Can You Reheat Scrambled Eggs?

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With nearly 9.3 billion dozen eggs produced in the United States each year, odds are good that a good few billion will end up as scrambled on breakfast tables across the country. But we often find ourselves having to eat them cold, which begs the question: can you reheat scrambled eggs, and is it safe?

Scrambled eggs can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. However, one should follow stringent guidelines regarding the temperature at which they are reheated and how long they are being kept warm; otherwise, the scrambled eggs might be unsafe for consumption.

White, brown, nest-laid, or free-range, all eggs can be transformed into a delicious creamy scrambled breakfast staple. But once it goes cold, how should you reheat it?

Can You Reheat Scrambled Eggs?

You can reheat scrambled eggs in the oven, the microwave, or on the stovetop. Here’s how:

Using The Microwave To Reheat Scrambled Eggs

The microwave is the fastest method you can use to reheat your scrambled eggs . Follow these easy steps:

  • Ensure you use a microwave-safe container;
  • Add some liquid to the scrambled eggs if they appear too dry;
  • Cover the eggs with a paper towel or microwave cover;
  • In 20-second intervals, warm the eggs at low power;
  • Check for any liquid at the bottom and discard liquid;
  • Stir frequently so that the heat is spread around;
  • The heat needs to equalize, so leave the eggs for a minute or two after the last 30-second interval.

Using The Stovetop To Reheat Scrambled Eggs

Reheating scrambled eggs on the stovetop is easy, and the best thing is they’re tastier than when reheated in the microwave. Here’s what you should do:

  • Over a moderate burner, heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan;
  • Add a bit of butter followed by the cold eggs. Butter instead of oil will make your eggs taste better and stick less to the skillet;
  • Continuously stir the eggs until they are heated throughout;
  • If you cover the eggs, the heating process will be faster. Just make sure that you still continuously stir them;
  • Some liquid may form on the bottom of the pan. Be sure to discard any excess fluid during the heating process and before dishing up.

Using The Oven To Reheat Scrambled Eggs

If you have large quantities of scrambled eggs, then your oven is definitely a better option than the microwave or stovetop.

  • Set and preheat your oven to 300⁰F (150⁰C);
  • Divide your cold scrambled eggs into multiple baking dishes;
  • To avoid dry and rubbery eggs, add some grated cheese, cream, or butter to each batch;
  • After covering the dishes with foil, place them in the oven;
  • Eggs should be ready within 20-40 minutes, depending on the volume. Be sure to stir every once in a while so that eggs are heated throughout;
  • The eggs are ready if their temperature, throughout, is 165⁰F (74⁰C).

So, the way in which you reheat your scrambled eggs stays a personal choice. You might be lingering in the kitchen or be in a hurry to go out. Whatever the case may be, while reheating your scrambled eggs is ridiculously easy, you might wonder if reheating them is even safe? Let’s find out:

Is It Safe To Reheat Scrambled Eggs?

Scrambled eggs, like any other form of eggs, can contain Salmonella, so before you even think of reheating scrambled eggs, you need to be aware of the following rules and guidelines:

  • They were initially cooked thoroughly at 160⁰F (71⁰C);
  • They weren’t kept outside of the refrigerator for more than 1 or 2 hours depending on the weather;
  • They are reheated at 165⁰F (74⁰C);
  • They are thoroughly reheated;
  • They are kept reheated at 140⁰F (60⁰C);
  • The reheated scrambled eggs are discarded after 2 hours.

Even if their shells aren’t cracked, fresh eggs can contain bacteria. Luckily, the FDA requires that all shell eggs in cartons get treated for Salmonella.

Salmonella infection can cause abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Furthermore, if the infection spreads without treatment, it can be life-threatening.

Leftover scrambled eggs should, as far as possible, be kept in the refrigerator (not in the refrigerator door) before reheating. Once taken out of the fridge, if the temperature outside is above 90⁰F (32⁰C), and the eggs have been left outside for more than an hour, there is a risk of bacteria.

Depending on the outside temperature, a good rule of thumb is to never leave leftover scrambled eggs outside of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. Another 2-hour rule is never to keep reheated scrambled eggs for any longer than this amount of time.

Is It Safe To Reheat Scrambled Eggs For Babies?

Small children, especially babies, are extremely vulnerable to different bacteria, especially those that can cause food poisoning.

Reheated scrambled eggs are perfectly safe for babies from 6 months of age. They also make great finger food for babies 8 months and older.

But before feeding your baby reheated scrambled eggs, make sure you follow these essential guidelines:

  • Ensure that the cold scrambled eggs have been kept under the right conditions as explained previously;
  • Ensure that the scrambled eggs are, first, heated up throughout;
  • Allow the reheated scrambled eggs to cool down to a desirable and comfortable temperature for your baby;
  • Never leave your baby’s side when he or she is eating scrambled eggs as they can easily choke on bigger pieces;
  • Never reheat scrambled eggs for a second time, and then feed them to your baby.

Can You Make Reheated Scrambled Eggs Taste Better?

You can easily make your reheated scrambled eggs taste better by adding a few extra ingredients and spices.

Take bacon, for instance. Who doesn’t love bacon, right? By adding a few chopped-up pieces of bacon to your reheated scrambled eggs, they will taste as fresh as the day those eggs were laid.

Another way in which you can improve the taste of your scrambled eggs is by adding some extra herbs and spices. Parsley and chives go well with any form of eggs, as do licoricey chervil and sweet tarragon.

The world’s your oyster. It only depends on your individual taste.

Yes, You Can Reheat Those Scrambled Egg

As long as you own an oven, a microwave, or a stove, then there is nothing easier than reheating your scrambled eggs. It is perfectly safe as well as long as you follow the proper guidelines. By adding a few extra ingredients, herbs, and spices, you can even transform your reheated scrambled eggs into a delicious savory treat.

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