How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last?

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So, you took the time to hard-boil some eggs for a weekend Easter egg-dyeing project (or, you know, tomorrow’s desk salad). But when it comes to boiling eggs—how long in advance is too long in advance? Should they be stored peeled or unpeeled? And should you not have—gasp—left them on the counter overnight? We’ve got the answers below.

How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the fridge?

Whether peeled or unpeeled, hard-boiled eggs will stay A-OK for up to a week in the fridge.

Should they be stored peeled or unpeeled?

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Keeping the eggs in-shell will protect them from drying out, as the shell acts as a moisture barrier. Keep the eggs corralled in a bowl or empty egg carton—but make sure to label them as cooked, so as to not confuse them with your similar-looking raw, in-shell eggs.

If you’re very committed to storing the eggs unpeeled, make sure to tuck a lightly dampened cloth in with the babies, in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can store peeled eggs submerged in cold water, in an airtight container. Just be sure to refresh that water daily.

…unrefrigerated?

As with all cooked foods left out at room temperature (aka the Danger Zone), hard-boiled eggs are no longer deemed safe after two hours. Instead, drop the eggs post-boil in a bowl of ice water, and transfer the cooled eggs to the fridge for longer shelf-life.