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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast » How Long To Boil Eggs

    How Long To Boil Eggs

    Published: Mar 26, 2021 · Modified: May 19, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Wondering how long to boil eggs? Here are four stovetop options for how to make hard boiled eggs with tips for making peeling easier!

    hard boiled eggs in a bowl, one is cut in half

    When I wanted to know how long to boil eggs I asked my mom since she makes an impressive amount of hard boiled eggs for my dad every week. He brings the hard cooked eggs to work for lunch and she makes a bunch in advance so they are ready to go when he wants them.

    Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

    eggs and halves on wood board with writing

    Let’s start by saying the perfect hard boiled eggs are the ones that you like prepared in the way you prefer. The thing is everyone likes to claim they have the perfect method for how to make hard boiled eggs but in reality, there are many ways to make hard boiled eggs.

    egg halves on a wood board comparing minutes cooked

    The BEST way to make them is the way that works for you! And how long to cook hard boiled eggs depends on how well you like yours cooked.

    Method 1 – Boil Only

    6 eggs in a pot of water

    The first method is simply to bring the water to a boil and then boiling the eggs until cooked.

    Put six large eggs in a medium size saucepan and add enough water until they are covered by about one inch of water.

    6 eggs in a pot of boiling water

    Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Then, set the timer and boil the eggs for 10 minutes.

    Depending on how soft you like your yolks how long to boil eggs can vary from 5 minutes to 12 minutes. The less time in the hot water, the less cooked the eggs will be. We prefer the eggs when they are boiled for 10 minutes.

    Method 2 – Boil Half – Rest Half

    several eggs in a pot of boiling water

    With the second method, bring the water to a boil and cook the eggs for 5 minutes. Then, cover the pot, remove it from the heat and place it on a trivet. Allow the eggs to finish cooking in the hot water for 5 minutes.

    Method 3 – Rest On Stovetop

    a pot of water with a glass lid affixed

    For the third method, bring the water to a full boil. Cover the pot and turn off the heat. Leave the pot on the hot burner, allowing the eggs to cook, for 10 minutes. This method works well if you have an electric stovetop since it stays hot even after you turn off the burner.

    Method 4 – Rest Off Stovetop

    eggs under a lid and in a pot of boiling water

    With the fourth method, you’ll bring the water to a full boil. Then cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Place the pot on a trivet and allow the hot water to cook the eggs for 12 minutes.

    How To Get Hard Boiled Eggs To Peel Easily

    2 eggs on a spoon above a pot of water

    In addition to how long to boil eggs the other frequently asked question about hard-boiled eggs is how to peel them easily. The most important step is to cool the eggs immediately after cooking them.

    Another important thing to note is that older eggs are easier to peel when hard cooked than fresh ones. So use the carton of eggs that is in your refrigerator (as long as they are still good) rather than running to the store to buy a fresh carton.

    ice and water in a glass mixing bowl

    Immediately remove the eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water.

    a hand holding an egg with a cracked shell

    Allow the eggs to chill for about 5 minutes. Crack the shells on a flat surface all around the eggs.

    hand holding egg under running water

    Then, place the eggs under cold running water and remove the shells.

    hard cooked eggs in a wooden bowl

    How long do hard boiled eggs last?

    Hard boiled eggs (with the shells intact or peeled) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days according to the USDA.

    Ways To Use Hard Boiled Eggs

    • Traditional Deviled Eggs are a classic appetizer. This basic recipe for how to make deviled eggs includes options for creative flavors!
    • Egg Salad Sandwiches are an easy lunch option! Let everyone add their favorite toppings to really make them their own.
    • A 7 Layer Salad is a pretty way to prepare a salad for a dinner party or potluck. It is very customizable and can be prepared ahead of time.
    boiled eggs in a bowl, one egg is cut in half so you can see the yolk

    Want more egg recipes? Try these next:

    Learning how to make scrambled eggs is a basic cooking skill! These fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs are perfect for breakfast or dinner.

    Make this Egg Bake recipe for overnight guests or for your family! This breakfast casserole has bacon, eggs, and cheese all in one dish.

    This Easy Frittata Recipe is a skillet egg bake that is low carb without a crust. This delicious breakfast is a great way to start the day!

    Wondering how to make an omelet? Here’s our easy method with step-by-step instructions for a quick breakfast any day of the week!

    boiled eggs in a bowl, one egg is cut in half so you can see the yolk

    How Long To Boil Eggs

    Wondering how long to boil eggs? Here are four stovetop options for how to make hard boiled eggs with tips for making peeling easier!
    4.50 from 22 votes
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    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 eggs
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    Equipment

    Portable Ice Maker
    Calphalon Sauce Pan
    Glass Batter Bowl
    Stainless Slotted Spoon

    Ingredients

    • 6 large eggs

    Instructions

    • Put six large eggs in a medium size saucepan and add enough water until they are covered by about one inch of water.
    • Boil the eggs using methods one, two, three, or four listed below.
    • Once cooked (for all methods), immediately remove the eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of cold water and ice cubes.
    • Allow the eggs to cool for 5 minutes, crack the shells and peel them under cold running water.
    • Store the hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    Method One: Boil Only

    • Bring the water to a full boil. Then, set the timer and boil the eggs for 10 minutes.

    Method Two: Boil Half – Rest Half

    • Bring the water to a full boil. Then set the timer and boil the eggs for 5 minutes. Cover the pot, remove from heat, and place on a trivet. Allow the eggs to finish cooking in the hot water for 5 minutes.

    Method Three: Rest On Stovetop

    • Bring the water to a full boil. Cover the pot, turn off the heat but leave the pot on the hot burner. Allow the eggs to cook on the stovetop for 10 minutes. This method works best if you have an electric stovetop.

    Method Four: Rest Off Stovetop

    • Bring the water to a full boil. Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Place the pot on a trivet and allow the eggs to cook in the hot water for 12 minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    Keep in mind that older eggs are easier to peel when hard boiled than fresh eggs.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1egg | Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 61mg | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

    1. Alexis says

      May 20, 2023 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      I come back to this recipe every time I make hard boiled eggs! They always turn out perfect!!

      Reply
    2. Kerry says

      January 20, 2023 at 2:47 am

      5 stars
      I’ve always had Gramma telling me to cover at boil, mom overcooks everything… I get it now.

      Reply
    3. Brady Stuart says

      November 20, 2022 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I like to cook a little, being a single dad. This info helped me make sure my eggs were done. And this worked excellent. Thank you.!!

      Reply
    4. Jim says

      September 12, 2022 at 2:03 am

      5 stars
      Amazing information and Easy instructions!

      Reply
    5. bob says

      June 25, 2022 at 7:07 pm

      I have had problems peeling hard boiled eggs. Drove me nuts. I read an article about ‘steaming them.’ So that is what I have been doing steaming for about 15 minutes and the allowing them to cool and then peeling them under cold water.

      BINGO…I think in about 4 dozen I have had one stickler. But, I do tend to let it go a little longer than most, I am not bothered by the gray surround.

      Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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