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How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

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By: MadelinePosted: 06/16/2020Updated: 04/01/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

In this post you will learn How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs no matter how you like the yolk. This method will show you the best boiled egg cook times for a soft yolk, medium yolk and fully cooked yolk. You will also be able to peel these eggs with ease.

perfect boiled eggs cut in half on a plate

How do you get your hard boiled eggs like that?

This is probably the most common question I get when I share my breakfast plates on Instagram. SO I am finally sharing my method for making perfect hard-boiled eggs.

It is SO easy to make these with a fully set white and either a fully cooked yolk or a slightly runny yolk. My perfect hard boiled egg boils for exactly 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

Check out the charts below to see how long you should cook boiled eggs. This will help you determine how long to cook for different yolks.

How do you get hard boiled eggs to peel easily?

My hard boiled eggs always peel very easily. All you need to do is immediately transfer your eggs to an ice bath after you boil them.

This seems to sort of shock the shell and make it easier to peel. It also halts the cooking process allowing you to decide exactly how your yolks are cooked.

I let my hard boiled eggs sit in the ice bath for about 10 minutes. Then, I remove the eggs.

To peel I tap the bottom and top on the counter to crack. Then, I roll the center along the counter. The peel should easily slide off..

overhead view of hard boiled eggs in a bowl of water

What kitchen tools will I need to make perfect hard-boiled eggs?

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make your hard-boiled eggs. I know that egg boiling appliances exist and you can make them in your instant pot, but truthfully I like the old fashioned method best.

  • A sauce pan for boiling the eggs
  • Large bowl for the ice bath
overhead view of hard boiled eggs showing how long you cook hard boiled eggs depending on how you want the yolk

What ingredients will I need to make the perfect hard-boiled eggs?

This should come as no shock, but you only need three basic things to make the perfect hard boiled eggs.

  • Eggs – as many as you want to make! I try to do no more than 8 so that I don’t crowd my pot.
  • Water
  • Ice for an ice bath

Does it matter what kind of eggs I use?

Yes and no.. you can’t really predict yolk size anyway. Every egg is different! I tend to buy large eggs so this timing is based on pasture raised large eggs. Whatever type of egg you use is perfectly fine. This method will give you a rough estimate for how long to cook!

boiled egg time chart

But, how long should I boil my eggs for?

Use the diagram above as a boiling time guide! I like to do 5 minutes if I am putting my eggs in a bowl of ramen, but otherwise I boil my eggs for 7 minute and 30 seconds.

If I want a fully cooked yolk, like for egg salad, I boil them for 10 minutes.

Let’s make hard boiled eggs!

Step 1: Remove eggs from the fridge

First, remove your eggs from the fridge about 10 minutes prior to boiling them, if possible, to allow them to warm up a bit. This will limit the shells from cracking when you place the cold eggs in the boiling hot water.

Step 2: Boil water

Then, add cold water to a saucepan. Fill it 3/4 of the way full.

You want to choose a saucepan that is large enough to allow the eggs to lay in a single layer once added to the pot. Then, place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Boil eggs and soak in ice bath

Once the water comes to a rolling boil, slowly lower the eggs down into the pot to cook. Leave the heat on high and do not cover the pot. If your eggs bounce around a lot, you can reduce the heat to medium-high.

Once the eggs are in the pot, immediately set a timer based on how you want your eggs cooked – refer to the image above for boiling times.

I like to boil mine for 7 minutes and 30 seconds most days.

Then, while the eggs boil prepare a large ice bath. Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath and allow them to cool in the ice bath for 10 minutes.

Finally, remove the eggs from the ice bath, peel and enjoy!

Step 4: Enjoy!

easily peeled hard boiled eggs sitting on a dish towel

How long do boiled eggs last?

I personally feel comfortable eating my hard boiled eggs up to 7 days after preparing provided they remain in the fridge during that time.

Want more egg recipes? Check out these delicious egg bite recipes!

  • Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites
  • Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Egg Bites
  • Dairy Free Egg Bite Recipe

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

pinterest image for perfect hard boiled egg recipe
Recipe

How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

★★★★★ 4.9 from 18 reviews

Learn to make the perfect hard boiled eggs whether you like a soft, medium or hard yolk!

Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 5 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 25 minutes
Print Pin it Rate recipe Save recipe
Servings: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Remove your eggs from the fridge about 10 minutes prior to boiling them if possible to allow them to warm up a bit – this will limit the shells from cracking when you place the cold eggs in the boiling hot water
  2. Add cold water to a saucepan – fill it 3/4 of the way full. You want to choose a saucepan that is large enough to allow the eggs to lay in a single layer once added to the pot
  3. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil
  4. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, slowly lower the eggs down in to the pot to cook
  5. Leave the heat on high and do not cover the pot. If your eggs bounce around a lot, you can reduce the heat to medium-high
  6. Immediately set a timer based on how you want your eggs cooked – refer to the image above for boiling times. I like to boil mine for 7 minutes and 30 seconds most days
  7. While the eggs boil prepare a large ice bath
  8. Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath and allow them to cool in the ice bath for 10 minutes
  9. Remove the eggs from the ice bath, peel and enjoy!
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs?

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About Madeline

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Kayla Gibbons says

    Posted on 1/4 at 1:22 am

    Honestly this is THE BEST way to hard boil eggs. I have tried so many times to perfect my hard boiled egg and up until now have been disappointed. So glad I tried this! Never going back !!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:23 pm

      aw wonderful!! Thank you so much that makes me so happy!

      Reply
  2. Crystal says

    Posted on 1/4 at 3:32 pm

    Hard boiled eggs should be so easy but sometimes they are really confusing. I love Mad’s old fashioned jammy egg recipe in a simple pot.

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:46 pm

      Amazing! gotta keep it simple!!

      Reply
  3. Jaynie says

    Posted on 1/4 at 4:47 pm

    I have long tried for the PERFECT gooey, yelllow hard boiled egg. I love them for days with millions of meetings or just on top of a salad for some healthy fats. THIS RECIPE is the only one I follow for perfect eggs.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/7 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks, Jaynie!!

      Reply
  4. Sarah B says

    Posted on 1/27 at 10:02 am

    This always works perfect for me! Love a 7 minute hard boiled egg with a sprinkle of everything seasoning!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:28 am

      yess such a good combo!

      Reply
  5. Jessica says

    Posted on 1/27 at 10:13 am

    So easy to peel. I hate when I boil eggs and peel half the egg when trying to peel. Great for a quick snack or to add to salad or egg salad. Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:27 am

      awesome!! thank you so much!

      Reply
  6. Sarah buchholz says

    Posted on 1/27 at 10:45 am

    I have used this method to cook a 7 minute egg and then sprinkle with everything seasoning! So good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:26 am

      YUM! Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Mayra says

    Posted on 1/27 at 11:05 am

    I always struggled with how to get that perfect boiled egg. I was so glad to have found this! Works like a charm, every time!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:25 am

      thank you so much!!

      Reply
  8. Sarah says

    Posted on 1/27 at 5:43 pm

    this is legitimately the best way to cook them! been using this method and have had consistently the best eggs!

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:25 am

      ahh thank you!!

      Reply
  9. Amy says

    Posted on 1/27 at 9:03 pm

    Best hard boiled eggs ever!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:25 am

      thank you!!

      Reply
  10. Phoebe says

    Posted on 1/27 at 10:15 pm

    Okay. I know what you’re thinking “who leaves a review on a ‘recipe’ about boiling eggs?” But trust me THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW. This method is FLAWLESS and helped me up my breakfast game.

    I can now confidently boil my eggs, set a timer and walk away knowing exactly what kind of egg I’m getting back. Plus, I save myself time in the “shelling” process with the tips in this post.

