Save Achieve flawlessly cooked hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks—ideal for snacks, salads, or sandwiches.
I always struggled with peeling hard-boiled eggs until I found this method, which makes them easy to peel and delicious.
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 10–12 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 This recipe always brings smiles when served at family brunches or picnics.
Required Tools
Saucepan with lid, slotted spoon, large bowl, timer
Allergen Information
Contains eggs. Individuals with egg allergies should avoid this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 egg): 70 calories, 5 g total fat, 1 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein
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Master this technique to enjoy perfect hard-boiled eggs every time with minimal effort.
Cooking Q&A
- → How do I prevent eggs from cracking during cooking?
Adding a teaspoon of salt or a splash of vinegar to the water can help prevent cracking by strengthening the eggshells.
- → What is the best way to achieve creamy yolks?
Let eggs rest covered off the heat for about 10 minutes; this timing yields slightly creamy yolks without overcooking.
- → Why should I cool eggs in ice water after cooking?
Cooling eggs in ice water stops the cooking process immediately and makes peeling easier by firming up the eggs.
- → How old should eggs be for easy peeling?
Eggs that are 7 to 10 days old tend to peel more easily compared to very fresh eggs.
- → Can I store peeled eggs for later use?
Yes, peeled or unpeeled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week while maintaining freshness.