The Best Homemade Hard Boiled Egg Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Perfecting hard-boiled eggs can be tricky, but this recipe makes it easy and foolproof. You’ll love how simple it is to get consistent, delicious results every time. First, the eggs turn out creamy and tender, never rubbery or overcooked. Second, peeling them is a breeze with the handy tip included in the method. Finally, they’re versatile—perfect for snacks, salads, or as a protein-packed breakfast.
Recipe

Hard-boiled eggs are a simple, versatile, and protein-rich food that can be enjoyed on their own or used in various recipes. This foolproof method guarantees perfectly cooked eggs with firm whites and creamy yolks.
Ingredients:
- Eggs (as many as desired)
- Water
Instructions:
- Place eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan.
- Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by about 1 inch.
- Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat, cover with a lid, and let sit for 9-12 minutes (9 minutes for softer yolks, 12 minutes for firmer yolks).
- While the eggs are sitting, prepare a bowl of ice water.
- After the specified time, transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon. Let them cool for about 5 minutes.
- Gently crack and peel the eggs under cool running water.
Notes:
- Older eggs peel more easily than fresh ones.
- For easier peeling, tap the boiled egg gently on a hard surface and roll it before peeling.
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Bowl for ice water
Time:
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Cuisine:
Universal
Serving:
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
Hard-boiled eggs are a nutritious and protein-packed snack. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one large hard-boiled egg:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 77 |
| Protein | 6.3 g |
| Total Fat | 5.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 187 mg |
| Sodium | 62 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0.6 g |
| Sugars | 0.6 g |
| Calcium | 28 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin A | 244 IU |
| Vitamin D | 41 IU |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing hard boiled eggs with fresh salads because they add a protein punch to crisp greens, like spinach or arugula. They also work wonders in sandwiches, whether smashed into egg salad or sliced neatly for a classic BLT. You can’t go wrong with these versatile options!
Salad Pairings
Since hard-boiled eggs are so versatile, they’re perfect for tossing into all kinds of salads. I love adding them to a classic Cobb salad with crispy bacon, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette. They’re also great in a simple garden salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers—just slice them up for extra protein. For something heartier, I mix them into a potato salad with a creamy dressing, or a Nicoise salad with green beans and tuna. Eggs even work in grain-based salads like quinoa or rice, adding richness to the dish. They’re my go-to for making salads more filling and flavorful.
Sandwich Fillings
When you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal, hard-boiled eggs can make your sandwiches shine. I love mashing them with a bit of mayo, mustard, and a pinch of salt for a classic egg salad that’s creamy and delicious. Adding chopped celery or pickles gives it a nice crunch. Sometimes, I slice the eggs thin and layer them with avocado, sprouts, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh, healthy option. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll mix chopped eggs with curry powder and yogurt for a flavorful twist. These combos are simple, tasty, and perfect for any lunchbox or picnic.