Save Achieve flawlessly cooked hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks—ideal for snacks, salads, or sandwiches.
This method has been my go-to for making hard-boiled eggs that peel easily and have creamy yolks, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
- Eggs: 6 large eggs
- Water & Seasoning: Cold water, enough to cover eggs by 1 inch
- Water & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt (optional, helps prevent cracking)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover eggs by at least 1 inch.
- Step 2:
- (Optional) Add salt to the water to help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.
- Step 3:
- Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Step 4:
- Once boiling, immediately cover the pan with a lid and remove it from the heat.
- Step 5:
- Let the eggs sit, covered, for exactly 1012 minutes (10 minutes for slightly creamy centers, 12 minutes for fully set yolks).
- Step 6:
- While the eggs are resting, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- Step 7:
- After the resting time, transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon. Cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Gently crack and peel the eggs under running cold water for the easiest peeling.
Save My family enjoys these eggs as quick snacks or chopped over salads during busy weekdays.
Notes
Store peeled or unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve with a sprinkle of salt, cracked pepper, or a dash of paprika.
Required Tools
Saucepan with lid, slotted spoon, large bowl, timer
Allergen Information
Contains eggs. Individuals with egg allergies should avoid this recipe.
Save
Follow these steps exactly for perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I prevent eggs from cracking during cooking?
Adding a teaspoon of salt or a splash of vinegar to the water can help prevent cracks while boiling.
- → What is the ideal cooking time for creamy yolks?
Let the eggs rest covered off the heat for about 10 minutes to achieve slightly creamy yolks.
- → How do I make eggs easier to peel?
Using eggs that are 7–10 days old and cooling them in ice water after cooking makes peeling simpler.
- → Why cool eggs in ice water after boiling?
Cooling stops the cooking process instantly, preventing overcooked centers and making peeling easier.
- → How long can boiled eggs be stored safely?
Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, peeled or unpeeled.