How Long Do Deviled Eggs Last?

Fact checked by Khara Scheppmann

It's always "deviled egg season." From suppers, showers, and picnics, to holidays and game day, none would be complete without a tray of deviled eggs . Some gatherings even require more than one tray. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing, serving, and storing deviled eggs. With so many to make, you may wonder how far in advance to make them, the best way to store them, and how long deviled eggs are good for These best practices will help to ensure that your delicious deviled eggs are safe to eat.

How Long Do Deviled Eggs Last In The Fridge?

When dealing with eggs, refrigeration is key. Because eggs are perishable , they should be kept chilled at all times. Once prepared, deviled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator immediately. They should be consumed within three to four days, which is generally considered the maximum amount of time deviled eggs remain safe to eat when stored in the refrigerator. Even while preparing the filling for deviled eggs, the FDA recommends keeping the boiled egg whites refrigerated until you're ready to use them.

While you can make deviled eggs ahead of time when planning a party, it's important to avoid making them too early. Keep deviled eggs refrigerated in an air-tight container at all times and serve them within two days. When you're trying to impress your guests, you don't want to serve stinky, dried-out deviled eggs.

How Long Do Deviled Eggs Last Outside The Fridge?

It's even more important to be mindful of how long you leave deviled eggs unrefrigerated at that family picnic. According to the FDA, two hours is the maximum time deviled eggs and hard-boiled eggs can be stored at room temperature. If they're exposed to high temps in the hot summer sun, they should be thrown out after an hour. And, of course, it's important to keep the eggs chilled and refrigerated until time to transport or serve them. We recommend employing a cooler filled with ice when it comes time to transport deviled eggs, as it will help keep them chilled en route.

Warning

Deviled eggs can spoil quickly when left unrefrigerated. Keep them chilled in the fridge or a cooler until serving, and discard any that have been left out for more than two hours, or for more than one hour if exposed to high summer temperatures.

How To Tell If Deviled Eggs Are Bad

Anytime eggs smell bad or like sulfur, it's time to throw them out. Obviously, the same goes if you notice discoloration on your food or if your deviled eggs taste "off." And if they've been sitting in the hot sun or a warm kitchen all afternoon, it's best to go ahead and put them in the trash.

Why Do Deviled Eggs Spoil So Quickly?

We were curious, so we looked to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service to answer the question, "Why do hard-cooked eggs spoil faster than fresh eggs?" They explain, "When shell eggs are hard cooked, the protective coating is washed away, leaving bare the pores in the shell for bacteria to enter and contaminate it. Hard-cooked eggs should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and used within a week." A similar time frame applies to deviled eggs, but because of their perishability and the ingredients included in the filling, the length of time prepared eggs can be stored in the refrigerator is shorter, often just a few days. Safety is key, so be aware and throw out deviled eggs if they're left unrefrigerated at room temperature for more than two hours or if they've been stored refrigerated for more than a few days.

Read the original article on Southern Living