Best Hard Boiled Egg Recipe

Perfect hard boiled eggs, one of the most basic of cooking skills, remains a challenge for many home chefs.

close up of three egg halves on a blue plate with text overlay


 

How Long Do You Boil Eggs?

How long do you boil eggs? How to hard boil eggs should be a basic, but for many of us, remains a mystery! The yolk comes out a grayish-green, they aren’t fully cooked, the shells are hard to peel; a whole host of problems.

Since spring and Easter seem to be the time that hard boiled eggs make their seasonal come back for everything from egg salad , deviled eggs, or just eating them plain, I want to share a few quick tips and tricks on how to make hard boiled eggs. 

Tomato Jam Deviled Eggs use sweet tomato jam with tangy horseradish in a devilishly creamy deviled egg filling. Top with chives and serve! #deviledeggs www.savoryexperiments.com

I am going to say that these are tips and tricks I have personally found work, as have many others, but this doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for failure.

You will come across that stubborn egg that just doesn’t want to play nice and there are many variables preventing you from perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs. 

What you’ll need for Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs (Easy Peel)

  • Eggs – Work in batches of 6. Aim for older eggs in this case. The membrane separating the egg from the shell starts to separate as the egg ages, making it easier to peel. All of these times are based on large eggs.
  • Baking Soda or Vinegar- You don’t need both, just pick one of the other. Both will help to break down the shell a bit, making them easier to peel.
overhead bowl of egg salad

How To Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

  1. Older eggs (but not expired old) as opposed to fresh eggs, actually make the best hard boiled eggs. The taste will be the same, but the shell will peel with ease. This is probably the most critical piece of whether or not your egg will peel well and might take some planning ahead. Grab the eggs in the front of the case, as most grocers will have the oldest stock up front.

Why do old eggs peel better? In fresh eggs, the albumen (egg white) tends to stick to the inner shell membrane due to the less acidic environment of the egg. After the shell’s protective coat slowly wears off, the egg becomes porous, absorbs more air, and releases some of its carbon dioxide.

Pop Sugar
  1. Adding 2 teaspoons of baking soda to cold water before boiling water will assist in peeling. Some folks swear by adding vinegar for the same purpose, but I’ve always had luck with baking soda, so I stick with what I know.
  1. Place eggs in a single layer in the pot, being careful not to crowd the pot. The water needs to circulate around the entire egg. You may need to do them in batches.

    Also make sure you are using the correct size pot, too. For 6 or less eggs, a heavy bottom saucepan will work. If you are making more, use a large Dutch oven or pot. As with most items, overcrowding the pot does not help the cooking process.
  1. Cover eggs with cold water and bring up to a boil. This way the eggs will come up to temperature with the water instead of being shocked when dropped into boiling water causing the shell to shatter and raw egg to leak. Do not fill with hot water either. Cool water is fine. Boil over high heat for the rest of the cook time.
large eggs in a saucepan with water
  1. There are many wives tales for centered yolks. Some tricks that I have heard are to sit the egg carton on its side the night before boiling and stirring the eggs while the water comes to a boil, alternating the direction every minute so the egg whites will be perfect around the egg yolk.

    I have also never had success with any of these working. I like to live on the edge and take my chances.
  1. Remove from the heat as soon as the water comes to a boil, cover and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Many people are worried they will undercook eggs and therefore over boil.

    Bringing them to a full rolling boil is a sure way to get gray yolks! You are even better with a low simmer than a full boil. Overcooking will result in the yucky colored gray hued yolk. The color comes from iron in the yolk reacting with hydrogen sulfide in the white.
hand putting lid on a saucepan
  1. Immediately immerse in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and also loosen the shells. Shock the eggs!

    Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water and ice cubes (ice water bath), but make sure to leave enough space for the eggs. Transfer from boiling water to ice bath using a large slotted spoon
tongs holding an egg going into an ice bath
  1. Shells will be the easiest to remove while they are still warm. Peeling under cold running water will also assist in separating the shell from the egg and prevent you from burning yourself. 

If you have any additional ideas or tips for easier to peel eggs, I’d love to hear them in the comments section!

If you own an Instant Pot, it is also super easy to make Pressure Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs or even Air Fryer Eggs! Electric pressure cookers use high pressure to cook them efficiently and fast.

angle close up of eggs on a blue serving plate

How long do you boil eggs for hard boiled eggs?

Cooking time really depends on the size of your eggs. Generally speaking…10-12 minutes is for a large egg.

