How To Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Perfectly Every Time
Have you ever asked Google, how long does it take to make hard-boiled eggs? Or How do I make hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel? Today I will show you an easy way to remember how to make hard-boiled eggs perfectly every time!
My sister, or my brother-in-law rather, has chickens. Lots of chickens and lots of eggs. There is nothing better than farm fresh eggs so whenever possible I use their eggs. I call their chicken coop the “chicken TajMahal”! LOL Seriously, there is a door on a timer. It’s swanky. Those chickens are happy chickens.
When I buy eggs at the store I try to buy cage-free and organic brown eggs. For my farm fresh eggs, I leave them out on the counter and they stay at room temperature all the time. However, my store bought eggs stay in the fridge even if they are organic.
I do have another egg tip as well. It’s better when baking if your eggs (and butter) are at room temperature rather than cold and just out of the fridge. You’ll get fluffier cookies and cakes!
How to create the perfect hard-boiled eggs
Some egg Boiling tips
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before boiling
- DO NOT cover them in tap water and then bring them to a boil
- Set a timer or watch the clock carefully
- Use the same pot each time for consistency
- Don’t let your boiled eggs sit in the shell if you want them to look pretty peeled
- Keep your peeled shells
How to make Hard-Boiled Eggs Perfectly
Time needed: 12 minutes
Perfect Hard Boiled Egg
- Pick your pot
Try using the same pot each time you are boiling eggs for consistency. Pots are not all created equal when it comes to conducting heat.
You can find my favorite copper cookware here!
- Add water
Add enough water to your pot to cover one layer of eggs.
- Bring to a boil
Before adding your eggs to the water, bring your water to a rolling boil.
- Add eggs
Add one layer of eggs to the water gently with a spoon. Don’t stack eggs or overfill your pot. One layer of eggs with a little room in between is best. If your eggs are “dancing” or bouncing because of the boiling, turn down the heat just a smidge.
- Set your timer
For hard boiled eggs, set your timer for 12 minutes.
There are different levels of boiled eggs and their best uses.
For Breakfast I like 5 minute eggs. They are a bit runny in the middle still but the whites are cooked through.
For Deviled eggs, 12 minutes is best. - Drain hot water
When your timer goes off, immediately drain the boiling water into the sink and hold back the eggs with your slotted spoon or use the side of your sink.
- Add cold water
Rinse the eggs with cold water drain again and then cover with cold water again I sometimes add a few cubes of ice as well and leave them in the water for 10-20 minutes to cool.
This cold rinse stops the cooking process and lets them begin to cool. - Crack the eggs
Take each egg out one at a time and gently tap them all over to crack them and place them cracked back in the water and let them sit while you crack the others to allow the water to get in between the egg and the shell.
- Peel
Your eggs should peel like a hot knife in butter now. As you peel the shell away the membrane should stay attached to the shell and pull right off.
- Fill a clean bowl with cold water
Place egg in cold water bath in a clean bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Transfer or prepare
If you are making your egg recipe immediately you can do so, but I would let them cool to room temperature or colder.
If you plan to store the eggs for a short time before you use them, store them in an airtight container WITHOUT water for up to one week.
You can find this amazing airtight container here! - Keep your peeled shells
Keep your shells to add to your garden. You can throw them in the soil with your plants to help fortify them
Hard-boiled eggs can be so frustrating when they don’t peel well or when they didn’t fully cook like you were hoping. This will give you perfect hard-boiled eggs every time!
Enjoy these fun tips? Check out my favorite Spring Cleaning Recipes here!
Shop My Favorite Kitchen Tools
Here are a few of my favorite things for the kitchen!
Eggsellent Egg Recipes
My friend Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill has this amazing Asparagus, Bacon, and Egg Croissant recipe that calls for hard-boiled eggs and she talks about how to use the air fryer for the eggs too!
I found this Breakfast Tostada Recipe that looks amazing too! I can’t wait to try this!
All great tips Amy!! Thanks for sharing my brunch recipe!! Love Ya!!
Thank you! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Such great tips. I’m making eggs today. Hugs to you.
Hugs Renae! Have a happy Easter!