Three Foolproof Methods for Hard-Boiled Eggs (and Recipe Ideas)
Here are Three Foolproof Methods for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs every time no matter which easy method you use! And there are lots of ideas here for using those hard-boiled eggs once you’ve made them! See Cooking Tips for more how-to-cook posts like this one.
PIN Three Foolproof Methods for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs to try some later!
It’s getting close to Easter, and that means lots of families will be making hard-boiled eggs and then dyeing them bright colors to go in Easter baskets. This post is a Public Service Announcement to remind you to buy eggs NOW, because eggs that are too fresh are always harder to peel. And there are also some tricks to making perfect boiled eggs, and I’ve updated this post to share my Three Foolproof Methods for Perfect Boiled Eggs to help you make perfect hard-boiled eggs for Easter!
For years I just put eggs in a pan, added water, and boiled them, often with mixed results. Imagine my surprise when I learned that that eggs in the shell shouldn’t really be boiled, and we really should be calling them hard-cooked eggs! And I discovered that using a better method for hard-cooked eggs will produce perfect eggs every time!
Now fast forward quite a few years, and I’m using one of these Three Foolproof Methods for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs whenever I make hard-boiled eggs, which are really hard-cooked eggs of course! Instant Pot Hard-Cooked Eggs are my preferred method now. But I’ve also had great results with Steam-Cooked Eggs and Boiling Water Cooked Eggs. Use one of these methods and your eggs will turn out perfectly every time, with firm yellow yolks, no tinge of green or gray to the yolk, and the shells will remove easily.
If you’re going to be making eggs for Easter, try one of these methods; I promise, you will not be sorry! And when you have all those leftover Easter eggs to use up, check below for some great ideas for using hard-cooked eggs; enjoy!
Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs: Instant Pot Hard-Cooked Eggs:
- If you’re an Instant Pot fan, you’ll love making hard-cooked eggs in the Instant Pot! The only trick part is deciding what time will work best for where you are. I live at a fairly high altitude so I used the 6-6-6 method; that’s the time that was recommended by my friend Barbara at Pressure Cooking Today. You might need to experiment to see how much cooking time gives you perfect results.
- Put some kind of steamer baker in the Instant Pot (affiliate link). Put desired number of eggs in the basket and add one cup water. (Cooking time doesn’t change with more or less eggs.)
- Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE, 6 minutes.
- When time is up, let the pressure release for 6 minutes. While pressure releases, prepare a bowl with ice water.
- After 6 minutes, release the rest of the pressure and carefully open the lid of the Instant pot. Remove eggs (with a large spoon or using the steamer basket) and transfer them to the ice water. Let eggs soak in the ice water for 6 minutes. Your eggs will be perfectly cooked and peel easily!
Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs: Steam-Cooked Eggs:
- You can use any type of Vegetable Steamer or Steamer Insert (affiliate links) for steamed eggs, but I use the wonderful stovetop stovetop steamer I got from my late stepmother Norma. Only put enough eggs to fit in a single layer.
- Put a couple of inches of water in the bottom of the steamer, as much as you can fit without the water touching the eggs.
- When the water comes to a boil, put the lid on and steam eggs 20-22 minutes. (I live at a high altitude so my eggs needed the full time, but 20 minutes will probably be perfect for most places. You might need to do a test batch to decide what the perfect cooking time is at your altitude.)
- While the eggs are steaming prepare a bowl with ice and water.
- When eggs are done use a large spoon to immediately transfer them to the ice water bath.
- Let eggs sit in the ice water about 10 minutes, then peel. (If you’re eating them hot, just leave in the water for a minute or two.)
Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs: Boiling Water Cooked Eggs:
- I started using this method in 2007, and if you don’t have an Instant Pot or a vegetable steamer this method will also give perfect results every time, although the Instant Pot eggs and steamed eggs are slightly easier to peel. For best results, take eggs out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before cooking.
- Put eggs in a pan large enough to hold all the eggs in a single layer, with water to cover eggs by at least an inch.
- Bring water to a boil. As soon as it boils, turn off heat and cover eggs. Set timer for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, drain eggs, and add cold water with some ice cubes. Let eggs cool about 10 minutes in cold water, then drain and store in refrigerator.
- And the gorgeous eggs at the top of this post were cooked using this old low-tech method!
