Looking for an easy and delicious snack? Look no further than hard-boiled eggs!

This fail-proof method for hard boiled eggs means you’ll have perfect eggs every time without any guesswork.

Add them to salads or turn them into deviled eggs for a tasty treat.

overhead view of hard boiled eggs cut in half

The Perfect Snack, Salad, or Side!

Boiling eggs isn’t really a science, but sometimes it can feel like it is! Below are my favorite tips for perfect hard-boiled eggs, taking all of the guesswork out of the equation!

  • Boiled Eggs aren’t just great for Easter eggs; we snack on them all year long!
  • Low-carb and low-calorie, hard-boiled eggs are an inexpensive and healthy snack!
  • This cooking method means no more overcooked eggs (and no grey ring around the yolks) for perfect deviled eggs or egg salad sandwiches!

How to Make Hard Boil Eggs

  1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water at least ½″ above the eggs.
  2. Bring water to a rolling boil, cover, and remove from the heat.
  3. Rest covered (off of the heat) per the recipe below.
  4. Place in a large bowl of ice water for 5 minutes before peeling.

How Long to Hard Boil Eggs

This boiled egg recipe uses large eggs from the fridge, if using medium eggs or extra large eggs, cooking time may need to be adjusted. Room-temperature eggs may need less time.

In this method, rather than hard boiling by simmering, we bring the water to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Cover with a lid and then start a timer and for hard boiled eggs, let it sit covered for 15-17 minutes. This makes bright yellow yolks, tender whites and helps avoid cracks.

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs on a plate with writing

How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

To peel hardboiled eggs, place the cooked eggs in an ice bath for at least 5 minutes. Gently tap the egg to crack the shell all around and peel the egg under running cold water, allowing the water to slip between the egg white and the membrane of the shell.

If your eggs are fresh, try making them in an Instant Pot (pressure cooker) or an Air Fryer. I find fresh eggs peel easier with these methods.

Why do older eggs peel better?

Older eggs peel better! Why are some hard-boiled eggs impossible to peel while others come off like a breeze? It all comes down to science!

The pH levels of fresh egg whites are different than that of older egg whites. As the egg ages, the pH becomes more acidic, so it doesn’t stick to the membrane, which in turn makes it easier to peel.

Holly’s Tips for Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Here are my favorite tips to make perfect hard boiled eggs, taking all of the guesswork and kitchen hacks out of the equation.

  • Use large eggs for this recipe; cooking time will vary for medium or extra large eggs.
  • For best results, use older eggs as they will peel easier than fresh ones.
  • No need to add anything to your boiling water, such as vinegar or baking soda.
  • Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. This will help stop the eggs from cooking and make them easier to peel.
  • Place a single layer of eggs in the saucepan and fill with water half an inch over the eggs for even cooking.
  • Once the water comes to a rapid boil, remove the pan from heat and allow it to rest covered. The residual heat from the water will gently cook the eggs.
Two sliced hard boiled eggs

Storage

Hard-boiled eggs will keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container for about a week. You can store them either before or after peeling.

How long to hard boil eggs.

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water at least ½″ above the eggs. Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Cover and remove from heat. Allow the eggs to sit for 15-17 minutes (for large eggs) for hard-boiled eggs.

How long do hard boiled eggs last?

Either in the shell or peeled, use hard boiled eggs within 1 week.

Can you freeze hard boiled eggs?

No, they don’t freeze well. The whites will become tough and rubbery.

Recipes Using Hard Boiled Eggs

Looking for some delicious ways to use those hard-boiled eggs you just made? Try adding them to a classic cobb salad or make some deviled eggs for a tasty appetizer. Hard-boiled eggs are versatile, healthy, and add a protein-packed boost to any dish!rnrnrn

Did you try making these Hard Boiled Eggs? Be sure to leave a rating and comment below!

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs cooked and sliced
4.99 from 67 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Perfect hard boiled eggs are the base for an amazing snack, appetizer or breakfast!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Chill Time 5 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 6 eggs

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 6 large eggs
  • water

Instructions 

  • Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water at least ½″ above the eggs.
  • Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Cover and remove from heat.
  • Let stand covered for 15-17 minutes (for large eggs).
  • Remove from hot water and place in a bowl of ice water or run under cold water for 5 minutes.

Notes

This recipe uses eggs cold from of the fridge (not room temperature eggs). If using room temperature eggs, cooking time may need to be adjusted.
  • Allow the eggs to sit for 15-17 minutes (for large eggs) for hard boiled eggs.
  • Allow the eggs to sit for 8-10 minutes (for large eggs) for jammy yolks.
  • Allow the eggs to sit for 6-8 minutes (for large eggs) for soft boiled.

More Tips

  • This recipe is made using large eggs.  If using medium or extra large eggs, cooking time will vary by a minute or two.
  • Older eggs will peel better than fresh eggs
  • There is no need to add anything to your boiling water  (like vinegar or baking soda).
  • Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water. This helps stop the eggs from cooking and helps them to peel nicely.
  • Place a single layer in the saucepan and fill to half an inch over the eggs for even cooking.
  • After the water comes to a rapid boil, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to rest covered. The heat from the water will gently cook the egg.
4.99 from 67 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 62 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 60mg | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American

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Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs cooked with writing
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Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs with seasonings and a title
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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Comments

  1. Success at last using this method! I used older large eggs and followed directions. I did leave the eggs in an ice bath for about 15 minutes until the eggs were cold. I lightly tapped the ends and rolled the eggs on the countertop before peeling and didn’t need to peel them under running water. All 24 eggs came out perfect!5 stars