This method for making hard-boiled eggs or soft-boiled eggs will get you perfect results every time, and it's really easy! Adding the eggs to boiling water also makes them easy to peel.
8large eggs, (can use 6-12 eggs), cold from the fridge
5-8cupswater, or enough to cover the eggs by 1 inch
Instructions
Fill a large saucepan with enough water that it will be about 1" above the surface of the eggs. With the lid off, bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Gently lower cold eggs into the boiling water (a spider whisk or slotted spoon is helpful), taking care not to crack them.
Reduce the heat to keep the water at a gentle boil - not aggressively boiling, which can cause cracks. As soon as the eggs are in the water, set a timer for your desired doneness: 7 minutes for soft-boiled or 10 minutes for hard-boiled (see timing chart below).
Prepare your ice water bath, and as soon as the timer is done, transfer the eggs to an ice bath right away and let them sit for 10 minutes before peeling or storing*.
Notes
Boiled Egg Timing Chart:
Boil 6 min: runny yolks with barely set whites
Boil 7 min: soft-boiled with a jammy center, set whites
Boil 8 min: medium-boiled with a moist, soft center, set whites
Boil 10 min: hard-boiled eggs with mostly set yolk, firm whites
Storing Boiled Eggs: Once the eggs have cooled, you can refrigerate unpeeled hard-boiled eggs for up to 7 days or soft-boiled eggs for up to 3 days. Peel when ready to use.
Nutrition Facts
How to Boil Eggs
Amount per Serving
Calories
63
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
164
mg
55
%
Sodium
71
mg
3
%
Potassium
61
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
0.3
g
0
%
Sugar
0.2
g
0
%
Protein
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
238
IU
5
%
Calcium
30
mg
3
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.