Egg bites are a convenient and protein-packed breakfast or snack that can be made ahead and frozen for quick heating and eating. With proper storage, egg bites can last in the freezer for several months.
Quick Answers
- Properly stored, egg bites can last 3-4 months in the freezer.
- Egg bites with vegetables or meat may not last quite as long (2-3 months).
- Make sure to freeze egg bites in an airtight container.
- Defrost frozen egg bites in the refrigerator or microwave before reheating to eat.
- Reheat egg bites thoroughly until hot all the way through before eating.
- Consume defrosted egg bites within 3-4 days and do not refreeze.
- Discard egg bites if they develop an off smell, flavor or appearance.
How Are Egg Bites Typically Made?
Egg bites are made by whisking eggs together with cheese, vegetables, meats and seasonings, then baking them in the oven or pressure cooker. The most common methods for making egg bites are:
- Oven baked: Whisked egg mixture is poured into muffin tins or silicone molds and baked in the oven until set.
- Instant Pot: Egg mixture is poured into silicone molds, then pressure cooked in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker.
- Sous vide: Eggs and ingredients are vacuum sealed in plastic pouches, then cooked sous vide in a water bath until set.
No matter which cooking method is used, the egg bites are cooked until fully set, then cooled and refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
How to Freeze Egg Bites
Follow these steps for freezing egg bites to maintain quality and freshness:
- Make sure egg bites are completely cooled after cooking and refrigerated.
- Portion egg bites into individual molds or containers for easy grabbing and reheating later.
- Place egg bite containers in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Label bags or containers with the contents and freeze-by date (3-4 months from freezing date).
- Freeze egg bites immediately at 0°F or below.
- Once frozen solid, egg bites can be stored together in a larger freezer bag or container.
Properly freezing egg bites in airtight packaging prevents freezer burn and preserves texture and flavor.
How Long Do Frozen Egg Bites Last?
The shelf life of frozen egg bites depends on a few factors:
- Ingredients: Egg bites with just eggs, cheese and vegetables will generally last longer than those with deli meats.
- Freezer temperature: Colder freezer temperatures (-10°F to 0°F) extend shelf life.
- Packaging: Airtight, moisture-proof packaging prevents freezer burn.
- Handling: Minimizing temperature fluctuations and freezer door openings helps.
Taking these factors into account, the freezer shelf life for egg bites is:
| Type of Egg Bites | Frozen Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Egg and cheese | 3-4 months |
| Egg, cheese and veggies | 3-4 months |
| Egg, cheese and deli meat | 2-3 months |
Go by the shorter frozen shelf life for egg bites with meat to be safe. Always discard egg bites if you notice off odors, textures or appearance.
How to Defrost Frozen Egg Bites
There are a couple methods for safely defrosting frozen egg bites:
- Refrigerator: Place frozen egg bites in the refrigerator in their airtight container. Defrost overnight or up to 1-2 days. Once thawed, use within 3-4 days.
- Microwave: Microwave each egg bite for 30-60 seconds until thawed and heated through. Check temps before eating.
- Countertop: Leave container sealed and thaw on the countertop for 1-2 hours. Use immediately after thawing.
Do not attempt to cook frozen egg bites without defrosting first or the centers may remain undercooked. Always reheat thawed egg bites to 165°F internally before consuming.
How to Reheat Thawed Egg Bites
Follow these methods to safely and properly reheat refrigerator-thawed egg bites:
- Oven: Place egg bites on a baking sheet and reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Microwave each egg bite for 30-60 seconds until hot all the way through.
- Skillet: Heat a bit of butter or oil in a nonstick skillet. Cook egg bites over medium-low, turning occasionally until warmed through 2-3 minutes.
- Steamer: Place egg bites in a steamer basket. Steam for 6-8 minutes until fully heated.
Check the internal temperature in several spots to ensure egg bites reach safe serving temperatures of 165°F or above before serving.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these food safety guidelines when freezing, thawing and reheating egg bites:
- Refrigerate freshly made egg bites for 1-2 hours before freezing so they are thoroughly chilled.
- Portion frozen egg bites into individual servings so they thaw quickly.
- Thaw frozen egg bites in the refrigerator, never on the counter or in hot water.
- Thaw and cook egg bites within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze after thawing.
- Bring egg bites up to 165°F for at least 15 seconds before eating.
- Do not keep leftovers or eat reheated egg bites that did not reach safe temperatures.
Following food safety best practices helps prevent the growth of bacteria and reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
Storing Thawed Egg Bites
For food safety, thawed egg bites should be eaten soon after reheating or discarded. Follow these guidelines for storing leftovers:
- Store thawed, cooked egg bites in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- Eat within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Seal and return to refrigerator promptly after reheating any leftovers.
- Only reheat leftovers once.
- Discard any egg bites that sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The eggs and dairy in egg bites can spoil quickly if left at room temperature too long. When in doubt, throw thawed egg bites out after 3-4 days in the fridge.
Signs Frozen Egg Bites Have Spoiled
Check frozen egg bites for the following signs of spoilage before cooking:
- Ice crystals or freezer burn on the egg bites
- Unusual dryness or spongy texture
- Strange odors, colors or molds
- Soft or mushy spots
- Weeping liquid or an off appearance
Frozen foods like egg bites that are kept constantly at 0°F or below should stay safe to eat for the recommended freezer storage times. However, any temperature abuse or damage to the packaging can allow for spoilers like bacteria or molds. When in doubt, throw it out.
Conclusion
Egg bites are a convenient make-ahead breakfast that can be easily frozen for later use. With proper freezing and thawing, egg bites made with just eggs, cheese and veggies can last 3-4 months in the freezer, while those with added deli meat may last 2-3 months at most.
For best quality and food safety, package egg bites in airtight containers or bags before freezing. Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating. Follow good food handling practices and consume thawed egg bites within 3-4 days, without refreezing.
Checking for signs of spoilage and discarding questionable egg bites can further reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Following this guidance will help you safely freeze, store and reheat egg bites for quick breakfasts even months after initially preparing them.