How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs on the Stove

Master the art of cooking hard boiled eggs! This straightforward method ensures creamy yolks and tender whites every time.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 11

Total Time 26

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Instructions

Start by taking your eggs out of the refrigerator and letting them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent cracking when they are placed in hot water.
Fill your large saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. If you’re using salt, add it to the water now. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, gently lower the eggs into the pot using a slotted spoon. Be cautious to avoid splashing hot water.
Once all the eggs are in the pot, cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Start your timer at this point.
For perfectly hard boiled eggs, cook them for 9 minutes for a creamy, slightly soft center, or 11 minutes for fully set yolks.
While the eggs are cooking, prepare your ice bath in a large bowl. Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath using your slotted spoon. This stops the cooking process and helps with peeling.
Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes. Once cooled, tap them gently on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll them between your hands to loosen the shell. Start peeling from the wider end, where there is often an air pocket, making it easier to remove the shell.