Have you ever boiled eggs just to find out that they were over or under cooked? It’s not fun wasting eggs, especially when they’re expensive, high quality, organic eggs. It seems like it should be so easy, right?
Well good news: it is! This method will show you how to boil an egg in an easy, simple, straight-forward way that will only take 12 minutes (depending on your preference of “firmness”). Whether you’re mixing them in an Avocado Egg Salad, adding them to a Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad, or just having them on hand for healthy snacking, you’ll love this easy approach!
Welcome to the SIMPLE way to boil an egg perfectly every time. No more weird, complicated methods!
What you need
All you need to make hard boiled eggs are a stock pot with water, eggs, a bowl of cold water, and a timer (not pictured).
How to make hard boiled eggs perfectly every time
This method of boiling eggs will give you the PERFECT texture every single time. Here’s how to do it in 7 easy steps:
1. Bring a stock pot or saucepan of water to a boil.
2. While the water is coming to a boil, fill a large bowl with cold water and place in the refrigerator.
3. Once the water is boiling, place the eggs into the water and bring to a simmer.
4. Set your timer for the desired time (10-14 minutes, see section below on how long to boil an egg).
5. Remove eggs from boiling water when the timer goes off and place in the bowl of cold water.
6. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
7. Peel the eggs using the method below.
How long does it take to boil an egg?
We tested several boiling times for making the best eggs. The conclusion? 12 minutes is the perfect amount of time!
Now, that’s personal preference depending on how “done” you want your eggs. Here’s a comparison photo showing the different times.
Want them to be a little less firm? Go for 10 minutes. Very firm? 14 minutes. But 12 minutes seems to be the right amount of time for that perfect texture.
TIP: Different stovetops, different amounts of water, and different eggs can all affect cooking time. Do your own test by running a stopwatch and removing eggs at different times. Once you find the right amount of time for YOUR desired texture, stick to it and it’ll solve your egg boiling problems forever!
How to easily peel eggs
Now for the next part – peeling the eggs! This has always been an area of struggle for me, but after trying several methods, I’ve found that keeping it simple is the best way. Here’s how to easily peel an egg after boiling:
1. Make sure the egg has cooled down.
2. Dry the egg.
3. Lightly tap the top of the egg on a countertop 2-3 times to crack.
4. Carefully start the peel and slowly begin peeling.
5. Once the peel has started, use the side of your thumb (not your nail or the top of your thumb) to slowly peel the rest. Don’t rush it!
The key to peeling eggs perfectly every time is to not rush the peeling process! Take your time and use the side of your thumb (not the top) to peel.
How long can I store hard boiled eggs?
Hard boiled eggs can last about 1 week in the refrigerator. Be sure to store them in an airtight container!
How to eat them
- Sliced with a little bit of paprika, salt, and pepper (using this egg slicer – saves a ton of time).
- Add them to Avocado Toast.
- Use them (instead of a poached egg) in this Breakfast Salad.
- Mix them into this Avocado Egg Salad!
Did you try this method? Be sure to give it a rating in the recipe below!
The BEST Hard Boiled Eggs
Equipment
- Stock Pot or Saucepan
- Timer
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 4-5 cups cold water
Instructions
- Bring a stock pot or saucepan of water to a boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, fill a large bowl with cold water and place in the refrigerator.
- Once the water is boiling, place the eggs into the water and bring to a simmer.
- Set your timer for the desired time (10 minutes for lightly firm, 12 minutes for medium firm, or 14 minutes very firm).
- Remove the eggs from boiling water when the timer goes off and place in the bowl of cold water.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Peel the eggs.
- Store for later or serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure that the eggs do not have small cracks prior to boiling them.
- Make sure that the eggs have completely (or significantly) cooled down before peeling.
- The key to peeling eggs perfectly every time is to not rush the peeling process! Take your time and use the side of your thumb (not the top) to peel.
Swathi says:
This is really useful post. I like hard boiled eggs, some time it won’t work perfectly as I needed.Your tips sounds great.
Ashley Marie Lecker says:
I love your method and photos. I have been a fan of steaming for years and have not boiled for a long time, but will need to give it a try again!
Mirlene says:
Such a helpful article! I love the way you show the difference in time. It helps to get a full vision as everyone in my house has different preferences. Thanks for sharing!
Candice says:
Yum! These hardboiled eggs are definitely the best. They peel easily, and taste fantastic. Thank you for the simple tricks to make it perfectly!