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HOW LONG TO BOIL EGGS PERFECTLY

46 Comments

Eggs are a staple breakfast item around the world.  Over easy, scrambled and boiled eggs are among the most popular egg breakfasts.

I have been making hard boiled eggs for years. One question I am often asked is how do you make your hard boiled eggs?

Do you boil them?

Do you bake them?

How long does it take to hard boil an egg?

I decided if one person was curious to know, there are probably a lot more people who want to know, so I decided to share my method with you!

how to boil eggs perfectly

PERFECT BOILED EGGS

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PRINTABLE RECIPE AT BOTTOM OF POST

Making boiled eggs is pretty easy.  Here is my method for making perfect hard boiled eggs every time.

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Put your desired number of eggs into a pot (no more than one layer high).
  2. Add water to the pot until the eggs are just covered.
  3. Place the pot on the element and turn on high (with no lid).
  4. Once the water comes to a rolling boil turn the element off, move the pot to a cold element, put the lid on the pot and set the timer for 20 minutes.
  5. When the timer goes off, pour the hot water out of the pot and add cold water. Leave the eggs to sit in the cold water for 5 minutes.
  6. Dry off the eggs and they are done!

how to make hard boiled eggs

HOW DO YOU BOIL EGGS SO THEY PEEL EASILY?

First of all, I find the older eggs peel better than fresh eggs.  If you can have the eggs at room temperature before starting the process it also makes the eggs a little easier to peel.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU BOIL HARD BOILED EGGS?

Depending on how hard-boiled you like your eggs, you will want them in the hot water for 12-20 minutes.

ARE HARD BOILED EGGS HEALTHY?

Having hard boiled eggs in the house is so nice. They make a quick and healthy snack and taste delicious too!

how long does it take to boil eggs

how long does it take to boil eggs

PERFECT BOILED EGGS

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Put your desired number of eggs into a pot (no more than one layer high).
  2. Add water to the pot until the eggs are just covered.
  3. Place the pot on the element and turn on high (with no lid).
  4. Once the water comes to a rolling boil turn the element off, move the pot to a cold element, put the lid on the pot and set the timer for 20 minutes.
  5. When the timer goes off, pour the hot water out of the pot and add cold water. Leave the eggs to sit in the cold water for 5 minutes.
  6. Dry off the eggs and they are done!
© Angela @ Mommy Moment
Category: Real Food

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A Billings

Wednesday 1st of September 2021

I am 70 years old and have been cooking and baking since I was 10. I have tried, what I believe to be, every way to cook and peel a boiled egg including this one. The problem I have found with this method is that so much depends on the starting temperature of the water and the starting temperature of the eggs. The temperature of the water often varies significantly with the seasons. After trying many different methods, I have found what works best for me. I put the water on the stove and bring it to a full rolling boil. I put a small hole in the large end of the raw egg to release the trapped air. I place the raw eggs (at refrigerator temperature) in the boiling water carefully with a large spoon and leave the pan uncovered. For large eggs, I let them cook for exactly 16 minutes after they enter the water. Then I immediately cool them with cold water from the sink and place them in ice water for exactly 3 minutes. I crack the shells and they almost fall off the eggs. Honestly, it is the BEST way that I have found to do this. The yolk is firm, but not rubbery and there is no greenish coating on the yolk signifying that they were cooked too long.

Patricia Jones

Thursday 29th of March 2018

I always hated boiled eggs, the yolks were so dry! I made some today following your advice and just had the best boiled egg ever! I Love this! Making a copy. Thanks.

Heath

Saturday 22nd of August 2015

I think the recipe is a bit off on the time. Getting the water to boil, letting them sit for 20 min in the pan, then let them sit for 5 min in cold water. This all adds up to at least 30 minutes minimum.

Elaine Buonsante

Friday 4th of July 2014

Thanks for the tips on the perfect hard boiled egg. That's my regular breakfast. I usually follow your directions and then rinse them quickly in cold water so I can handle them, then crack and peel. I like to then chop the warm eggs in a mug and add butter and salt...a favourite from my childhood.

M Thompson

Sunday 8th of June 2014

Great tip because I sometimes end up with overcooked eggs

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