I know. I know. You probably already know how to hard boil an egg. But, I can’t tell you how many times I get asked for a fool proof method to get the perfect egg — easy to peel with a perfect yellow yolk.
We’ll be celebrating Easter soon. While the egg hunt and bunny rabbit won’t take center stage, the Littles definitely enjoy decorating eggs. Which means I’ll be boiling up a whole lotta eggs this week.
Even if you aren’t boiling dozens of eggs for the requisite eggstravaganza, you still need to know how to boil the perfect egg. Hard boiled eggs have become a staple in our house. All four of the Littles will eat them. Let me say that again… ALL FOUR of the Littles will eat them which truly makes hard boiled eggs a miracle in my book. One little only eats the whites, but her little sister finishes off the left over yellow part. So it all works out in the end.
I’ve tried a variety of egg boiling methods over the years. I was even given a special one-trick-pony gadget that pierces a tiny hole in the end of the egg which supposedly contributes to it’s boiling perfection. Maybe I misunderstood the gadget, but either I would crack the egg in an ironic attempt to be extra gentle while poking the miniscule hole, or if the piercing was successful precious egg white always seemed to find it’s way into the boiling pot. I’ve tried rapid boils, covered and uncovered pots, and salt and no salt combinations. All of these methods proved successful on occasion, but I’m rather fond of consistency.
For the last four years, I’ve had consistent luck with the following scientific and thoroughly tested method. It’s truly a form of rocket science and brain surgery folks. Pay attention.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Place eggs in pot, fill water to cover by about an inch
Bring water and eggs to a rapid boil
Boil 1 minute
Remove pot from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes
Carefully drain. Add ice and cold water to eggs
Cool completely. Peel and enjoy as a snack, make deviled eggs, or egg salad. Refrigerate unpeeled, hard boiled eggs for 4 – 5 days.
Happy Easter, friends!
1. Love the pics – very colorful and Easter-y 🙂
2. I have never used ice – I’ve just let them hangout. Looking forward to trying the amended process.
I have found that older eggs, as opposed to ones fresh from the store, peel easier. I cannot attest to the yolk part as I don’t eat those – but the easier peel is a big sell for me.
The eggs came out perfect the very first time. This will be my new way to prepare hard boiled eggs.. No broken whites or stuck on shells. Great the first time, Thanks for sharing.
I break up the egg shells a bit (tapping them on all sides on the sides of the bowl) while they are in the ice water. I think the ice water seeping in there makes then peel easier.
Magan, ooooh that’s a great tip. I’m going to try that this week! Thank you, Kristin