehand in the refrigerator, though there will still be a bit of a noticeable difference. The best way to maintain a fresh texture is to freeze your eggs raw, though this means you’ll still have to cook them after they’re thawed.
Freezing Cooked Eggs
Properly freezing cooked eggs is pretty straightforward, though to ensure they stay fresh, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. Make sure to follow all of these pointers before storing your eggs in the freezer.
Split into Servings
Storing huge helpings of scrambled eggs may seem convenient at first, though it will end up being more of a hassle later. Instead, try freezing small portions individually so you can thaw and cook as much or as little as you want at a time. Small Tupperware, an ice cube tray, or resealable freezer bags are perfect for this.
Generally, a serving size of two eggs is probably the most practical. This will give you a modest portion to work with without cluttering up your freezer with too many containers.
Store Flat
The best way to store scrambled eggs is flat, rather than in a thick brick. Thicker chunks of scrambled eggs will be more difficult to break apart and will tend to heat unevenly when placed in a hot pan.
Try to freeze flat portions that fit easily in your favorite frying pan so they’re even easier to heat. Again, resealable freezer bags are perfect here.
Make a Tight Seal
Above all else, always ensure that whatever storage vessel you choose is completely airtight. Any moisture that makes its way into your eggs will cause freezer burn, ruining the texture of your eggs and adding unwanted moisture. Eventually, freezer burn will get to all frozen foods, though starting with a tight seal can make them last longer.
Freezing Raw Eggs
Freezing your eggs raw has a few advantages over freezing cooked ones. First, they last a bit longer, up to a full year! They also have a nicer texture after they’re cooked. Of course, they also come with the downside of having to cook them longer after freezing.
When freezing raw eggs, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:
Season Beforehand
Seasoning your raw eggs before freezing can save an extra step when cooking, but it also has another advantage. Adding salt helps the eggs maintain their consistency during the freezing process. Just make sure you remember not to season them again after thawing!
Beat Thoroughly Before Freezing
One crucial factor to understand before freezing raw eggs is that while whites freeze just fine, the same is not true of yolks. To help get a perfect consistency, it’s important to beat them thoroughly before putting them in the freezer. Use a wire whisk and beat until all the bits of white are fully incorporated into the yolk.
Reheating Scrambled Eggs
Maybe the best thing about freezing scrambled eggs is how easy they are to thaw. You can simply drop them in a pan with some oil and butter and mix them until they are soft and warm to the touch. You can even add in some extra ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or seasonings to spice them up.
But if you have a bit of extra time, you can also thaw your scrambled eggs beforehand. Simply place them in the fridge 12 to 24 hours ahead of time, and they will be soft and ready for a quick reheat.
Ideas for Using Leftover Scrambled Eggs
There are plenty of ways to use your frozen scrambled eggs to make fast and delicious meals. Try one of these next time you need a quick dinner solution.
Fried Rice
Scrambled eggs are a crucial part of any fried rice dish, adding color, texture, and some extra protein. The best fried rice uses leftover white rice, so if you have some on hand, this recipe is a natural choice.
Start by chopping up a cup of vegetables. Most anything will do, but carrots, peas, and broccoli are classic. Set these aside with your eggs and rice.
When all your ingredients are ready, start by heating a pan of oil and cooking your vegetables for two minutes, followed by the rice and a few tablespoons of soy sauce. After everything is warm, add your eggs last and stir until fully combined. Serve immediately.
Breakfast Burrito
A breakfast burrito is simpler than it sounds and only requires some leftover eggs, the cheese of your choice, and a large flour tortilla, all wrapped together. But the best thing about a burrito is that you can customize it whatever way you want. Try adding your favorite salsa, some avocado, or a bit of chorizo.
Breakfast Hash
This diner classic is a crowd pleaser, as it combines a range of different breakfast foods into a single pan. You can use a wide variety of ingredients in it, but the classic ones are hash browns, chopped bell pepper, bacon, and eggs.
Start by cooking your hash browns until they are soft and slightly brown. Once ready, add in your bell peppers and bacon and continue to cook for five minutes until the bacon starts to crisp. Then, add in your eggs and stir to combine.
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