Place eggs 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 set the timer for the desired time. Boil for 6 - 7 minutes over medium-high heat for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
For soft-boiled eggs boil eggs for 4 minutes
For slightly soft-boiled eggs boil eggs for 5 minutes
For custardy yet firm soft-boiled eggs boil eggs for 6 minutes
For creamy hard-boiled eggs boil eggs for 7 minutes
For firm yet still creamy hard-boiled eggs boil eggs for 8 minutes
For very firm hard boiled eggs boil eggs for 9 minutes
Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a large bowl with ice cold water and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Or you can place them under cool running water to stop the cooking.
Peel and serve the eggs immediately. You can sprinkle some paprika or chives on top.
NOTES
Easy to peel hard boiled eggs
Use older eggs (~ 1 week old). A few days older 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 hard 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.