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Dairy & Eggs Guide

How to Cook With, Store, and Substitute Eggs

Eggs are the backbone of spontaneous home cooking. High in protein, remarkably affordable, and lightning fast to cook, eggs can transform sparse pantry leftovers into a complete breakfast, lunch, or dinner in under ten minutes.

Illustrative photo from Unsplash. Guide updated . Storage times are typical estimates; follow package dates and discard food that looks, smells or feels spoiled.

How to Store Eggs for Maximum Freshness

3 to 5 weeks from purchase

Refrigerator Carton

Store eggs in their original carton on a middle or lower refrigerator shelf rather than the door, where temperature fluctuations occur frequently.

Whites: 4 days; Yolks: 2 days

Separated Whites & Yolks

Store whites in a sealed airtight container. For leftover yolks, cover with a thin layer of cold water to prevent drying out, drain before using.

Checks age, not safety

The Water Float Test

In a bowl of cold water, very fresh eggs lie flat, older eggs tip upright, and eggs that float have a large air cell. USDA notes a floating egg is lower quality but may still be safe: crack it into a bowl and discard it only if it smells or looks off.

Best Ways to Use Eggs

  • Crispy fried eggs over leftover rice or roasted vegetables
  • Silky, low-and-slow French-style soft scrambles on buttered toast
  • Spanish tortilla or skillet frittata utilizing leftover boiled potatoes
  • Poached gently in simmering marinara or spicy tomato shakshuka
  • Quick egg drop soup with chicken broth and sliced scallions

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

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Cracking eggs on the edge of a bowl instead of a flat counter (drives shell fragments into the egg)

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Cooking over excessively high heat, resulting in rubbery texture and sulfurous odor

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Salting scrambled eggs only at the end (salting the beaten eggs before cooking seasons them evenly and many cooks find it gives more tender curds)

Substitutions

SubstituteRatioBest For
Silken Tofu1/4 cup blended tofu per eggVegan scrambles and baked casseroles
Ground Flaxseed + Water1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutesBaking and binding meatballs or pancakes
Applesauce or Mashed Banana1/4 cup per eggMuffins, quick breads, and pancakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are older eggs better for hard-boiling?

Usually, yes. As eggs age, moisture evaporates through the shell, the air cell grows and the white becomes more alkaline, which tends to make eggs a week or two old easier to peel than very fresh ones.

Can I freeze raw eggs?

Not in the shell: USDA advises against freezing shell eggs, because the contents expand and can crack the shell. You can beat raw eggs until just blended and freeze them in a sealed, labelled container for several months. Thaw them in the refrigerator and use them in dishes that are cooked thoroughly.

What do the red spots on egg yolks mean?

A red speck is a harmless ruptured blood vessel that occurred during the egg formation. It is completely safe to eat or can simply be lifted out with the tip of a clean knife.

Recipes Using Eggs

30 mins•2 servings•Easy

Crispy Potato & Egg Skillet

Golden skillet-fried potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and eggs cooked to your liking in one comforting cast-iron pan.

7 ingredientsView Recipe →
25 mins•2 servings•Easy

Fluffy Cinnamon French Toast

Transform stale white bread or brioche into custard-soaked, golden caramelized French toast with a whisper of cinnamon and vanilla.

6 ingredientsView Recipe →