How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Ever wondered how to make the perfect hard boiled eggs, every time? Today, we are getting back to the basics and I am teaching you a foolproof method to making the most perfect, delicious hard boiled eggs. Once you learn this method, you will never mess up making hard boiled eggs ever again!

Friends, let me let you in on a little secret: the perfect hard boiled eggs are actually so easy to make. I know it’s probably hard to believe; even the most esteemed home cooks have botched hard boiled eggs at least once. I know that I have had so many times where I’ve tried to make hard boiled eggs, only to end up with half the egg whites peeling away with the shells, or the yolks turning a less-than-appealing green color, rather than a bright, jammy yellow or orange. Talk about disappointing.

But the secret to making the perfect hard boiled eggs doesn’t lie in using any fancy equipment or using a specific type of eggs. In fact, it lies in using a very simple and easy technique that I promise works every time. After so much trial and error, research, and phone calls with my mom, I am so excited to show you this method to get the perfect hard boiled eggs, with the most beautiful yellow yolks, every single time.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Hard Boiled Eggs

If you’re wondering, “Nicole, how can I eat hard boiled eggs?” then don’t worry, because I’ve got you! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy these beautiful little eggs:

• Make them into egg salad: Egg salad is a classic recipe that is known for its use of hard boiled eggs! My No-Mayo Egg Salad is my favorite recipe, and works perfectly with these eggs!
• Add them to your favorite salad recipe: Hard boiled eggs are a perfect way to add an extra boost of protein to your favorite salad recipes! I love adding them to my Hearty Kale Salad or my Copycat Hillstone Macho Salad
• Eat them whole: Of course, hard boiled eggs make the perfect protein-packed snack! I love adding a touch of “Everything But the Bagel” seasoning to mine to give them some extra flavor and texture.

5 Simple Steps to Making the Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

When you find out just how easy it is to make these perfect hard boiled eggs, you’ll want to make them all the time!

To get started with making them, simply start by placing your eggs into the bottom of a shallow, DRY, pan or pot. Make sure to not add the water first – this ensures that the shells won’t break!

Next, once your eggs have been added to the pot, add just enough water to cover the eggs. Place your pot on the stove and turn the heat on high, until the water reaches a boil. Once it is boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pan/pot. This will ensure that the eggs cook evenly!

Next, set a timer for 12 minutes and allow your eggs to cook. This amount of time will ensure that you get the perfect hard boiled egg! If you want your egg to have a softer center, you can reduce the time accordingly, to 11, 10, or even 9 minutes for a jammier center.

Finally, once your time is up, transfer your eggs to an ice bath and let them sit for 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step, as the soak time will allow the shells to pop off easily! Once done, remove the shells, eat, and enjoy! Store any leftover eggs in the fridge for up to one week!

Tips for Making Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Looking for a *few* more tips to ensure that your hard boiled eggs turn out perfectly? These are a few of my favorites!

• Use older eggs: While it’s true that fresh eggs are best for *most* recipes, older eggs actually work best for this recipe! Eggs that are a few days old can hold a slightly tougher texture, which makes them perfect for hard boiling.
• Don’t skip on the ice bath: This may seem like a tedious step, but it’s super important that your eggs sit in the ice bath for the full 10 minutes! Why? Because the ice bath will ensure that the eggs fully cool, so when you go to peel them, the shells will just slide right off. Skipping this step may lead to broken egg whites and tough shells to peel, which is no fun for anyone.
• Be careful when peeling them: While the ice bath will help the shells easily slide off of the hard boiled eggs, your eggs will still be delicate, so you’ll want to be careful! Going slow and steady with the peeling is always the way to go, and will ensure that your egg whites remain perfectly in tact.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim