Learn how to make perfect hard boiled eggs that are easy to peel and have a creamy yellow yolk every time by using these tips. Only 6-7 minutes to make.
Place eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan. Cover them with cool water by 1 inch.
Cover with a lid and bring water to a boil over high heat; when the water has reached a full rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-high and maintain a gentle boil. Set the timer for the desired time and boil for 6 - 7 minutes over medium-high heat for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
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. Or you can place them under cool running water to stop the cooking. This will also help the eggs peel easily.
Remove the eggs from the cold water and tap the egg on a solid surface, then gently roll to crack the shell on all sides before peeling the egg shell. You can sprinkle some paprika or chives on top. (Skip this step if your eggs are soft-boiled with runny yolks or if you’re planning to dye your eggs for Easter.)
NOTES
IMPORTANT: Make sure you start your timer when the water starts boiling not when you place the eggs in the water.
Boiling eggs Cook Time Chart
For soft-boiled eggs boil eggs - 4 minutes from the time water starts boiling
For slightly soft-boiled eggs boil eggs - 5 minutes from the time water starts boiling
For custardy yet firm soft-boiled eggs boil eggs - 6 minutes from the time water starts boiling
For creamy hard-boiled eggs boil eggs - 7 minutes from the time water starts boiling
For firm yet still creamy hard-boiled eggs boil eggs - 8 minutes from the time water starts boiling
For very firm hard boiled eggs boil eggs - 9 minutes from the time water starts boiling
Easy to peel hard boiled eggs
Use older eggs (~ 1 week old). A few days old eggs are easier to peel.
Add 1/2 tsp salt to the water. Adding salt to the water may help make the eggs easier to peel.
Add 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Some people suggest adding baking soda to the water which increases the alkalinity of the water and makes the eggs easy to peel.
Add vinegar (if you are using farm fresh eggs). You can easily peel hard-boiled eggs by adding a little bit of vinegar to the water which makes the shell softer.
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.
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.
How to store boiled eggs
Refrigerate any unused eggs, with their shells removed, for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
NUTRITION
Nutrition Facts
How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 62Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 163mg54%
Sodium 62mg3%
Potassium 60mg2%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 240IU5%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 0.8mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword boiled eggs, easy to peel hard boiled eggs, hard boiled eggs time chart, how long to boil eggs, how to boil eggs