How to Make the Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Struggling to get the perfect hard boiled egg? This step by step tutorial will show you how to get that perfect hard boiled egg just in time for spring.

It is hard boiled egg season. With springtime here and Easter in a few weeks- it’s just that time of year. Our backyard chickens are laying up a storm. We have a ton of eggs. Now, what to do with them all?

By hard boiling them, they last a while longer and make great protein rich to-go snacks. Eggs are one of the healthiest foods out there rich in choline and vitamins B2, B12, D & E just to name a few. They also are perfect for springtime brunches, picnics and potlucks. There a favorite among kids and adults alike.

However, I know alot of people intimidated by making hard boiled eggs. In this post, we will go in depth on how to get the perfect hard boiled egg. No more peeling issues or soggy eggs.

Step by Step Tutorial

Step #1- In a large saucepan, place eggs on the bottom. Make sure to leave enough space so they are not overcrowded or knock into each other. Then fill the saucepan with cold water covering the eggs.

Step #2- Bring water to a boil over high heat.

Step #3- Once boiling, cover with a lid and remove off heat. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Leave lid on the saucepan.

Step #4- Fill a bowl with ice and water. When timer goes off, remove the eggs individually from the hot water and place in the ice bath water for 10 minutes. Use tongs to gently remove.

Step #5- After 10 minutes, tap the egg against table /counter and start peeling.

Tips for the best hard boiled eggs

• Ice bath is important- Do not skip this step as its crucial for the eggs to stop cooking. The ice bath will assure the yolks are bright yellow. This step is also important for peeling since the cold water helps separate the egg membrane from the shell. This helps so you can peel without taking the egg whites with you.
• Gently peel- This isn’t a race. Go gentle when peeling. Tap on a hard surface such as a table or counter to break the shell. Then, carefully peel. The white shell might fall off or it might not so gently peel from the egg white.
• Don’t use fresh eggs- I mentioned our chickens are laying now but we don’t try to boil them until there at least 7 days old. Fresh eggs are more difficult to peel than eggs that are older. Buy eggs then store them in the refrigerator a few days before use. If using eggs from your backyard chickens, make sure they are stored for a week before use.

Does egg freshness effect the ease of the peel?

Yes, this goes back to not using fresh eggs. Eggs that are typically 7-10 days old are the best to use. The older eggs have had time for air to separate the membrane from the shell making them easier to peel.

Serving Suggestions

• On top of fresh salads
• Tuna salads
• Pasta salads
• Side dish at potluck or picnic
• Go-to snacks
• Quick breakfast

Storing

Refrigerator- store in an airtight sealed container up to 5 days.

Also, if you are not planning on eating them right away you can always refrigerate them unpeeled and then peel them when ready. Totally up to your preference, I typically peel all mine and eat throughout the week.

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