Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Featured in: Snack & Starter Ideas

Master the art of cooking hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks. Start by placing eggs in cold water with a pinch of salt to prevent cracking. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 10–12 minutes depending on desired yolk texture. Cool eggs in ice water for easy peeling and enjoy as a snack or in salads and sandwiches.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:57:00 GMT
Perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks, ready to be sliced for a delicious salad. Save
Perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks, ready to be sliced for a delicious salad. | apexdish.com

Achieve flawlessly cooked hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks—ideal for snacks, salads, or sandwiches.

I always enjoy having hard-boiled eggs ready for quick snacks or to add protein to my salads.

Ingredients

  • Eggs: 6 large eggs
  • Water & Seasoning: Cold water, enough to cover eggs by 1 inch
  • Water & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt (optional helps prevent cracking)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover eggs by at least 1 inch.
Step 2:
(Optional) Add salt to the water to help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.
Step 3:
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Step 4:
Once boiling, immediately cover the pan with a lid and remove it from the heat.
Step 5:
Let the eggs sit, covered, for exactly 10–12 minutes (10 minutes for slightly creamy centers, 12 minutes for fully set yolks).
Step 6:
While the eggs are resting, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
Step 7:
After the resting time, transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon. Cool for at least 5 minutes.
Step 8:
Gently crack and peel the eggs under running cold water for the easiest peeling.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
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Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A close-up shot of perfectly cooked perfect hard-boiled eggs, showing smooth, white exteriors. Save
A close-up shot of perfectly cooked perfect hard-boiled eggs, showing smooth, white exteriors. | apexdish.com

This recipe has become a family favorite for quick breakfasts and lunchboxes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hard-boiled eggs with a sprinkle of salt, cracked pepper, or a dash of paprika for added flavor.

Storage Tips

Store peeled or unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to keep them fresh.

Additional Tools

You will need a saucepan with lid, slotted spoon, large bowl, and timer to prepare this recipe easily.

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Plated perfect hard-boiled eggs, beautifully arranged and ready for a savory breakfast or snack. | apexdish.com
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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Follow these steps carefully to enjoy perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent eggs from cracking during cooking?

Adding a teaspoon of salt to the cold water can help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.

What is the best way to achieve creamy yolks?

Letting eggs sit covered off the heat for around 10 minutes yields slightly creamy centers, while 12 minutes results in fully set yolks.

How can I make peeling easier?

Use eggs that are 7–10 days old and cool them in an ice water bath after cooking to simplify peeling under running water.

Can I store hard-boiled eggs after peeling?

Yes, peeled or unpeeled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What tools are needed for this method?

A saucepan with lid, slotted spoon, large bowl for ice water, and a timer are essential.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Tender whites and creamy yolks come together in this flawless hard-boiled egg method.

Prep Time
2 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
12 minutes
Created by Charlotte Rivera


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 6 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten, Low Carb

Ingredient List

Eggs

01 6 large eggs

Water & Seasoning

01 Cold water, enough to cover eggs by 1 inch
02 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

How to Make

Step 01

Arrange eggs in saucepan: Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and add cold water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch.

Step 02

Optional salt addition: Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water to help prevent cracking and facilitate peeling.

Step 03

Bring water to boil: Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 04

Remove from heat: Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid and immediately remove it from heat.

Step 05

Let eggs rest: Allow the eggs to sit covered for 10 to 12 minutes depending on desired yolk firmness: 10 minutes for slightly creamy centers, 12 minutes for fully set yolks.

Step 06

Prepare ice bath: While the eggs rest, fill a large bowl with ice water.

Step 07

Cool eggs: Transfer eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon and cool at least 5 minutes.

Step 08

Peel eggs: Gently crack and peel the eggs under running cold water for easiest removal of shells.

What You'll Need

  • Saucepan with lid
  • Slotted spoon
  • Large bowl
  • Timer

Allergy Notice

Please review ingredients for allergens and talk to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs; avoid if allergic.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

These details are for general reference and aren't a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calorie count: 70
  • Fat content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams