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Making perfect hard boiled eggs is easier than you think! Whether you want soft, medium, or fully hard-boiled eggs, this simple guide covers exactly how long to boil them and how to get easy-to-peel results every time.
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Table of Contents
- Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
- Hard Boiled Eggs Time Chart & Calculator
- Ingredients
- How To Make Hard Boiled Eggs
- Expert Tips For Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
- How To Peel the Eggs
- What Readers Are Saying
- How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe
- Recipe Help & FAQs
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- How To Use Boiled Eggs
- Alternative Ways to Cook Eggs
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
Learning how to make hard boiled eggs might seem simple, but there’s a little art to getting them just right. I used to struggle with peeling them perfectly, and I remember the first time I made them for deviled eggs – everything was going great until I tried peeling them and ended up with half an egg stuck to the shell!
After years of trial and error (and a few cracked eggs), I finally nailed down a foolproof method for cooking perfect hard boiled eggs that are easy to peel. With hundreds of five-star reviews, this recipe is a trusted go-to for perfectly boiled eggs every time.
For foolproof results, don’t miss the expert tips, boiling time guide & calculator, and FAQ section below – your shortcut to perfect eggs & easy peeling every time!
For a hands-off method, check out my guide on boiling eggs in the Instant Pot.
Hard Boiled Eggs Time Chart & Calculator
These times are based on average medium to large egg sizes and eggs using the “cold start” method. Start the timer after the water starts boiling.
Boiling times at a glance:
- Soft-boiled eggs: 3 minutes
- Jammy eggs: 4 minutes
- Medium boiled eggs: 5 minutes
- Custardy eggs: 6 minutes
- Creamy hard-boiled eggs: 7 minutes
- Firm yet still hard-boiled eggs: 8 minutes
- Very firm hard boiled eggs: 9 minutes
The perfect egg has no green ring around the yolk; the yolk is creamy and mellow; and if you want, you can stop short of the hard-boil and make them soft-boiled instead.
Now that you’ve checked out the time chart for different egg doneness, you can use my handy boiling time calculator to get a personalized cooking time based on your egg size and how you like them cooked. No guesswork, just perfect eggs every time!
Boiling Time Calculator
Ingredients
For a full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
- Eggs: You can use any type of eggs, just remember that farm-fresh eggs might be a little bit more difficult to peel. Some people suggest that a few days old eggs tend to peel more easily than very fresh eggs.
- Water
- Ice – to make an ice water bath for the eggs
Equipment Needed: Saucepan, Timer, Slotted spoon, Bowl for the ice bath
How To Make Hard Boiled Eggs
Step 1. Add eggs to a pot with water. Place eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan and cover them with cool water, about 1 inch above the eggs.
Step 2. Boil the eggs. Cover the pan with a lid and bring water to a boil over high heat; when the water has reached a boil, reduce heat to medium and set the timer for the desired time. Boil for 7 – 8 minutes over medium heat for perfect hard boiled eggs.
Quick Tip
Make sure you start your timer when the water starts boiling, not when you place the eggs in the water.
Step 3. Cool eggs in an ice water bath. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and let them cool for a few minutes. This will also help the eggs peel easily.
Step 4. Peel the eggs. Once cooled, remove the eggs and gently tap each on a hard surface. Roll to crack the shell, then peel.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Expert Tips For Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
- Don’t place the cold eggs from the fridge in the hot water on the stove. Place the eggs in a pot and then add water and turn on the cooktop. If an egg has a crack, you can add a little bit of vinegar to the pot. It will help to congeal the egg white if it starts to leak out from the shell.
- Shock the eggs in ice water. Right after you take the eggs out of the boiling water, quickly move them to an ice water bath. This stops the cooking and makes peeling them a lot easier. Tce bath helps separate the egg membrane from the shell.
- Roll them on the counter. After you boil the eggs and cool them in ice-cold water, roll them on the counter to remove the shell. The shell will fall off easily.
- Peel them under cold running water. If I notice that some eggs are hard to peel, I crack them all around without peeling them and place them under a little bit of running water or soak them in a bowl with water for a while. The water penetrates under the shell and makes it easier to peel.
