How to Boil Eggs

Learn How to Boil Eggs on the stovetop to get absolutely perfect soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs every single time! A step-by-step chart will show you what the eggs look like from 6-12 minutes so you’re sure to get a super creamy yolk, firm white, and no green ring. You’ll also learn how using an ice water bath is the secret to easily peeling eggs.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Have you been avoiding learning how to boil eggs on the stovetop?

I totally get you!! For the last few years, I have defaulted to using my pressure cooker making Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs or Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs instead. After all, you can just set it and forget it! The cooking process can make it quicker and easier.

But then recently I was vacationing without my beloved Instant Pot and I really wanted to make some Avocado Egg Salad.

So with a bit of trepidation, I set out to learn the best way to make hard-boiled eggs on the stovetop.

And I’m happy to report that after a few unsuccessful and underdone trial runs, there is a super quick and simple way to make them at home!

Even if you’ve struggled in the past, the method you’ll find below is super easy to follow and will result in absolutely PERFECT hard-boiled eggs every single time.

You’ll even find different images that show you what the inside of the egg looks like during different stages of cooking. (Just in case your curiosity is killing you, too!)

Best Eggs for Hard-Boiled Eggs

While some will say it’s a myth, eggs that are at least 3-5 days old tend to be easier to peel than fresh eggs. Over time, the thin white membrane between the shell and the egg white loosens up and becomes easier to peel.

If you have your own chickens, set some aside to save for hard boiling.

But if you don’t have the time to wait for your eggs to mature, no need to worry! The tips you’ll find below will teach you how to peel hard-boiled eggs no matter how fresh or old they are.

Tools and Utensils

Pot – Select a pot that is large enough to fit all of the eggs you want to boil in a single layer. This is important so the eggs do not touch or overlap while boiling and end up cracking. A relatively shallow pot or saucepan can be used since you only need enough water to cover the eggs by one inch.

Metal Slotted Spoon – It’s easiest to remove the eggs from the hot water with a spoon that has openings in it so the hot water can drain through.

Large Bowl – This will be used for the ice water bath and needs to be large enough to fit all of your eggs with plenty of water.

How Long to Boil Eggs

The amount of time to boil eggs varies between 6 and 8 minutes for soft-boiled and 10 and 12 minutes for hard-boiled.

Place eggs directly from the refrigerator into a large saucepan or pot in a single layer. They do not need to be room temperature.

Fill the pot with enough cold water so it covers the eggs by 1 inch.

Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Once at a full boil, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let the eggs sit in the boiling water as it cools for your desired yolk doneness.

• For soft-boiled eggs: cook for 6-8 minutes.
• For hard-boiled eggs: cook for 10-12 minutes.

How to Easily Peel Eggs

You can easily peel eggs by soaking them in an ice bath, rolling them on the counter, and holding stubborn shells under cold running water.

One of the trouble areas for most people when making hard-boiled eggs is the peeling process. Here are the basic steps to easily peel eggs:

• Ice Bath: Remove the eggs from the water using a slotted spoon and immediately immerse them in a large bowl of ice water. Let them soak for at least 5-10 minutes! The longer you ice them the easier they are to peel.
• Rolling it Out: Hitting the fat end of the egg on a hard surface and then vigorously rolling the egg (so it has cracks ALL over it!) makes the egg easier to peel.
• Running under Cold Water:  If your eggs are still being a bit tricky, run them under cold or cool water while peeling. Make sure the water runs between the egg white and the membrane so it helps to separate the two.

Some say old eggs are easier to peel. If you happen to have some week or two-week old eggs, go ahead and use those up.

If you don’t, no problem! They only seem to make a minimal difference.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep Ahead: Hard-boiled eggs can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance. Cook them according to the recipe below and store either peeled or unpeeled.
• To Store: Store the perfect hard-cooked egg in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s easier to peel freshly cooked eggs, so peel hard-boiled eggs before storing them for the best results.
• To Freeze: It’s not recommended to freeze hard-boiled eggs. The whites will become very tough and inedible.

How long do boiled eggs last?

Boiled eggs should last up to one week in the fridge. Remember, freshly boiled eggs peel easier than eggs that have been in the fridge.

How many calories in a boiled egg?

There are 211 calories in a whole egg, whether it’s cooked or not.

How to make hard boiled eggs easy to peel?

To make hard-boiled eggs easier to peel, quickly place the cooked eggs in an ice-water bath for a few minutes. Then, gently tap the egg on the counter and roll it around before removing the peel. If the shells are stubborn, hold the egg under running water.

Are hard boiled eggs good for you?

Yes, hard boiled eggs are very good for you! When eaten alone, they are a great way to start your day with protein and other nutrients. Plus, you can make a big batch to have all week.

Can you freeze hard boiled eggs?

You should definitely not freeze hard boiled eggs. The whites will become quite rubbery after thawing.

How much protein is in a boiled egg?

In a boiled egg, you will find about 17 grams of protein, if you eat both the white and the yolk. This amount is roughly 34% of the daily recommended amount.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Plan ahead. Older eggs are easier to peel than newer eggs, so buy them a week or so before you need them.
• Keep your cool. Use cold water and cold eggs. You want them both to start at a similar temperature.
• Keep it rolling. Wait until the water is at a rolling boil before removing the pot from the heat.
• Don’t wait. It’s easier to peel freshly cooked and chilled eggs, so peel hard-boiled eggs before storing them for later.
• Chill out. The longer you let your eggs soak in the ice bath, the easier they’ll be to peel.

Recipes that Use Hard-Boiled Eggs

Once you have your hard-boiled eggs cooked and ready-to-eat, you can either enjoy them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper or use them up in these recipes.

Chicken Cobb Chopped Kale Salad is a delicious stand-alone meal.

Avocado Egg Salad and Classic Deviled Eggs are perfect for your next brunch.