If you want to know how to hard boil eggs, this foolproof stove top method has you covered. It makes perfect hard boiled eggs every time!
The Best Way to Make Hard Boiled Eggs
Having hard boiled eggs on hand for a quick breakfast on the go or to add to salads and sandwiches makes busy weekdays so much easier. This is one of the easiest recipes to make ahead for meal prep and it avoids the usual problems of cracking or over-cooking (which is responsible for that dark green color around the yolk).
I whip up a batch and refrigerate them to use in my quick Egg Salad, for Deviled Eggs, to add to sandwiches like my daughter’s favorite Egg Scallion and Tomato Sandwich and for easy salads like this Chickpea Egg Salad. If you have an electric pressure cooker, you can also make them in there using this easy Instant Pot Hard Boiled Egg Recipe, or try these Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs.
Why You’ll Love These Hard Boiled Eggs
- Fail-proof method. The method is simple: you cover the eggs with water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water boils you remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered for 20 minutes. The steam cooks the eggs resulting in perfectly cooked eggs with no cracks.
- Healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack. Egg are low in calories, low-carb, and a good source of protein. They contain vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin A (for healthy vision, skin, and cell growth), and two B-complex vitamins that your body needs to convert food into energy. Eggs are also a good source of riboflavin, selenium, and choline and high in carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin).
- Quick and easy. You only need eggs and water and the process of making these hard boiled eggs couldn’t be simpler. You can also make them for meal prep lunches and breakfast!
What You’ll Need
The ingredients for hard boiled eggs are as simple as can be. Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Eggs – Look them over before you get started to make sure there are no cracks.
- Water – Enough to cover the eggs.
How to Hard Boil Eggs
Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in making hard boiled eggs. See the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Add eggs to pan. Set the eggs inside a medium pan and add water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
- Boil. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Steam. Once the water boils, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Peel. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs, then run them under cold water before peeling.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cold rinse. This halts the cooking process to prevent overcooking and it also makes peeling easier.
- Use older eggs. I reach for the eggs that have been sitting in my fridge the longest, these are easier to peel than fresher eggs.
- Peeling made easy. Start peeling from the wider end of the egg, where there is usually an air pocket. This can help create a gap between the shell and the egg, making removal easier.
- Experiment with timing. If you prefer a softer boiled egg, reduce the steaming time in the hot water.
Ways to Use Hard Boiled Eggs
- Salads. Add them to your favorite salads for a boost of protein and nutrients. They go great in this Salmon Caesar Salad or on top of a Cobb Salad. You can chop them and add them to Rainbow Potato Salad, too.
- Sandwiches. Slice them up and put them on sandwiches. Try adding them to a BLT with Avocado or Avocado Toast with Egg.
- Deviled Eggs. A classic! Try these Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs for a fun twist.
- Egg Salad. Make an easy egg salad that can be used as a sandwich filling, dip, or topping for crackers. Tuna Egg Salad is one of my favorites.
Proper Storage
Hard boiled eggs will last in the refrigerator at least one week. I find it easier to peel them before refrigerating.
More Recipes That Use Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs with no cracks
- enough water to cover eggs
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a medium pan, and cover with about an inch of cold water.
- Turn heat on to medium and bring the water to a boil. When the water boils, shut the flame off and cover for 20 minutes, the steam will cook them. Run under cold water to let the eggs cool, then peel.
