How To Make The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg

I have been on the hunt for the perfect way to make a hard-boiled egg, and finally think I found something that works for me!

I sheepishly confess I have been purchasing organic, peeled hard-boiled eggs from my local coo-op, at a price that is WAY too high. I do have to say, it was nice to have someone else boil and peel the eggs, but at $2.99 for 4 eggs, it is something that I need to do myself!  I remember telling a friend that I paid this for my hard-boiled eggs and she just chuckled at me, and thought it was hilarious that I was willing to pay way too much for something that could so easily be done at home. I knew it was time to change up my method and find something that worked for me.

The method I used to use was this: eggs go in a pan, fill pan with water, turn heat on to boil, once it comes to a boil turn the heat off and set timer for 12 minutes. That SHOULD work, but it didn’t for me. The above method takes an eye on boiling water, making sure to set the timer the minute the water comes to a boil. I am not one that is patient enough to watch for water to boil, so I would either set the timer too late or too early, and my eggs would either be undercooked or overcooked with that dreaded dark ring around the yolk.

My new method is similar, (keep scrolling for detailed instructions) except you bring the water to a boil FIRST, then carefully lower each egg into the boiling water with a large spoon, then immediately set the timer. When the timer goes off, you rinse and soak in cold water until the eggs feel cool to the touch. I like this so much better, as I don’t have to keep an eye on the water and set the timer the minute it boils.

Hard boiled eggs make the perfect protein snack. I love storing them in large mason jars in my refrigerator, the clear glass makes them easy to see and grab, but the jar seals and the oder does not permeate my entire refrigerator.

My girls will grab an egg to have with toast for breakfast, or as a quick afternoon snack. They also love egg salad sandwiches and I recently used it in my favorite chicken salad recipe as one of the ingredients that makes my chicken salad to die for! The other ingredient is sliced grapes…try hard boiled egg and sliced grapes in your favorite chicken salad recipe…you will love it!

 

How To Make The Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg

Step 1: The Boiling Stage

Put up a pot of water to boil — you’ll need one big enough for water to flow freely around the number of eggs you’ll be cooking. Once the water’s boiling, use a large spoon to gently lower the eggs into the water. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and set a timer for 12 minutes.

Step 2: The Cooling Stage

After 12 minutes, take the pot off the heat, drain the hot water out, place the pot in the sink and run cold water over the eggs until the shells are cold to the touch. Yes, that’s it!

If you plan to shell them to serve and enjoy, tap them gently against the pot (or your sink) once they’re cool — the shells will shatter and slip right off.

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Want an easy way to chop your egg into perfect little matchstick-like pieces? Here you go!

Here is a fun way to chop your hard-boiled eggs.