Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs every time with this easy stove-top method! With a creamy center and easy to peel shells, you can enjoy these as a quick breakfast or protein packed snack on-the-go.
How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
In case you’ve ever wondered how to make the absolute most perfectly delicious and creamy hard boiled egg, I’ve got you covered. It’s super simple and makes for a handy protein packed snack on-the-go or easy breakfast idea.
I have many friends who’ve never even tried to hard boil an egg because they’re intimidated. It seems like a science project. They’ve heard others complain about how difficult it is and how they never turn out right – well, have no fear! It’s a whole lot easier than you may have ever imagined to get your hard boiled eggs just right.
Ingredients and Tools
This might surprise you, but I am going to suggest we use more than just eggs and water for these hard boiled eggs!
Here’s’ what you’ll need:
- eggs
- water
- lemon slices
- Ice cubes
Additionally, you’ll need a large pot with a lid and a strainer.
How to Hard Boil Eggs
- In one single layer, place your eggs on the bottom of a large saucepan or pot.
- Add water to the pot so that the eggs are covered by about an inch of water.
- Add lemon slices to the pot.
- Set the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
- Turn off the heat.
- Cover the pot and let stand on the burner with no heat for about 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the eggs, how many eggs you’re cooking at a time, and how well done you like your hard boiled eggs.
- When the time is up, strain the water from the pot. Immediately put the pot with the eggs under cold running water and add a few cups of ice cubes to cool them down quickly so they stop cooking.
Are Hard Boiled Eggs Healthy?
While hard boiled eggs is considered to be one of the healthiest ways to eat eggs, the answer to this question depends on your own dietary needs. Hard boiled eggs are high in protein, but they are also high in cholesterol. If you’re following a low carb/high protein diet – hard boiled eggs are the perfect addition!
If you’re watching your cholesterol – you may want to do some more research. Current studies are beginning to reevaluate the cholesterol risk in eggs.
How Many Calories Are in a Hard Boiled Egg?
Hard boiled eggs are considered to be low calorie. On average, each hard boiled egg has about 80 calories. Of course the exact number of calories varies based on size. 100 calorie snack packs have more calories than a hard boiled egg and will likely be far less nutrient dense and less filling!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Hard Boiled Eggs
Choose Older Eggs
This might be surprising, but it’s best to use older eggs for hard boiling. Fresh eggs, directly from the coop or farm are more likely to have shells that stick. If you’ve had eggs in your fridge and you don’t know what to do with them – make hard boiled eggs! Use the fresh ones for omelettes.
Cool Your Eggs
One of the key factors in making the perfect hard boiled egg is to cool it immediately after you strain. As you read above, I do this by adding cold water and ice to the pot. Cooling the eggs right away in ice water stops the cooking process. This prevents overcooking and firms up the egg white. Now, it’ll be so easy to peel. The longer they chill out – the easier they’ll be to peel.
How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
I’ve found the easiest way to peel my hard boiled eggs is under gently running water. Peeling my eggs under gently running water helps to remove the shell pieces and clean the egg. Gently tap each hard boiled egg on a hard surface like a clean plate or the edge of your pot, then carefully peel away the shell while holding the egg under the running water.
How to Store Hard Boiled Eggs
I love to make my hard boiled eggs ahead of time and then grab them for a snack on-the-go or add them to a sandwich or salad. If I’m feeling extra motivated, I’ll turn them into delicious deviled eggs.
You can store hard boiled eggs in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. This makes them super useful for meal prep!
HARD BOILED EGGS RECIPES
- Dying Easter Eggs
- Sprinkles Easter Eggs
- Bacon and Eggs Asparagus Salad
- Bacon and Olives Deviled Eggs
ENJOY!
TOOLS USED IN THIS RECIPE
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 12 eggs large
- water
- 2 to 3 lemon slices
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Place eggs on the bottom of a large saucepan, or pot, in one single layer.
- Add water so that the eggs are covered by about an inch of water.
- Add lemon slices.
- Set pot over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Turn off the heat.
- Cover the pot and let stand over the burner (no heat) for 10 to 12 minutes. Time will depend on the size of the eggs, how many eggs you’re cooking at a time, and also how well you like them cooked.
- When time is up, strain water from the pot and put the pot with the eggs under cold running water.
- Add few cups of ice cubes to cool them down quickly so they stop cooking.
- Peel and serve.
I am going to make the day for anyone who loves hard boiled eggs, but hates the PEELING part. Here is a very simple hack I promise you works. Older eggs, brand new eggs, it doesn’t matter. ADD ONE TABLESPOON OF OLIVE OIL TO THE WATER WHEN BOILING. Simple as that. As the shells of the eggs expand in the boiling water, it allows the olive oil to create a slick barrier between the egg and the shell. When peeling just crack a side of the egg and the shells will practically fall of the egg. Often times they will come off in 2 full halves. It’s incredible. Try it!
I thought eggs was zero points on Blue Plan
Can lemon juice be used if you don’t have fresh lemons?
Hi! Yes, that will be OK, too. The lemon juice helps with making it easier for you to peel those eggs. SO they say! 😄
I love that the centers are creamy. I can’t wait to try this lemon trick!
This recipe really did make perfect hard boiled eggs! My new favorite way to make them. Thank you!
I am so happy you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
I’m going to have to try this. Looks so perfect! Definitely a must try!
I hope you try it! You will love it! 🙂
Sounds amazing! Lots of useful tips here
Thanks so much, Vikki! 🙂
Can’t beat an easy and healthy snack like boiled eggs. I love this method and how easy they are to peel.
Thank YOU, Deseree! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this! I have the hardest time with boiled eggs and peeling them with ease. I will be trying this method this weekend when I am meal prepping.
Thank YOU! 🙂 I find that this method works best. It’s a lifesaver!
Great tips for making perfect eggs. Thanks!
Adding lemon slices is such a great tip! My eggs turned out perfectly!
I had never tried making hard-boiled eggs with lemon slices. Thanks for the tip! Turned out great.
I am very happy you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
These really are perfect hard boiled eggs! Saving this for Easter; will make great deviled eggs!
Thanks so much, Sara! 🙂