Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

I like to make hard boiled eggs using either the stovetop or Instant Pot methods. I tend to use the stovetop method when I am only making a few eggs and reach for the Instant Pot when making 6 or more eggs.

Stovetop Method

This is my go-to method when making hard boiled eggs on the stovetop. There are lots of methods out there but this is the one that I find produces the best, most consistent results. It is the same method I use to make soft boiled eggs but with some added time. Therefore, it is a fantastic method when you are trying to make a variety of boiled eggs to suit different tastes (just pull them out at different times).

1. Boil Water: Fill a pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Use a pot large enough to hold the eggs in a single layer. Reduce heat to a gentle boil. You don’t want it at a rapid boil or it will throw the eggs around when you add them.
2. Gently Lower In Eggs: Using a slotted spoon (or tablespoon), gently lower eggs into the water one at a time. Dip them in and out of the water a few times before carefully lowering in all the way. This prevents the shock in temperature which can sometimes cause the eggs to crack.
3. Set Timer Immediately: Immediately set a timer for 10 – 12 minutes and maintain a gentle boil as the eggs cook (may need to adjust heat).
   • 10 minutes: Just hard boiled with still a touch of softness in the yolk
   • 12 minutes: Fully hard boiled with a fully cooked yolk, firm white but not overcooked
4. Place Eggs In Ice Water Bath: Use a slotted spoon to remove eggs and immediately place in an ice water bath for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process.
5. Peel Eggs + Enjoy: Crack eggs all over and peel.

Note: The same method can be used for soft boiled eggs. Cook for 6-7 minutes and enjoy immediately.

Won’t the eggs crack if placed in boiling water?

This is probably the most common question I get when I show people this method. It very rarely happens to me since I make sure to do the following:

• Make sure water is at a gentle boil. This is important since a rapid boil would violently shake the eggs around.
• Dip the eggs a few times. Use a slotted spoon (or tablespoon) to dip the eggs in and out of the water a few times before lowering in. Dipping the eggs prevents the shock in temperature which can sometimes make them crack.
• Carefully lower eggs into the pot. Gently lower the eggs into the pot with a slotted spoon (or tablespoon) instead of dropping them in.
• Use a pot large enough to hold the eggs in a single layer. Adjust the size of the pot based on the number of eggs you plan to cook so that they have room to sit in a single layer.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot (pressure cooker) is my go-to method when making a larger number of hard boiled eggs (6 or more). It is easy, consistent and the eggs are so easy to peel! If you are new to the Instant Pot or could use some tips, check out my 10 Instant Pot Tips For Beginners.

I like to use the 5-5-5 method: 5 minutes cook time, 5 minutes natural release, 5 minutes placed in an ice water bath.

1. Prep: Place 1 cup of water and the metal trivet (that comes with the Instant Pot) into the inner pot. Gently place the eggs on top of the trivet. You could also use an Instant Pot steamer basket or stackable egg steamer rack.
2. 5 Min Cook Time: Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button (depending on model) and set to cook for 5 minutes (high pressure).
3. 5 Min Natural Release: Once the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes. Then release any remaining pressure by setting the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
4. 5 Min Ice Water Bath: Carefully transfer the eggs using a slotted spoon or tongs to an ice water bath (bowl filled with water and lots of ice) for 5 minutes to cool the eggs down.
5. Peel + Enjoy: Crack eggs all over and peel.

Note: The cook times in these methods are based on using large size eggs straight from the fridge.

Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.

What causes a greenish-gray ring around the yolk?

This happens when the egg has been overcooked. If you follow the times listed in these two methods (based on large, straight from the fridge eggs) then you shouldn’t run into this.

How To Store

Hard boiled eggs that are still in their shell can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. If peeled, they can be placed in a container and refrigerated for 3 days.

Easy Peel Tips

Here are a few tips for easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs:

• Use older eggs: Eggs that are 1-2 weeks old are easier to peel than fresh eggs.
• Finish in an ice water bath: Immediately placing the eggs in an ice water bath after cooking makes it harder for the whites to stick to the shell.
• Crack eggs all over: Gently tap all over to crack the shell everywhere for easy removal.

Ways To Eat Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are such an easy thing to meal prep and use in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas…

• Eat as is: Simply sprinkle on some salt or seasoning blend and enjoy! Perfect as part of a breakfast, to have as a snack or pop into a lunch box.
• Deviled eggs: Deviled eggs are always a crowd pleaser!
• Use in a sandwich: Make an egg salad filling or simply slice and add to your sandwich. Slices could be added to a tuna sandwich, roast beef, veggies, etc.
• Easter Eggs: Have fun decorating!
• Top a salad: Delicious way to add some protein to a salad. Add slices on top or chop up and mix into a salad like in this Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad.
• Top a bowl: Use to top a nourish bowl, rice bowl or any other type of “bowl” recipe.

Check out What To Do With Hard Boiled Eggs for more delicious recipe ideas!

More Egg Tutorials

Looking to master some other egg cooking methods? Then check these out…

• Soft Boiled Eggs
• Poached Eggs
• Different Ways To Cook Eggs: 5 Basics!

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