All About Hard-boiled eggs
Your complete guide to hard-boiled eggs - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Hard-boiled eggs Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for hard-boiled eggs in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
At Room TemperatureUp to 2 hours
Signs of Spoilage
While spoilage signs may not be visible within the safe time limit, rapid bacterial growth occurs. If left much longer, a faint sulfurous smell or slight sliminess might develop.
How to Check
Time is the primary detection method. If a hard-boiled egg (peeled or unpeeled) has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded to prevent potential foodborne illness, regardless of appearance or smell.
Storage Tips
Hard-boiled eggs are highly perishable once cooked. Always refrigerate them promptly to ensure safety. The 'danger zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
In Refrigerator (Unpeeled)5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Strong, unpleasant sulfurous or 'rotten egg' smell, slimy texture on the shell, visible mold growth (rare but possible), or a chalky/dry texture if dehydrated.
How to Check
Perform a smell test: a fresh hard-boiled egg has little to no odor. A strong sulfur or off-putting smell indicates spoilage. Visually inspect the shell for any sliminess or mold spots.
Storage Tips
Store unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in their original carton or an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. This helps prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods and maintains moisture.
In Freezer (Not Recommended for Quality)Not recommended for quality, but can last 1-2 months for yolks only.
Signs of Spoilage
Significant texture changes (whites become rubbery and watery upon thawing, yolks may become crumbly), freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), or off-flavors after thawing.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. The primary detection is after thawing: the texture will be noticeably altered. If the whites are rubbery/watery and the yolks are overly crumbly, the quality is compromised.
Storage Tips
While hard-boiled egg yolks can be frozen successfully for up to 1-2 months (best for crumbling into dishes), freezing the whites is highly discouraged as they become tough, rubbery, and watery upon thawing, making them unpalatable. It's always best to use hard-boiled eggs fresh from the refrigerator.
In Refrigerator (Peeled)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Strong, unpleasant sulfurous or 'rotten egg' smell, slimy or mushy texture on the white, noticeable discoloration (beyond the normal greenish ring around the yolk due to iron sulfide), or visible mold growth.
How to Check
Perform a smell test: a strong, off-putting odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Visually inspect for sliminess, any unusual discoloration (white or yolk), or mold. Gently touch the surface; if it feels slimy or unusually soft/mushy, it's likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
Peeled hard-boiled eggs have a slightly shorter shelf life due to increased exposure to air and potential contaminants. Store them in an airtight container, preferably with a slightly damp paper towel, to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.