Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Appetizers

Achieving perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs involves careful timing and cooling. Start by placing eggs in a saucepan covered with cold water and a pinch of salt to prevent cracking. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let rest 10–12 minutes based on desired yolk texture. Cooling the eggs in an ice water bath stops cooking, resulting in tender whites and creamy yolks that peel easily. This simple technique yields eggs perfect for snacks, salads, or sandwiches.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:34:00 GMT
Perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks, ready to enjoy as a protein-packed snack. Save
Perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks, ready to enjoy as a protein-packed snack. | electricpork.com

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

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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.
Product image
Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| electricpork.com

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.

A close-up of perfectly cooked perfect hard-boiled eggs, showing smooth, white exteriors and creamy centers. Save
A close-up of perfectly cooked perfect hard-boiled eggs, showing smooth, white exteriors and creamy centers. | electricpork.com
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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.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Flawlessly cooked hard eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks, ideal for snacks or salads.

Prep Duration
2 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
12 minutes
Created by Grace Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Info Meatless, No Dairy, Free from Gluten, Low in Carbs

What You'll Need

Eggs

01 6 large eggs

Water & Seasoning

01 Cold water, enough to cover eggs by 1 inch
02 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Arrange eggs in saucepan: Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and add cold water to cover them by at least 1 inch.

Step 02

Add salt to water: Optionally add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to help prevent cracking and facilitate peeling.

Step 03

Bring water to boil: Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 04

Remove from heat and cover: Immediately cover the pan with a lid and remove it from the heat once boiling is achieved.

Step 05

Let eggs rest: Let the eggs sit covered for 10 to 12 minutes: 10 minutes for slightly creamy yolks, 12 minutes for fully set yolks.

Step 06

Prepare ice bath: While eggs rest, fill a large bowl with ice water to prepare for cooling.

Step 07

Cool eggs in ice bath: Transfer eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon and cool for at least 5 minutes.

Step 08

Peel eggs: Gently crack and peel the eggs under running cold water to ease shell removal.

Gear Needed

  • Saucepan with lid
  • Slotted spoon
  • Large bowl
  • Timer

Allergen Details

Be sure to carefully review ingredients for allergens. Check with your healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains eggs; individuals with egg allergies should avoid consumption.

Nutrition (per portion)

For informational use only, not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric value: 70
  • Fat content: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Proteins: 6 g