Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Featured in: Simple Snacks & Bites

Master the art of cooking eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks by following simple steps. Gently boil eggs, cool them quickly to stop cooking, and enjoy smooth peeling. Adding salt helps prevent cracking and makes peeling easier. Use slightly aged eggs for best results. Perfectly timed resting ensures texture can be adjusted from slightly creamy to fully set yolks. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of salt or pepper for a versatile addition to your meals.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:35:00 GMT
Perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks, ready to be sliced for a delicious salad. Save to Pinterest
Perfect hard-boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks, ready to be sliced for a delicious salad. | nexusfork.com

Achieve flawlessly cooked hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks—ideal for snacks, salads, or sandwiches.

This method has become my go-to for making hard-boiled eggs that peel easily and taste great.

Ingredients

  • Eggs: 6 large eggs
  • Water & Seasoning: Cold water, enough to cover eggs by 1 inch
  • Water & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt (optional, helps prevent cracking)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover eggs by at least 1 inch.
Step 2:
(Optional) Add salt to the water to help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.
Step 3:
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Step 4:
Once boiling, immediately cover the pan with a lid and remove it from the heat.
Step 5:
Let the eggs sit, covered, for exactly 10–12 minutes (10 minutes for slightly creamy centers, 12 minutes for fully set yolks).
Step 6:
While the eggs are resting, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
Step 7:
After the resting time, transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon. Cool for at least 5 minutes.
Step 8:
Gently crack and peel the eggs under running cold water for the easiest peeling.
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| nexusfork.com

This recipe has brought my family together for many breakfast moments, bringing smiles with each bite.

Required Tools

Saucepan with lid, slotted spoon, large bowl, timer

Allergen Information

Contains eggs. Individuals with egg allergies should avoid this recipe.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 70, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 6 g per serving (1 egg)

A close-up of Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs, perfectly peeled and ready to be enjoyed as a snack. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs, perfectly peeled and ready to be enjoyed as a snack. | nexusfork.com
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Follow these steps for perfect hard-boiled eggs every time, ideal for versatile meals.

Questions & Answers

How long should eggs rest after boiling?

Let eggs sit covered for 10–12 minutes; 10 for creamy centers, 12 for fully set yolks.

Why add salt to the boiling water?

Salt helps prevent cracking and makes the eggshells easier to peel.

Is it better to use fresh or older eggs?

Eggs that are 7–10 days old peel more easily than very fresh eggs.

What is the purpose of the ice water bath?

Cooling eggs in ice water stops cooking and makes peeling simpler.

Can I adjust the yolk texture?

Yes, resting time controls yolk firmness—shorter for creamy, longer for firmer.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Flawlessly cooked hard-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks, ideal for quick snacks or salads.

Prep duration
2 minutes
Cook duration
10 minutes
Overall time
12 minutes
Recipe by Nexus Fork Wyatt Evans


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type International

Portions 6 Number of servings

Diet preferences Vegetarian-friendly, No dairy, No gluten, Reduced carb

Ingredient list

Eggs

01 6 large eggs

Water & Seasoning

01 Cold water, enough to cover eggs by 1 inch
02 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Step-by-step guide

Step 01

Arrange Eggs: Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and add cold water to cover by at least 1 inch.

Step 02

Add Salt: Optionally add 1 teaspoon salt to the water to help prevent cracking and ease peeling.

Step 03

Boil Water: Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 04

Remove from Heat: Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid and immediately remove it from the heat.

Step 05

Let Eggs Cook: Let the eggs sit, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes depending on desired yolk firmness.

Step 06

Prepare Ice Bath: While eggs are resting, prepare a bowl filled with ice water.

Step 07

Cool Eggs: Transfer eggs to the ice water using a slotted spoon and chill for at least 5 minutes.

Step 08

Peel Eggs: Gently crack and peel eggs under running cold water for easiest removal of shells.

Equipment you'll need

  • Saucepan with lid
  • Slotted spoon
  • Large bowl
  • Timer

Allergy notes

Look at every ingredient for allergens and get help from a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs; unsuitable for individuals with egg allergies.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For informational purposes only. Always check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calorie count: 70
  • Total fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Proteins: 6 g