Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs that are easy to peel and cooked to perfection are possible!
No more frustrating minutes spent over the sink attempting to excavate your hard-boiled eggs. I promise. This method produces beautifully cooked, nutritious, delicious, perfect hard-boiled eggs every time. I’ve tried various methods with various levels of success and am ready to sign on the dotted line with this one. Truth be told, my father-in-law perfected this method, but I’ve been able to repeat it with 100% success, so I feel confident sharing it with you.
My only regret is that I didn’t get this posted in time for Easter this year. It would have saved you so much trouble!
Our family enjoys these Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs as an easy breakfast. Just slice them, salt them and serve on a piece of toast or an English muffin. For next-level deliciousness, spread sliced avocado on your toast first. And if you are feeling extra fancy, chop a few cherry tomatoes or some fresh herbs and sprinkle on top. It’s a great way to pack in extra vitamins and veggies into your morning routine.
How to prepare Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. It should be enough water to have 2-3 inches of water above the eggs when you place them in.
- Add 1 Tablespoon of salt.
- While the water is boiling, gently place the eggs in the pot. I usually cook one dozen at a time and use my pasta pot half/way full of water. To make sure the eggs do not crack when added, use a slotted spoon or small strainer to gently lower the eggs. If you have an insert that fits inside your pot, that makes it even easier.
- After adding the cold eggs, set a 12 minute timer. The water will cool and may stop boiling for a couple minutes, depending on how many eggs you have added. Just be patient and the water will return to a boil.
- While the eggs boil, fill a large bowl with ice water.
- After 12 minutes, remove the eggs from the heat, drain the water.
- Place the eggs in the ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Let them rest for 5-10 minutes. If cooking a whole dozen eggs, allow 10 minutes. For fewer eggs, 5 minutes will be enough time.
- Dry the eggs with a towel and place them in the refrigerator. The eggs will keep up to 1 week in their shells
Tips and Tricks
Use Older Eggs!
It might surprise you to learn that older eggs are the best to make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs. As an egg ages, it loses moisture content. This causes the egg to shrink inside the membrane, which actually makes it easier to peel when hard-boiled. So, save the farm-fresh eggs for your omelette and hard-boil your older eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are green egg yolks safe to eat?
If you don’t follow the above method and overcook your hard-boiled eggs, you may end up with green-tinted yolks. These could be fun for Halloween or for when your child first reads “Green Eggs and Ham,” but otherwise, they don’t look so appetizing. It is a chemical reaction that takes place in the egg (iron and sulfur for the curious:). It may look strange, and your yolks may be a bit chalky from being overcooked, but they are perfectly safe to eat.
Why are eggs good for you?
One egg contains approximately 6.9 grams of protein. Eggs are considered a complete protein because they contain all 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. This makes them a perfect food for growing bodies, and a great food post-workout.
What about cholesterol?
Eggs do contain LDL (bad cholesterol) but research studies in 2018 and 2022 found that they may also help increase HDL (good cholesterol). And, my science teacher background led me to this interesting information: the method used to make hard-boiled eggs actually may be the best way to eat eggs, because frying and other high-heat methods may lead to more cholesterol oxidation in our bodies, which contributes to more LDL (bad cholesterol). Water boils at a cool 212 degrees Fahrenheit, but a frying pan on medium high heat may reach 450 degrees which oxidizes oils. So, hard-boiled eggs may be the most heart-healthy way to enjoy this protein-packed food.
How to eat Hard-Boiled Eggs
What are some ways to eat hard-boiled eggs?
- Peel, slice and salt them on a piece of toast for breakfast.
- Peel and quarter them to add to a Cobb Salad.
- Layer them on avocado toast with chopped tomatoes.
- Make them into delicious egg salad.
- Use them in this 7-Layer Salad recipe.
Eggs have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years and there are over 100 ways to prepare them. However you eat them, we hope they are eggcellent!
