How to make hard boiled eggs that are easy to peel with vibrant yolks and no green ring. This foolproof method gives you perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time!

Perfect hard boiled eggs with times listed for hard boiled preference.

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Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe

I love making a big batch of hard boiled eggs at the beginning of the week for easy meal prep. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, healthy snack, sliced onto a salad, tucked into a sandwich, or layered over avocado toast for lunch. If you love easy egg recipes like scrambled eggs or my omelette recipe, this method is another staple to keep on repeat.

Perfect hard boiled eggs might seem intimidating, but they’re actually simple once you master the timing. I prefer steaming them on the stovetop for easy peeling and vibrant yolks, but you can also use the oven or Instant Pot method.

How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs

To start, add eggs in large saucepan in a single layer. Cover with inch of cold water. Turn stove to high heat, cover with lid and bring water to boil. Once boiling, cook for an additional 6 minutes.

Making hard boiled eggs on the stovetop.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer eggs to a bowl full of ice cold water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Peel eggs under cold water and enjoy.

Best Way to Peel Boiled Eggs

My favorite way to peel hard boiled eggs is to tap them on the counter until the shell cracks, then peel under cold water. The shell is super easy to peel this way and usually comes right off.

Alternatively, you can also place them in a Tupperware container, add some water, and then cover with the lid. Then shake the container for about 15-30 seconds. When you open the container, the shells should slide right off.

Sliced hard boiled egg on cutting board.

How Long to Hard Boil Eggs

I like my egg whites firm yet slightly soft, however feel free to modify if you like soft boiled eggs or even very firm eggs.

  • Soft boiled: cook 4 minutes
  • Slightly soft eggs: cook 6 minutes
  • For firm yet slightly soft: cook 8 minutes
  • For very firm: cook 10 minutes

Not sure how long to cook them? Check out the time chart above. This gives you a good visual on what the inside will look like after a specific amount of cooking time.

XO - Jamielyn

Tips

  • Secret to perfect boiled eggs: Use fresh eggs and cover them with cool water instead of adding them to hot water. Then cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Boil for 6-8 minutes. This will prevent them from cracking and will cook the eggs evenly.
  • Avoid a green ring. Not only does it not look appealing it can create a sulphuric flavor. The best way to avoid this from happening is to not overcook the eggs.
  • Older eggs are easier to peel. Perfect hard boiled eggs are best with 7 days old eggs versus fresh eggs! The egg whites increased PH allows them to separate from the yolk easier.
  • Transfer to an ice bath immediately. Avoid overcooked hard boiled eggs by transferring your eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Perfect hard boiled eggs on counter sliced open to show yellow center.

Need more ways to use eggs? Try this easy deviled eggs recipe, eggs benedict or egg white muffins!

Favorite Ways to Use Hard Boiled Eggs

Perfect hard boiled eggs with times listed for hard boiled preference.

How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs

5 from 40 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Chill Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 8
Learn how to make hard boiled eggs that are easy to peel with bright yellow yolks and no green ring. A simple, foolproof method for perfect results every time.
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Video

Ingredients 

  • 8 large eggs
  • Cold water

Bowl of Ice Water

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, cover the eggs with 1-inch cold water. Turn the heat to high and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil.  
  • As soon as the water boils, cook 6 minutes (or desired cook time – see notes). 
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer to bowl of ice water. Let sit 5 minutes. 
  • Tap the eggs on the counter until the shell cracks and run under cold water to peel.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Cook times:
  • Soft boiled: cook 4 minutes
  • Slightly soft: cook 6 minutes
  • For firm yet slightly soft: cook 8 minutes
  • For very firm: cook 10 minutes
Instant Pot: Add rack and 1 cup water to the Instant Pot. Place eggs on the rack and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Transfer to an ice bath for 10 minutes and peel under cold water.
Oven: Preheat oven to 325ºF. Place eggs in a muffin pan and bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath for 10 minutes, then peel under cold water. Brown spots may appear, but placing a cotton pad under each egg can help prevent this.
Storage: Store hard boiled eggs in the fridge with the shells on to help extend freshness. Keep them in an airtight container or zip top bag for up to 1 week. I like to label the date they were boiled so I know when to use them by.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 186mg, Sodium: 71mg, Potassium: 69mg, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 270IU, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.