Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are simple, but a clear method makes a big difference. This recipe uses a hot start and an ice bath for tender whites, creamy yolks, and easier peeling.
- Total time
- 17 min
- Yield
- 6 eggs
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 12mHigh Protein
Boiled eggs are one of the most useful make-ahead foods you can keep in the fridge. Eat them for breakfast, slice them over salads, pack them in lunch boxes, or mash them into egg salad.
This method starts the eggs in already boiling water. That quick heat helps the egg white pull away from the shell, which can make peeling easier, especially if you chill the eggs right away.
The timing below gives classic hard-boiled eggs with set yolks. If you like a softer center, use the timing guide in the steps and pull the eggs a few minutes earlier.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
4 items · 6 eggs
- 6 large eggs
- Water, enough to cover the eggs by about 1 inch
- 2 cups ice, for chilling the eggs after cooking
- Cold water, for the ice bath
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Choose a pot
Pick a saucepan wide enough to hold the eggs in one layer. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from bumping into each other too much.
2. Boil the water
Fill the pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about 1 inch, but do not add the eggs yet. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Lower in the eggs
Use a slotted spoon to gently lower each egg into the boiling water. A slotted spoon is a spoon with holes that lets water drain through. Lower the heat slightly so the water bubbles steadily but does not toss the eggs around.
4. Set the timer
Cook the eggs for 9 minutes for a slightly creamy yolk, 10 minutes for a mostly set yolk, or 12 minutes for a fully hard-boiled egg. Keep the water at a gentle boil the whole time.
5. Make the ice bath
While the eggs cook, fill a medium bowl with the ice and enough cold water to cover the eggs. This ice bath stops the cooking quickly, so the yolks do not overcook.
6. Chill the eggs
When the timer goes off, lift the eggs out with the slotted spoon and place them right into the ice bath. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes.
7. Peel or store
To peel, tap an egg on the counter, roll it gently to crack the shell all over, then peel under a little running water if needed. If making ahead, leave the shells on and refrigerate the eggs once they are cool.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Boil the eggs up to 1 week ahead if you keep them unpeeled and refrigerated.
- Storage: Store unpeeled boiled eggs in a covered container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Peeled eggs dry out faster; store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Easier peeling: Eggs that are a week or two old often peel more easily than very fresh eggs. The hot-start method also helps.
- Avoid the green ring: A gray-green ring around the yolk means the eggs cooked too long or cooled too slowly. Use the timer and ice bath to prevent it.
- For softer eggs: Use the same method, but cook for 6 to 7 minutes for a jammy yolk or 8 minutes for a firmer soft-boiled egg.
- At high altitude: Water boils at a lower temperature at high elevations, so eggs may need 1 to 3 extra minutes of cooking time.
Cook's note
Serve boiled eggs plain, with a pinch of salt and pepper, or slice them onto toast, grain bowls, ramen, or salads. Salt and toppings are not included in the nutrition estimate.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Should I start boiled eggs in cold water or boiling water?
Both methods work. This recipe uses boiling water because the quick heat can make the eggs easier to peel. Lower the eggs in gently so the shells do not crack.
How long should I boil eggs for hard-boiled yolks?
For large eggs, 12 minutes gives a fully set hard-boiled yolk. If your eggs are extra-large, add about 1 minute. If they are medium, check closer to 10 minutes.
Why are my boiled eggs hard to peel?
Very fresh eggs can cling to the shell. Try using slightly older eggs, starting them in boiling water, and chilling them in an ice bath for at least 10 minutes before peeling.
Can I freeze boiled eggs?
Freezing whole boiled eggs is not recommended because the whites become rubbery and watery. If needed, you can freeze cooked yolks, but the texture is still best when fresh.
How can I tell if a boiled egg is still good?
Keep boiled eggs refrigerated and use them within 1 week if unpeeled. If an egg smells sour, sulfurous in a strong unpleasant way, or looks slimy, throw it away.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
6 eggs
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat5 g
- 6%
- Saturated Fat2 g
- 10%
- Cholesterol186 mg
- 62%
- Sodium62 mg
- 3%
- Total Carbohydrate1 g
- 0%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars1 g
- Protein6 g
- 12%
- Vitamin D1.1 mcg
- 6%
- Calcium25 mg
- 2%
- Iron0.6 mg
- 3%
- Potassium63 mg
- 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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BreakfastHow To Make Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are simple, but a few small choices make them easier to peel and more consistent. This stovetop method uses cold water, gentle heat, and an ice bath for firm whites and creamy yolks.