- To make the eggs easier to peel, some people suggest to use older eggs. A few days old eggs are easier to peel. Boiled farm-fresh eggs may be more difficult to peel than eggs that are a few days older.
- If you are planning to make Easter eggs or deviled eggs, and want to make sure they will be easy to peel, it’s best to buy eggs at least a week in advance. Older eggs are easier to peel.
How To Peel the Eggs
You know that moment when you’re trying to peel an egg, and half the white comes off with the shell? Yeah, I’ve been there. After lots of trial and error, I finally found a foolproof method (or three to be exact). Here’s how to easily peel eggs after they’ve cooled in ice water for a few minutes:
- Gently crack the shell and roll the egg on the counter. The shell should come off easily.
- Crack the shell all around and peel the egg under running water or let it soak in a bowl of water for a bit to loosen the shell.
- Another method is to place the eggs in a Tupperware container with an inch of water, cover it, and shake for about 15 seconds. The shells should slide right off.
These tips will help you peel hard-boiled eggs with ease every time!
What Readers Are Saying
Ok Im sold! Tried your recipe twice now and my eggs peel so easily. I was using the one you mentioned where you remove from heat, cover and let sit and then ice bath, but still a pain to peel. Thank you so much for this! I actually have a whole egg when Im done peeling! 🙂
– Debbie
Wow! This Is my first review ever; I’m 61. I have tried Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, eg anything on the internet, on how to hard boil eggs. Your technique is the winner!
– Michelle
If you tried this Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
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Equipment
- Pot
- Timer
- Slotted spoon
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- Cold water
- Ice
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan and cover them with cool water, about 1 inch above the eggs.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and set a timer for 7 to 8 minutes for perfectly hard-boiled eggs. IMPORTANT: Make sure you start your timer when the water starts boiling, not when you place the eggs in the water.
- When the timer is up, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes. Alternatively, run them under cold water until cool. This helps them peel more easily.
- Once cooled, remove the eggs and gently tap each on a hard surface. Roll to crack the shell, then peel.
Video
Notes
Tips for easy to peel hard boiled eggs
- Roll them on the counter. After you boil the eggs and cool them in ice-cold water, roll them on the counter to remove the shell. It will fall off easily.
- Place cracked eggs under water. If you notice that some eggs are hard to peel, crack them all around without peeling them and place them under a little bit of running water or soak them in a bowl with water for a while. The water penetrates under the shell and makes it easier to peel.
How to prevent your eggs from cracking
- Don’t place the cold eggs from the fridge in the hot water on the stove.
- Place the eggs in cold water and then turn on the cooktop.
- If an egg has a crack, you can add a little bit of vinegar to the pot. It will help to congeal the egg white if it starts to leak out from the shell.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
Recipe Help & FAQs
To check if an egg is fresh, place it in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs sink to the bottom and lay flat, while older eggs stand up or float.
When the water begins to boil, start a timer and gently cook the eggs for 7 minutes.
To minimize the chances of your eggs cracking, start by placing them in a pot of cold water before turning on the heat. Bring the water to a gentle boil gradually, which reduces the stress on the eggshells. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pot, as eggs bumping against each other can cause cracks.
For easy peeling, use eggs that are at least a week old. After boiling, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath for several minutes to cool them quickly. Once cool, gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shell all over, then peel under running water or in a bowl of water to help loosen the shell from the egg.
You can also try rolling them on the counter and then peeling them.
Alternatively, place the eggs in a Tupperware with water, cover, shake for 15 seconds, and the shells should slide off easily.
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. (If you notice a gassy odor in the refrigerator, that is normal and harmless, it’s caused by hydrogen sulfide that forms when the eggs are boiled.) I prefer to peel their shells before refrigerating. They are harder to peel after they have been refrigerated.
A green ring forms when eggs are overcooked or cooked at too high a temperature. Lowering the heat after boiling and using an ice bath helps prevent it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to peel eggs: My recipe technique makes peeling eggs effortless.
