What to Do With Cracked Eggs: Safety Guide for Use & Storage
Author: Esther Donohue
Are you Wondering what to do with cracked eggs? Whether you bought a carton from the grocery store and missed the cracks or collected fresh eggs from the chicken coop only to find that one got pecked or accidentally dropped, no one wants to waste eggs, especially with egg prices so high.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to determine if your cracked eggs are safe to use, or if they need to be tossed into the compost pile or scrambled for your hens. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do with those cracked eggs so they don’t go to waste.
Cracked eggs are a common occurrence on our homestead. My son is in charge of egg collection, but sometimes he forgets that Sallie Mae (our rescue dog) loves getting into the fresh eggs and she cracks a few.
Other times, I swear the basket gets tossed around too much, judging by the number of small cracks and large cracks I find on the egg’s shell. I like to remind him those little butt nuggets are expensive right now and to be gentle with them.
Depending on the size of the cracks, we either keep the eggs or toss them. I’ll explain the steps for determining if cracked eggs are safe to keep for baking or cooking below.
Why Cracked Eggs Aren’t Always Dangerous
Many people assume that cracked eggs are no longer safe to eat, but that’s not necessarily the case.
In fact, eggs have natural defenses against bacteria, and understanding these protective layers can help you determine if a cracked egg is still good to use.
Let’s take a look at the parts of an eggshell that contribute to its protection:
Shell – The eggshell is the last part to form and is mostly made of calcium. It’s hard but porous, meaning it “breathes,” allowing air to pass through.
Membrane – Inside the shell, there’s a thin white lining known as the membrane. If you’ve ever boiled eggs and peeled them, you’ve probably noticed this thin layer on the outside of the egg. Farm-fresh eggs have a much thicker membrane than store-bought eggs. Duck eggs, for example, have both a thick shell and membrane.
When a fresh egg is laid, the hen deposits a protective layer called the “bloom” over the shell. This bloom dries and creates a natural barrier.
Some people argue that unwashed eggs store longer than washed ones, but that’s a hot debate in the chicken-keeping community.
Regardless, the bloom provides extra protection against bacteria, especially if there are only hairline cracks in the shell.
If an egg has large cracks, the internal membrane (just inside the shell) still provides a layer of protection for the egg white and yolk. However, this protection only lasts if the egg is used quickly. I’ve had eggs with large cracks but intact membranes, which I demonstrate in the video below.
As long as the cracked egg is cooked thoroughly or used in baked goods, any potential bacteria will be killed, making it safe to consume. There are a few instances where a damaged egg is no longer safe I will go into that below.
When NOT to Use Cracked Eggs
While cracked eggs can often be safe to use, there are certain instances when they should be discarded. To help you determine when not to use them, follow this simple process:
- Are the eggs dirty from the chicken coop? Eggs covered in chicken poop or that have rolled in manure should be discarded, unless they have only hairline cracks and show no seepage after being washed.
- Has the cracked egg been sitting in the chicken coop for more than a few days? If the egg has been exposed to the elements for a prolonged period, and the crack is severe, harmful bacteria may have entered, making it unsafe to eat.
- Are there large cracks and colored seepage from a store-bought egg? If you notice large cracks in a store-bought egg and see colored seepage, throw it out in the compost bin.
Never Use Cracked Eggs in These Dishes
- Raw or Lightly Cooked Dishes: Do not use cracked eggs in recipes requiring raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as mayonnaise or certain dressings, due to the risk of foodborne illness (food poisoning).
- Bad Smell or Unusual Appearance: If a cracked egg smells bad or has an unusual appearance (like a discolored yolk), it should be discarded.
How to Safely Use Cracked Eggs (Egg Safety Guidelines)
When we have cracked eggs, I place them in a small bowl to ensure they don’t accidentally end up in a egg carton sold to our customers.
While I’ve left cracked eggs sitting on the counter for a few days without any issues, it’s important to note that these eggs still have their membrane intact.
We only use them in baked goods or dishes where they will be thoroughly cooked—no sunny-side-up or soft scrambled eggs.
Here’s how we safely use cracked eggs:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Crack eggs into a clean container, cover them, and store them in the fridge (keep those eggshells to use in your garden!). Use within 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze cracked eggs in an airtight container. You can also separate the egg yolk from the egg whites before freezing.
- For Baking: Cracked eggs are perfect for cakes, cookies, and other baked goods where the high baking temperatures will kill any harmful bacteria.
- Scrambled or Fried: Cracked eggs can be safely scrambled, made into omelets, or fried—as long as they’re cooked fully.
- Pickled Eggs: Boiling eggs with hairline cracks and pickling them is another great way to preserve them for long-term storage. Acid kills harmful bacteria also.
- Egg drop soup: Use the cracked eggs in this easy and delicious soup or any soup.
Cracked Egg Food Safety
When using cracked eggs, always exercise caution. If you’re unsure whether an egg is safe to use, it’s better to toss it out or cook it and feed it to your chickens—they’ll love the extra protein and calcium!
Special Considerations: Infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should take extra care when consuming potentially hazardous foods. Always cook eggs to a safe internal temperature of 160°F to ensure safety.
If a raw egg is seeping discolored liquid, it’s a sign that it’s rotten and should be discarded.
When in Doubt, Toss It Out! Whether it’s in the compost bin or as a treat for your chickens, it’s always safer to dispose of questionable eggs.
Cracked eggs don’t always have to be thrown away.
With the right precautions, you can safely use them in baking, and cooking, or even preserve them for later.
Remember to check for any signs of contamination, store them properly, and cook them thoroughly to reduce any food safety risks.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution—either cook them for your chickens or toss them out into the compost bin.
Do you have any tips or experiences with cracked eggs? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this post with others who might find it helpful!
Thanks for reading,
Esther
