How Long Are Leftover Scrambled Eggs Safe To Eat?

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When you're an egg fan, almost anything will do — the preparation can be simple or a little more nuanced. Some love the soft yolks; some like eggs mixed with other ingredients and poured into a crust for the perfect quiche; and if you haven't tried a shakshuka recipe, you might need to give it a shot this weekend. But one surefire method that's also quick and easy is scrambled eggs, especially for a large group. There are definitely some scrambled egg hacks you need to know — like, have you thought about adding seltzer or simplifying things even more with an easy microwave cook?

But if you're making a big batch, no matter how many guests you have for breakfast, you're likely to end up with some leftovers. So, if you find yourself with a plate of uneaten scrambled eggs, you need to know how long those leftovers will be safe for. According to the USDA, cooked eggs can be perfectly good to eat for three to four days, and you'll want to keep them in the fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or under. And it's not recommended to keep them out of the fridge for longer than two hours. So once the meal is complete, put the scrambled eggs right in the fridge. You can prep a scramble ahead of time to be cooked the next day, but the USDA says you shouldn't keep cracked, raw eggs in the fridge for more than 24 hours.

When it comes to storing those leftover scrambled eggs, the container you choose makes all the difference. Airtight plastic containers are a durable option, while glass ones with tight-fitting lids are non-porous and won't absorb flavors or odors — making either a solid choice for keeping scrambled eggs as fresh as possible. The key is to not let any of the circulating air into your container, as it could contaminate them with bacteria or simply dry them out. IDEATECH reusable sandwich bags and gallon freezer bags are also a good, reusable option, equally dishwasher safe, and will keep the flavor and moisture locked in. Just be sure that whatever you use, it's sealed properly.

When you're ready to reheat those leftover scrambled eggs, you've got a couple of good options. In the microwave, heat them in 15 to 20 second intervals till the cold eggs warm up. Just don't blast them for too long at a time or they'll get dry and rubbery. If you prefer the stovetop, heat them over a skillet on low to medium heat and keep stirring the whole time — you can even add a splash of milk or water to keep the eggs moist. Once they're warmed up, leftover scrambled eggs are easy to repurpose — fold them into a breakfast burrito, pile them on toast, or make a classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich (a BEC for those in the know). Just be sure to store them properly and eat them in the next few days, and you may find a whole new meal for those scrambled leftovers.