- Wholesome: Hard-boiled eggs are a simple, delicious, and satisfying option for breakfast or a quick snack.
- Great for meal prep: Hard boiled eggs are great for batch cooking and meal prepping for the week, and this recipe helps you prepare them in bulk with ease.
- Quick recipe: With clear instructions and precise timing, you can prepare hard boiled eggs quickly, perfect for busy mornings.
How To Use Boiled Eggs
For busy mornings, hard-boiled eggs are a lifesaver! I make a batch on Sundays, and they’re perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week. I also pair them with some fruit or toast. Here are some of my other favorite ways to use them:
- Sandwiches. These eggs are perfect to make Healthy Egg Salad or any other sandwiches you make.
- Salads. Slice them into your favorite salad, or use them in Cobb Salad, Chef Salad, 7 Layer Salad, Potato Salad, Russian Salad Olivier, and any other salad you want to add more protein to.
- Appetizers. These boiled eggs are great to make Deviled Eggs.
- Breakfast. For a simple breakfast I love to serve them sliced on an Avocado Toast, on a cheese bagel, or simply with bacon.
Alternative Ways to Cook Eggs
Appetizers + Snacks
Deviled Eggs Recipe
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast Egg Muffins
Breakfast Recipes
How to Make Scrambled Eggs (Fluffy & Moist)
Breakfast Recipes
Once it reaches a boil, do uncover the lid or leave it covered ?
Leave the lid covered. If it starts overflowing, open it up a little bit.
Glad this question was answered. In the video, there was no cover.
I did try your way of cooking eggs loved it!!!! My grandma showed me when i was younger it was to bring to a fast boil then take off let set 10 min coverd, then place in cold water the water we drawed up from a well next to the farm house it was always very cold water we didnt have indoor plumbing and cooked on a wood fired cook stove. We would take them with us as we did our chores on the farm. Now that im a service plumbing Tech i still cook them and take with me for a snack or lunch now im out the door faster and have them anyway i please!
Thanks for stopping by, Gordon! Yes, this is a much faster way to make hard-boiled eggs. I am glad you love it! 🙂
Do you have to have a cover? I didn’t cover mine so wondering if need to add cooking time?
No, you don’t have to adjust the cooking time. It’s good to cover the eggs otherwise the water will evaporate quicker and there might not be enough water to cover the eggs. This can result in undercooked eggs.
Learning how to perfectly hard boil an egg to your exact specifications is life changing!
Thanks, Elena!
We love hard boiled eggs here. I have to admit that I have never tried to do anything other than a firm yellow yolk but I might have to try your chart and test it out!
Hope you give it a try, Erin! I think you will love it!
Love the simplicity and I totally agree, boiled eggs are such a great to-go protein. Nice!
Thanks, Debra!
I’ve never been a big egg fan, but my husband loves them. I’ve always struggled with hard-boiled eggs for him so this guide is great! I’m guessing a minute or two adjustment for higher altitudes.
Hi Alisa! Yes, I would adjust a minute or two for higher altitudes. Glad you find this guide helpful!
Great tutorial! I love me some soft cooked eggggsss!
Thanks, Kathi! I can eat eggs every day, cooked any way. 🙂
i love hard boiled eggs too. My mother and grandmother cooked eggs for 20 to 25 min. Without placin a lid on pot. I can’t wait to cook eggs the correct way. I have over cooked my eggs for over a two decades. I might have eggs everyday next week
This is how my mom also taught me to cook boiled eggs. I said the same thing been over cooking them more than 20 years. I can’t wait to make it this way, its much faster and no grey yolk
Loving the visual! Such a good reference.
Thanks, Lauren!
I love the visual you have here! I always seem to second guess myself and boil eggs too long, so it’s great to see how just an extra minute or two can change things. Will have to experiment with this for my lunch next week!
Thanks, Chrisy! Hope you give it a try!
Perfection!! I can’t wait to try this different versions!
Thanks, Sam!
I tried this recipe today on a snow day perfect hard boiled eggs thanks