How Do You Cook Hard Boiled Eggs?

How do you cook hard boiled eggs? Here are 3 different ways – try them all and see which is your favorite

We loved hard boiled eggs! They are the ultimate snack — high in protein, relatively low in calories and full of flavor, even when served with just a little sprinkle of salt.

They’re also delicious when turned into other dishes — everything from Egg Salad with Jalapeños to Smoked Salmon Devilled Eggs.

But how exactly do you cook hard boiled eggs for the best results?

Well, believe it or not, ths is a contentious issue and there are lots of different theories about the best way to do it.

So here we share 2 different methods, giving you the opportunity to decide for yourself which one cooks hard boiled eggs to perfection!

Method 1

Put the eggs in a saucepan over high heat and cover them with water.
Bring the eggs to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer them for one minute.
Turn off the heat, then cover the pan and allow the eggs to sit for 10 minutes.
Drain the cooking water then run cold water over the eggs to stop the cooking process.

You can experiment with this method a little. If you want your egg yolk to be a bit more ‘squidgy’, the eggs may be ready in under 10 minutes. Or if 10 minutes gives you a yolk that’s too soft, just wait a few minutes longer.

How to Make Deviled Eggs Image — (Stock Photography)

Method 2

This is more of a traditional, old-fashioned way to make hard-boiled eggs and tends to produce a firmer yolk.

Bring a saucepan of water to the boil.
Lower the eggs into the water using a slotted spoon.
Boil for 11 minutes.
Drain the water then transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water until cool.

Harissa Goat Cheese Deviled Eggs Photo — (Emily Caruso)

How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

If you’re making hard boiled eggs, here’s a good tip – use older eggs, because they will be easier to peel than fresh ones! It also helps to add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the cooking water.

Here are our guidelines for how to peel eggs – but if you’re having trouble, try just cracking the eggs without peeling them and soaking them in cold water for a while before you start. It makes the job SO much easier!

Chipotle Bacon Deviled Eggs Image — (Meghan Bassett)

Storing Hard Boiled Eggs

If you plan to store the eggs to use later, it’s better not to peel them first. Just make sure you cool them as quickly as possible after cooking, then place them in a container in the fridge. They will keep for up to a week.

Why not learn how to make soft boiled eggs too? Or the perfect over easy eggs while you’re at it!