Extra large or jumbo eggs may need to boil for 1-2 minutes before removing from heat and conversely, smaller eggs may need closer to 8-10 minutes. Here is what they look and taste like at each stage.

eggs labeled with cooking times and yolk doneness

Two Minute Egg

These were common in the Victorian period and served on a little egg stand with the top of the shell missing. People would remove the top white and dip their toast into the runny yolk. As you can see, these are very runny and hard to peel because they lack shape and structure.

two minute egg cut in half on a wood cutting board

Four Minute Egg

A little more set than a two-minute egg, these are still going to provide a soft yolk, but will be more set. These are ideal for things like Ramen and salads, but aren’t set enough to slice into thin strips.

four minute eggs on a wood cutting board

Six Minute Egg

Considered to be the perfect “soft boiled egg”, these are also used in Ramen dishes, but also as a side for breakfasts, crushed with a fork they can be smeared onto a tortilla or tossed with your favorite greens or on a niçoise salad.

six minute egg cut in half on a wood cutting board

Eight Minute Eggs

Now we are running into hard boiled eggs. Eight minute eggs are at the lower end of that and will be more of a preference and used for salads and other dishes that require a soft, but set yolk. This is my preference of egg to sprinkle with flaky salt and fresh pepper as a snack.

eight minute eggs on a wood cutting board

Ten Minute Eggs

A more solid yolk, but still creamy and velvety, these are hearty eggs used for egg salad, quartered and put on top of salads or used as a garnish for other dishes.

ten minute egg cut in half on a wood cutting board

Twelve Minute Eggs

These are the most solid before heading into the mealy, dry and gray zone. These are great for deviled eggs and using to dye Easter eggs.

twelve minute egg cut in half on a wood cutting board

Perfect Boiled Egg Time

The perfect time depends on on two things, the size of the egg and how you like your yolk, which might be a demand of the recipe or a personal preference. All of these times are based on large eggs. Add 1 minute for extra large eggs, subtract one minute for medium eggs.

  • Soft boiled eggs– For best results, cover for 2-5 minutes, depending on how you like your yolk. Soft-boiled eggs are sometimes called dippy eggs or runny eggs because the yolk can range from runny to semi-set and jammy.
  • Hard boiled eggs– Cover for 9-12 minutes, depending on how you like you yolk. These eggs have a set yolk. Go all the way to 12 minutes for things like Easter eggs. Anything past that the yolk starts to get chalky, dry and can develop a grey-ish ring which is edible and won’t hurt you, but is unsightly.

You can also pick any time between depending on how you like you yolks or the purpose of the recipe. Here is a quick guide for how long to let the eggs sit covered for the optimal yolk.

eggs labeled with cooking times and yolk doneness

Best Way to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Hopefully using older eggs and using baking soda or vinegar will loosen up the shell a bit. From there, gently crack the egg and roll it on a hard surface to break up the shell and dislodge the membrane.

Start peeling at the large end. If the shell is temperamental, you can place it under running water, the force will help to separate the two.

Hard to Peel Egg and Easy Peel Egg

How to store Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Can you freeze hard boiled eggs?

Yes and no. Whites do not freeze well and become gross and rubbery. The yolks, however, will freeze decently, but not great.

How long can hard boiled eggs be kept at room temperature?

This is a great questions and eggs are commonly left at room temperature for long periods of time.

Think of egg hunts, egg salad sandwiches on the potluck table or even deviled eggs, which I prefer to be more toward room temp than chilled.

According to the CDC, hard boiled eggs are good at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Do hard boiled eggs need to be refrigerated?

Yes! After cooking, if you aren’t eating them immediately, hard boiled eggs should be kept refrigerated in a sealed container.

How long do hard boiled eggs last?

If kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last up to 7 days.

Why Does My Egg Look Gray Or Green?

Eggs that have a gray or green ring were cooked took long. Rest assured they are safe to eat and will taste fine, but they might be a touch dry or mealy and look a little unsightly. These will also tint egg salad or deviled egg filling a tad gray.

How to Get Yellow Yolks

Perfect Hard Boiled Egg FAQs

Are hard boiled eggs healthy?

This is always a loaded question and depends mostly on your definition of healthy. Please consult a physician for the best diet for you.

What I will say is that a hard boiled egg is the most natural and organic of egg you can get with zero added sugar or fat.

Consult the nutritional value on your egg carton for the best calorie, fat and cholesterol information.

Are hard boiled eggs gluten free?

Yes, hard boiled eggs are naturally gluten free.

Are hard boiled eggs keto friendly?

Yes! As far as I understand keto (I am in no means an expert), perfect hard boiled eggs are keto friendly.

Can you reheat hard boiled eggs?

You can, but they will get rubbery, just like an overcooked egg. I don’t recommend microwaving, they can explode and the texture will be off.

If you really want to reheat a hard boiled egg, bring water to a boil in a saucepan and heat the egg in for 1-2 minutes.

Why are my hard boiled eggs grey inside?

They were cooked a little too long, but they aren’t bad, just a little unsightly.

What is the best way to cook hard boiled eggs?

Hard boiled eggs, hence the name, are best in the boiling water, but you can also make them with more modern appliance like an Air Fryer or Instant pot.

Do you put hard boiled eggs in before or after water boils?

Place the eggs in the water before it boils so the internal temperature rises along with the water. This prevents them being shocked and the shell breaking.

Should you peel a hard-boiled egg when it’s hot or when it’s cold?

Cold, peeling is much easier after the egg has been in an ice bath. It is also safer for you fingers!

Should you peel hard-boiled eggs right away?

