How to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs in 6 Easy Steps

Many ingredients are considered kitchen staples, but few are as essential and popular as the egg. The average American eats more than 280 eggs per year, and the popularity of eggs is only projected to increase. 

Sure, the price of eggs can fluctuate, but compared to meat, they remain an affordable alternative. They’re also rich in nutrients, needed in many recipes for baked goods, and incredibly versatile. A classic American breakfast is hardly complete without a side of eggs, and they’re also the star of dishes like egg salad, deviled eggs, shakshuka, and more. You can even enjoy them in breakfast tacos, sandwiches, salads, and ramen. Not to mention the rich protein content in eggs—each one contains more than 6 grams of protein.

Scrambled, fried, poached—there are so many ways to prepare eggs. How you like your eggs comes down to personal preference, but hard-boiled eggs remain a fan favorite. Like making pasta noodles or chopping an onion, boiling an egg is a basic cooking skill everyone should have. Here’s how to make ‘em.

How to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs on the Stovetop

You’d think there would be universal cooking instructions to make hard-boiled eggs, but there are different ways to get the job done. You can boil eggs in the Instant Pot or get one of those countertop egg cookers, but the most basic method requires no fancy equipment at all—boiling eggs on the stovetop. 

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make hard-boiled eggs:

1. Arrange your eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan, and fill it with cold water so the eggs are covered by an inch of water or more. 
2. Add a teaspoon of salt. This helps minimize leaks if the shells crack during the process.
3. Cook the eggs over high heat until the water reaches a gentle boil, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 12 minutes.
5. To stop the cooking process, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let them cool for 5 minutes.
6. Remove and peel the eggs to enjoy them immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for a few days.

How Long to Boil Hard-Boil Eggs

The steps to make hard-boiled eggs are the same no matter how soft or firm you prefer the yolk, but the cooking time can vary. How long to boil eggs depends on the size of the eggs. Cooking large eggs for 12 minutes is the sweet spot for hard-boiled eggs. If the eggs are smaller, or larger than your typical large egg, adjust the time to 9 or 15 minutes, respectively. 

Just be careful not to undercook or overcook hard-boiled eggs. Undercooking eggs—as is the case with, you know, soft-boiled eggs—can increase the risk of foodborne illness caused by salmonella. Cooking eggs for too long will cause that unwanted greenish-gray ring that forms around the yolk. While it’s harmless, it’s caused by a reaction between the sulfur in the egg white and the iron in the yolk. Boiled eggs that are overcooked are also more likely to become tough and dry, and are thus less appetizing to eat.

How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last?

Hard-boiled eggs are perishable, so plan on using them up within a few days of making a batch. Once cooked, it’s unsafe to leave boiled eggs at room temperature for more than two hours. If you’re not going to use or eat them right away, transfer them to the refrigerator. According to the USDA, it’s safe to store hard-cooked eggs in the refrigerator for up to seven days. This applies to both boiled eggs that have been peeled, and those that remain in their shells. 

Ways to Use Hard-Boiled Eggs

The best part about having a container of hard-boiled eggs in the fridge is that there are so many ways to use them. You can enjoy them on their own for a quick, protein-rich snack, or incorporate them into savory recipes. Here are a few ideas worth trying.

Spicy Deviled Eggs

It doesn’t have to be a holiday or potluck to enjoy this popular appetizer, but you do have to like a certain degree of spice. This recipe takes your traditional deviled eggs and turns up the heat with cayenne pepper and pimentos.

Salmorejo With Prosciutto and Hard-Boiled Egg

Grated eggs over soup is a thing, and this recipe uses them beautifully. Whip up a cold, no-cook soup and serve it chilled with various toppings for taste and texture, including ham, chile, and grated eggs.

Sautéed Hard-Boiled Egg Breakfast

Breakfast doesn’t have to be sweet. This savory breakfast gets your day started with a robust plate of hummus, pita, and boiled eggs that have been lightly browned in a skillet.

English-Muffin Egg Pizzas

If you have a couple of hard-boiled eggs you need to use up, consider turning them into toppings for mini pizzas. With English muffins as the “crust” and tomato slices for the “sauce,” this creative dish is both fun and easy. Sprinkle on some grated mozzarella and pop your creations in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Pesto Egg Salad Toasts

Egg salad doesn’t just belong in sandwiches—it also belongs on toast. This take on an American classic calls for a pesto base instead of mayonnaise, making it a bit lighter on the fat without skimping on the flavor.