How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Use refrigerated hard-boiled eggs within 7 days of cooking, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
EGG STORAGE GUIDE
How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last? The 7-Day Answer
Hard-boiled eggs last up to 7 days in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking; when the storage time or temperature is uncertain, discard them.
Use the interactive timer
Choose egg size, starting temperature and yolk texture for a tailored countdown with sound and screen wake lock.
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| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Right after cooking | Cool in ice water and refrigerate within 2 hours. |
| Refrigerator, shell on | Use within 7 days of cooking. |
| Refrigerator, peeled | Use within 7 days of cooking. |
| Room temperature | Do not keep longer than 2 hours. |
The seven days start on the day you cook the eggs. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Store them cold, covered and dated
After the ice bath, dry the outside of the eggs and place them in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator. A simple date label makes the one-week window easy to follow and prevents cooked eggs being confused with raw ones.
For the underlying food-safety rule, see the USDA egg-storage guidance. The guidance applies to hard-cooked eggs whether they are still in the shell or already peeled.
Shell on or peeled?
Keeping the shell on is convenient because it protects the egg until you are ready to use it. Peeled eggs can also be refrigerated safely in a covered container; they still follow the same seven-day guidance. Use clean hands and utensils whenever you prepare them.
Do not freeze whole hard-boiled eggs. The whites can turn tough and watery after thawing, so fresh refrigerated eggs are the better option for salads, sandwiches and snacks.
When to throw them away
Discard hard-boiled eggs if they were left out for more than two hours, if their storage history is uncertain, or if the shell or egg has an unusual odor or appearance after cracking. A smell test is not a substitute for proper refrigeration timing.
If you are batch cooking, our hard-boiled eggs meal-prep guide gives practical ways to use the batch before the seven days are up.
Start with reliably cooked eggs
Use a boiling-water start, then cool eggs in an ice bath for 15 minutes before storing. Use our Egg Timer with Audio Alarm so you do not overcook your eggs. For a firm center, choose the hard-boiled setting and adjust for egg size, refrigerator temperature and altitude.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick answers
Do peeled hard-boiled eggs last as long as unpeeled eggs?
Yes. USDA guidance uses the same one-week window for refrigerated hard-cooked eggs whether they are peeled or still in the shell.
Can I freeze hard-boiled eggs?
Freezing whole hard-boiled eggs is not recommended because the whites can become tough and watery after thawing.
Do hard-boiled eggs need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and discard eggs left at room temperature longer than that.