You don’t have to, but I hate doing it, so I try to get it done and out of the way so when I want an egg, I can just grab one from the fridge and go.

infographic for hard boiled eggs

What To Do With Hard Boiled Eggs

There are so many ways recipes that use hard boiled eggs or soft boiled eggs, but my favorite way to enjoy them has to be with just a little salt and pepper.

overhead of deviled egg pasta salad with chives and paprika

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad is a cold macaroni salad using deviled egg filling, pasta and finely minced vegetables. The perfect make ahead side dish for parties and potlucks! 
See The Recipe!
cobb salad on a green placemat

Cobb Salad

With egg, bacon, tomato, onion, avocado and blue cheese, a Classic Cobb Salad recipe can't be beat! This recipe also has the BEST homemade dressing!
See The Recipe!

You can also make easy Poached Eggs

collage of how to hard boil eggs
three hard boiled egg halves on a blue plate sprinkled with salt and pepper

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs on Stove

4.74 from 63 votes
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs with creamy yellow yolks and easy to peel shells. How to hard boil eggs the easy way! 
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or baking soda , pick one

Instructions

  • Place the eggs in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Do not over crowd the pot, make sure there is enough room for water to circulate around each egg. If there isn't, work in batches of 6.
  • Add the baking soda or vinegar.
  • Fill pot with cold water to about 1/2 inch above egg tops.
  • Bring the water to a boil.
  • When the water reaches a full, rolling boil (not just a simmer), then remove from heat and cover.
  • For jammy yolks (soft boiled), cover for 4-5 minutes, for hard boiled (solid, cooked yellow yolk), cover for 10-12 minutes. You can also pick any time between based on preference.
  • Immediately remove eggs using a metal slotted spoon or tongs and submerse in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • Run under cold water and gently break and remove the shells.
  • If you've tried this technique, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Notes

Make them in the Instant Pot! 

Nutrition

Calories: 62 kcal, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 163 mg, Sodium: 62 mg, Potassium: 60 mg, Vitamin A: 240 IU, Calcium: 25 mg, Iron: 0.8 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 62
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hard boiled eggs
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

** Please note, these are just tips and tricks. I am not claiming that these will work ALL THE TIME or that this is THE ONLY way. They are simply suggestions. I’d love to hear your own and if these tips worked for you!

Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.74 from 63 votes (53 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. Great article, very informative. What about piercing a tiny whole at the large end of the egg, i’ve seen that done with this tool(?) made especially for accomplishing this without breaking the egg but really do not know what the purpose of doing that is and/or does it help? Have you ever tried it and what are your thoughts?

    1. I’ve seen it done, but I had a hard time making the tiny hole without busting the whole shell and then the inside was a wonky shape. It depends on how you want your egg cooked and what you plan to use it for, I suppose.

  2. 4 stars
    Using room temperature eggs, COLD water, and the left up from simmering water until the shell dries in 7-8 seconds then the bowl-on-brown cracking method works for me every time. I worked in restaurant kitchens for 45 years (line cook, saucier, soups chef, and head chef).

  3. 5 stars
    I tried this method today with great results! Peeled so easily and that never happens for me. So glad I saved this post and it is a keeper for sure.

  4. It was not long enough for the eggs. I had large/X-large eggs and kept them covered for 14 minutes. It still wasn’t long enough. [Wasted good eggs on this one.]

    1. I’m really sorry to hear that. This is for large eggs, extra large will take a little longer. Also, do you happen to be at high altitude?

  5. 5 stars
    Followed these directions, my large eggs were PERFECT at 12 minutes. Added baking soda with cold water, then brought to a boil, removed to ice bath, peeled under running water. PERFECT!

  6. I don’t mean to insult anyone but I used this method for years and while my yolks no longer had that Alien Green look, the peeling was hit and miss and sadly, I never figured out why they peeled nicely but the next time they did not. Not long ago, I found a new technique from Lifehacker, believe it or not. I’ve used the Steam Method many times and for me, they always come out as gorgeous as your photographed eggs. I’m no genius – I don’t understand why one way works and another doesn’t. I’ve studied it almost long enough to go crazy 😜 and I still don’t know. But I thought you might want to hear about yet another technique. Many thanks to you for all your hard work! Stay safe!

  7. I just learned the best way to boil eggs that are soooo easy to peel!
    1. Boil water
    2. Add about a TB of olive oil, then turn down heat to a medium boil
    3. Add eggs, cover & set a timer for 13 minutes (YAY! Your favorite number!)
    4. Remove from water immediately into a water bath, until ice is melted
    5. Peel with ease!

  8. I have an egg cooker that goes in the microwave. It works perfectly for me and have never had an egg explode yet. I cook them for 8 minutes, let them stand for a while, put them in ice water until they are cold. I peel the eggs by rolling them on the counter until the shell is all cracked. Have never had a problem. The shell practically falls off. The eggs don’t have to be cooked in the microwave for this to work. Try it, you’ll be surprised how easy it is.

    1. Wow! We will surely try it in a pinch! Do you find that eggs cooked in the microwave get a little rubbery? I always feel like they have a different texture.