Wondering how long to boil eggs? Here are four stovetop options for how to make hard boiled eggs with tips for making peeling easier!
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.
Table of contents
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
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 them!
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
The first method is simply to bring the water to a boil and then boil the eggs until cooked.
Put six large eggs in a medium-sized saucepan and add enough water until they are covered by about one inch of 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
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
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
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
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.
Immediately remove the eggs from the hot water with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of ice water.
Allow the eggs to chill for about 5 minutes. Crack the shells on a flat surface all around the eggs.
Then, place the eggs under cold running water and remove the shells.
Additional Methods
- Egg Cooker: You can use an electric egg cooker to make 6 or more eggs at once. Some people love this method but I prefer boiling them since I already have a pot.
- Pressure Cooker: Another popular way is using an Instant Pot and the 5-5-5 method to make a large quantity of hard boiled eggs. It’s 5 minutes high pressure, 5 minutes natural release, and 5 minutes in an ice bath.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Hard boiled eggs (with the shells intact or peeled) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days according to the USDA.
- Freezer: You can freeze the yolk only in an airtight freezer-safe container. The white part will get rubbery and tough in the freezer.
Ways To Use
- Traditional Deviled Eggs are a classic appetizer.
- Egg Salad Sandwiches are an easy lunch idea!
- A 7 Layer Salad is a pretty way to prepare a salad for a dinner party or potluck
- Enjoy a Cobb Salad with homemade ranch dressing and croutons for lunch!
Similar Recipes
- 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!
How To Boil Eggs
Video
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.
Kerry says
I’ve always had Gramma telling me to cover at boil, mom overcooks everything… I get it now.
Brady Stuart says
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.!!
Jim says
Amazing information and Easy instructions!
bob says
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.