The BEST Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe

Close up of hard boiled eggs topped with salt, pepper, and paprika.

The BEST Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe

Is it possible to make PERFECT hard-boiled eggs every single time? Absolutely! This is the best hard-boiled egg recipe I know, and it's an easy, simple, straightforward method that takes just 12 minutes to boil (depending on your preference of "firmness"). I’ve been using this method for YEARS, and it’s still by far the easiest I’ve ever tried. There’s a reason it has a five-star rating. Try it out, and you'll never go back to another hard-boiled egg recipe again!

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Cooling Time 10

Total Time 27

Servings Hard-Boiled Eggs

Calories 72kcal

Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

Stock Pot or Saucepan
Timer
Large Bowl
Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

6 large eggs
4-5 cups cold water

Instructions

Boil the water. Fill a large stockpot or saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Prepare an ice bath. While the water heats, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. Set aside.
Add the eggs. Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil.
Set the timer. Cook the eggs according to your preferred yolk consistency:
- 10 minutes: Lightly firm yolks with slightly creamy centers.
- 12 minutes: Firm yolks that are still tender.
- 14 minutes: Fully set, very firm yolks.
Transfer to the ice bath. Immediately remove the eggs from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared ice bath.
Cool. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for 10 minutes to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
Peel. Gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. Carefully peel, starting at the wider end of the egg, and rinse under cool water if needed.
Enjoy! Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Check the eggs for cracks before cooking. Avoid using eggs with cracked shells.
Lower the eggs gently into the boiling water to prevent cracking.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the eggs, their starting temperature, and your altitude.

How to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs

Allow the eggs to cool completely before peeling.
Gently tap the eggs on a countertop, then roll them to loosen the shells.
Start peeling at the wider end, where there's typically a small air pocket.
Use the side of your thumb to gently remove the shell without damaging the egg white.
Peel under cool running water if the shell is difficult to remove.

Nutrition