Today, I want to discuss the tried-and-true method of making hard-boiled eggs—the stovetop technique! Yes, that’s right. No fancy appliances are needed for this recipe. Stovetop hard-boiled eggs are simple, and you can master this technique and make eggs just like your grandma did.
Stovetop hard-boiled eggs are simple as long as you know the secret weapon – a timer. For years, I relied on the “stove clock math” approach. You know the one: glance at the clock, add 12 minutes in your head, and hope for the best.
Spoiler alert: it rarely worked. Between distractions (hello, hungry kids!), phone calls, and the general chaos of life, those perfectly cooked eggs often turned into rubbery disappointments.
The answer, it turns out, is simple: ditch the mental math and grab your phone! A quick timer will set you free and let you focus on more important things (like prepping your perfect egg salad ingredients!).
No more wondering if your eggs are overcooked or still runny in the center. I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process, from placing the eggs in the pot to achieving that coveted peelable shell. So skip the guesswork and embrace the simplicity of stovetop hard-boiled eggs!
Sometimes, the quest for the perfect hard-boiled egg feels like searching for the Holy Grail. If you want to try other methods of making them, try air-frying hard-boiled eggs, Instant Pot eggs, or crock pot hard-boiled eggs!
🥣How to Make Stovetop Hard Boiled Eggs
- Place your eggs in a large saucepan or pot, making sure not to crowd them too much. You want the eggs to have room to move around.
- Cover the eggs with cold water, making sure there’s at least an inch of water above the eggs.
- Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a hard boil. You’ll know it’s ready when you see big, vigorous bubbles breaking the water’s surface.
- Once the water is boiling, cover the pot with a lid and remove it from the heat.
- Set a timer for your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 6 minutes. For medium-soft-boiled eggs, cook for 8 minutes. For medium-boiled eggs, cook for 10 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, cook for 12 minutes. And for very hard-boiled eggs, cook for 14 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, carefully remove the eggs from the hot water using a slotted spoon or tongs. Immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Let them sit in the ice bath for 5-10 minutes.
- Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, gently tap them on a hard surface to crack the shell. Roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell, then start peeling from the wider end of the egg. If you’re having trouble, try peeling the egg under running water.
🍴Serving Ideas
Hard-boiled eggs are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and snacks. They’re also a great source of protein and healthy fats, making them perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.
Try these if you are looking for other ideas for using your hard-boiled eggs.
- Classic Deviled Eggs: Cut the eggs in half lengthwise, scoop out the yolks, and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Pipe the mixture back into the egg whites for a classic appetizer.
- Egg Salad Sandwiches: Chop the eggs and mix them with mayonnaise, diced celery, and seasonings for a delicious sandwich filling.
- Pickled Eggs: Submerge peeled eggs in vinegar, water, and pickling spices for a tangy, flavorful snack.
- Breakfast Bowl: Slice eggs and serve them over quinoa or rice with sautéed vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Garnish: For added flavor and texture, use chopped or sliced eggs to top salads, soups, or avocado toast.
💭How to Store
Once the eggs have cooled completely, store unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for up to one week.
If possible, store the eggs unpeeled, as the shell helps protect the egg from absorbing odors and flavors from other foods in the refrigerator. If you have already peeled the eggs, they will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Try to choose eggs that are a week to two weeks old. Fresh eggs can be harder to peel.
- Set a timer. Timing is the key to perfectly cooked eggs. Don’t rely on your intuition or memory—set a timer and stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Make sure your eggs have plenty of room to move around.
- Chill the eggs in an ice bath. Once your eggs are done cooking, don’t just let them sit in the hot water. Transfer them to an ice bath immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- While the recommended cook times are a great starting point, everyone’s preferences differ. If you like your yolks a little softer, try cooking for a minute or two less. If you prefer a firmer yolk, add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Hard-boiled eggs are a great make-ahead option for busy weekdays. Cook a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for easy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks throughout the week.
📝Reader Questions
While you can technically freeze hard-boiled eggs, I don’t recommended it. The texture of the whites can become rubbery and watery when thawed. It’s best to enjoy your hard-boiled eggs within a week of cooking.
That green ring is a sign of overcooking. To prevent it, remove your eggs from the hot water as soon as they’re done cooking and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
The easiest way to peel hard-boiled eggs is to start at the wider end of the egg, where there’s typically an air pocket. Gently tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell. Start peeling from the wider end, using the air pocket to help separate the shell from the egg. If you’re having trouble, try peeling the egg under running water.
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Stovetop Hard Boil Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
Instructions
- Set eggs in the bottom of a large saucepan or pot. Do not crowd.12 eggs
- Cover eggs with cold water, at least 1 inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a hard boil over high heat. Cover with a lid and remove from the heat.
- Set a timer for the desired length of time. 6 to 14 minutes. (See notes)
- When the eggs have cooked for the desired time, remove them from the hot water and place them in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Peel and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Soft boiled: 6 minutes
- Medium-soft boiled: 8 minutes
- Medium boiled: 10 minutes
- Hard boiled: 12 minutes
- Try to choose eggs that are a week to two weeks old. Fresh eggs can be harder to peel.
- Set a timer. Timing is the key to perfectly cooked eggs. Don’t rely on your intuition or memory—set a timer and stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Make sure your eggs have plenty of room to move around.
- Chill the eggs in an ice bath. Once your eggs are done cooking, don’t just let them sit in the hot water. Transfer them to an ice bath immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
