How to make perfect hard boiled eggs is an easy how-to recipe that will teach you how to make easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs. No more gray yolks!
Learn how to make perfect hard boiled eggs with this easy stovetop method. This easy how-to will teach you how to make hard boiled eggs that can be used in everything from Easter eggs to egg salad.
How to make perfect hard boiled eggs
Step 1: Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with an inch of cold water.
Step 2: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Top tip >> You’ll want to make sure that it’s a rolling boil and not just coming to a boil. Otherwise, the eggs won’t be cooked through.
Step 3: Once the water is at a rolling boil, remove from the heat and cover it with a lid.
Step 4: Let it sit, covered, for 15 minutes.
Step 5: After the 15 minutes are up, carefully drain the hot water.
Step 6: Rinse the eggs in cold water.
What is a rolling boil?
A rolling boil means that the water is boiling rapidly. There should be lots of bubbles rising to the surface of the pot.
Tips for easy-to-peel eggs
- Some people have suggested adding vinegar or a little baking soda (1/2 teaspoon) to the water to make the eggs easier to peel.
- Chilling the eggs or placing them in an ice bath or bowl of ice water also makes them easier to peel.
Ideas for using hard boiled eggs
Hard boiled eggs can be used in so many ways! They can be used in salads, in egg salad, potato salad, or tuna salad, or to make deviled eggs.
Hard boiled eggs are delicious topped with salt and pepper or even bagel seasoning and eaten as a snack or as a light meal.
Storage
Hard boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for about a week when stored in the shell in the fridge.
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How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 1 dozen large eggs
Instructions
- Place your eggs in a pot.
- Fill pot with enough cold water to cover the eggs and come 1-inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove pot from heat and cover.
- Let the pot sit (covered) for 15 minutes.
- Drain the hot water.
- Rinse eggs in cold water.
Notes
- Make sure that you get the water to a rolling boil. Otherwise, the eggs won’t be completely cooked. If you aren’t sure what a rolling boil looks like, check out the photo above the recipe.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
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Originally published 11/25/12. Updated 4/4/19 with additional information. Updated 3/18/22 with additional photos and tips.
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Comments & Reviews
Dogs says
That is exactly how I cook mine, with one exception: I leave them in the water for only 10 minutes. I’d guess the variance is more related to the BTU output of the stove than anything else.
Kate says
Thank you for sharing!
Charann says
I haven’t tried it exactly yet. I forgot how to do it, and these instructions are like what I had forgotten. Thank You very much!
Kate says
You’re welcome!
Linda Leone says
I have been using this method for years. It works for me. I will try the baking soda tip and let you know!
Kate says
I’m so glad! =) I would love to hear how the baking soda works out for you.
Charles Hopper says
Hi Kate, I’m making homemade potato salad this afternoon,and the eggs turned out great!Thank You for all of the recipes!Charles
Jen R. says
Thank you, Kate! Great tip that I’m looking forward to trying! I always enjoy your recipes and posts. Thank you!
Kate says
Thank you so much! That’s wonderful to hear! I appreciate your kind comment! =)
Lesley says
Your mum is right :) Funny how it’s the simplest recipes that don’t get passed on. This is the best way to boil eggs. I’ve always found that eggs peel easily if they are cold. So refrigerate overnight for a really easy peel.
Kate says
It is! It’s funny how cooking seems to have changed, too. When I would ask my grandma what went into a recipe, she would say things like “a little of this” or “just add some until you have enough”.
Thank you for the tip! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! =)
Martha Kreider says
I used the baking soda method today. Starting eggs covered in cool water and brought to a rolling boil. Turned off the heat, covered for 10-12 Minutes. Drained and immediately put in cold water. The eggs peeled so easily and the yolks were a beautiful light yellow with no ring. I did only 4 eggs and used 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda in the water. I don’t believe you would need to adjust the baking soda if cooking more eggs.
Kate says
Thank you so much! It’s so helpful to hear the things that have worked for other people! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Tamaro Meikay Harlis says
My mom thought me to put salt in the pot and it should peel
Kate says
I’ll have to try that! Thanks for the tip! =)
Kelsey says
So easy! Thank you!
Kate says
Good! I’m glad it was easy. Thank you for commenting!
Sherrry says
I have never made boiled eggs that were not a bit grey around the yoke. I tried this process and wow perfect boiled eggs, thank you!
Kate says
I’m so glad it worked out for you! Thank you for coming back to comment. =)
Gail Connolley says
Thanks I love this way but I do add a little Vinegar to help the process of peeling the eggs. They came out amazing !!
Kate says
Thank you! I’ll have to try adding a little vinegar. Someone else suggested adding a little baking soda, and that seems to help, too. Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment!
Tracy White says
How much vinegar?
Kate says
I haven’t tried the vinegar, but I added about 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
Pam says
My eggs were perfect. No gray green, yay!
Kate says
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that it worked out for you! Thank you for taking the time to come and comment.
Jenn says
I’ve always cooked my eggs this way but put them in an ice bath instead of just cold water afterwards. In addition you can add just a pinch of baking soda to the cooking water and the shells will come off nice & easy.
Kate says
Great tips! Thank you! I’ll have to try both of those out. =)
danielle says
My eggs are always underdone…I’ll try this! :) thanks! Found you via link party and I’ve enjoyed your blog…newest follower here!
Danielle@snipetsofinspiration.com
kateheartseating says
I had the opposite problem. I used to overcook my eggs until I ended up with gray yolks, but this trick really works! I hope it helps!! Glad to have you following! =)