    Win-win.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:24 am

      HAHAH THANK YOU! love this and appreciate you taking the time to leave an enthusiastic egg boiling review

      Reply
  11. Maggie says

    Posted on 1/28 at 12:22 am

    Could never get the perfect hard boiled egg until now!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/28 at 9:23 am

      amazing!! thank you!!

      Reply
  12. Michele says

    Posted on 2/3 at 8:46 am

    Need a good laugh?? I was boiling my eggs for 15-17 mins!!!! Who knew there was an art to it. Thanks Mad, for a perfectly written recipe and the pic as a guide is awesome! 7minutes for me today!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 2/3 at 11:51 am

      haha!! So glad I could help you out!!

      Reply
  13. Carolyn says

    Posted on 3/2 at 1:21 pm

    This is the only way I make HB eggs now! They came out perfect after 7 minutes and the ice bath really helps with making them easy to peel. Thanks Madeline!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  14. Carolyn says

    Posted on 3/2 at 1:22 pm

    The only and best way to make HB eggs! I kept my eggs in for 7 minutes and they were just how I like them. The ice bath makes them so easy to peel. Thanks Madeline!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 3/4 at 1:41 pm

      yay! thank you!!

      Reply
  15. Bailey says

    Posted on 1/11 at 1:06 pm

    Posting this method totally made me re-evaluate how I made hard boiled eggs. And I’m so glad I did. I’ve been skipping the ice bath method and it was a total game changer to peeling the egg.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/11 at 3:00 pm

      it helps so much, right?! thanks for the review!

      Reply
  16. Samantha says

    Posted on 1/20 at 8:57 am

    I’ve always struggled getting the right yolk consistency with hard boiled eggs so much and these turned out PERFECT! Thank you!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/21 at 4:17 pm

      thanks Samantha!

      Reply
  17. Lauren says

    Posted on 3/19 at 1:08 am

    I’ve tried about 30,000 (approx 😉 hard boiled egg recipes; this one is THE best & easiest! THANK YOU so much for the recipe! Now I just have to find THE best oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. Hey…would you happen to have an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe? ;-D

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 3/21 at 10:29 am

      hahahha awww thank you!! I have a PB oatmeal choc chip cookie recipe https://madaboutfood.co/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookies/

      Reply
  18. Liz says

    Posted on 4/26 at 7:51 pm

    Made these today (7min was perfect for me), and the eggs peeled with ease! Surprised because they were fresh eggs as well. Will 100% always use this method from now on! Thank you for zero ruined eggs

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 4/27 at 9:23 am

      glad it worked even with the fresh eggs! thanks Liz!

      Reply
  19. Feyre says

    Posted on 5/16 at 8:50 am

    I brought it to a rolling boil, put the eggs in, timed for 8 min, put in ice bath. And they look like 5 min eggs, not 8 min:( I’m sure the recipe is fine but idk what I did wrong.

    ★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 5/16 at 5:06 pm

      Hmm sorry this happened! A few things off the top of my head – how many eggs did you do? More eggs might need more time. Is your post super thin? Pots that don’t retain good heat could need longer time. Do you live at altitude? THis can dramatically effect cook times. and lastly im not sure!! sorry!

      Reply
  20. Sarah Coin says

    Posted on 1/24 at 7:58 pm

    Thanks for the recipe! Needed the basics 🙂

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/24 at 8:33 pm

      Yay! Glad to help!

      Reply
  21. Annie says

    Posted on 1/30 at 3:28 pm

    Do you have to peel after they cook for 10 minutes or can I put them back in the carton with their shells on. Will they still peel if they sit a couple days before peeling?

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/30 at 8:52 pm

      It is ideal to peel them as soon as they are cool but they will still peel later if you put them back in fridge. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Elizabeth Labrecque says

    Posted on 3/3 at 5:13 pm

    Wow. Thank you for the time chart. I always overcook my eggs and following your recipe, they came out perfect. Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

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