Recipes to Use Those Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Without a doubt, deviled eggs are one of my favorite things to make with hard-cooked eggs, and I shared all of My Favorite Recipes for Deviled Eggs in one post.
You can’t go wrong with this Low-Carb Loaded Cauliflower Mock Potato Salad; even the people who aren’t low-carb eaters like this in my family!
Low-Carb and High Protein Avocado Egg Salad is another option that’s really a wow for me!
If you use my favorite Low-Carb Pita Bread, this Egg Salad in Pita with Green Olives, Green Onions, and Dijon is a low-carb treat! You could eat the tasty egg salad mixture in lettuce wraps for Keto or Gluten-Free if you prefer.
And these Low-Carb Egg Salad and Cheese Quesadillas are a think-outside-the-box idea for using hard-boiled eggs that I got from a Kalyn’s Kitchen reader years ago! I use low-carb tortillas but eat the egg salad mixture in lettuce wraps for Keto or Gluten-Free.
More Recipes for Using Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Check out my round-up post of Amazing Low-Carb Recipes Using Hard-Boiled Eggs (that aren’t deviled eggs) for even more ideas for using those hard-cooked eggs!
Fun Ideas for Easter Eggs:
Hard-Boiled Ruby Eggs from A Veggie Venture
Marbled Beetroot Eggs from Nami Nami
Deviled Eggs of Every Type:
50 Deviled Egg Recipes from Taste and Tell
99 Deviled Eggs Recipes from CopyKat Recipes
32 Ways to Make Deviled Eggs from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
Delicious Egg Salad Variations:
Egg Salad from David Lebovitz
Lemon-Dill Egg Salad from The Perfect Pantry
A Tale of Two Egg Salads from FoodieCrush
Cottage Cheese and Egg Salad from Nami Nami
Let us know in the comments if you have another great idea for using hard-boiled eggs.
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67 Comments on “Three Foolproof Methods for Hard-Boiled Eggs (and Recipe Ideas)”
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No matter how new or old the eggs are, every time I’ve steamed them they have ALWAYS peeled great! Cold eggs out of the fridge, pop them in an already steaming pot. I’m amazed every time that I don’t struggle any more to peel!
I agree that steaming eggs is consistently pretty great!
I have another tried and true method that makes for super dooper easy peeling! I worked cooking for many years and always got frustrated when asked to make boiled eggs. A dear friend of mine that has passed gave me a solution that I wish I’d had the years I worked.
1. Let the eggs sit out till room temp
2. Prick each egg on the small end with a hat pin, thumb tack, etc.
3. Start water boiling…a good rolling boil
4. Add eggs with a spoon or ladel (I do up to 18 eggs at once in a pot)
5. Once they return to boil, turn burner down and cook at a slow boil for 8-12 minutes.
It depends on the size of the eggs. I pretty much know how long now but if you’re not sure, take an egg out and check it to make sure. The biggest perk for me is the peeling, Shells just come of so nicely.
Let me know if any of ya’ll try it! Have a Blessed Easter!
I think I will stick with my own methods, but glad you found a good one.
No matter what I can’t get my darn eggs to peel!!!!
Marie, make sure the eggs are a few weeks old, and then use one of these methods. I promise that will help.
I love eating egg and dishes made by eggs that is one method I’ve never tried! Definitely intriguing. I usually put my eggs straight from the fridge into a pan of water and start timing when it comes to a boil — 8-9 minutes for yolks that are just cooked through, with a little dimple of damp in the middle. The creamier yolk makes for a better egg salad!
I’d love to hear what you think if you try one of these methods.
We were invited to in-laws for Easter dinner so I am having ham and accoutrements for dinner this Sunday along with hard boiled eggs. Its always hit and miss whether they will end up peeling off easy or stuck to the shell….argggh. Thanks for making this easier. I will test your methods.
Wanda, I think you will be amazed by the steaming method. I am making boiled eggs with that method about once a week now.
Thanks so much for linking to our Egg Salad collection!
Martha, my pleasure! Great collection of egg salads.
Steaming eggs? that is one method I've never tried! Definitely intriguing. I usually put my eggs straight from the fridge into a pan of water and start timing when it comes to a boil — 8-9 minutes for yolks that are just cooked through, with a little dimple of damp in the middle. The creamier yolk makes for a better egg salad!
Eileen, I've done the steaming method about 6 times now and I can say it's really impressive how the shells slip right off!
Have you tried oven baked "hard boiled" eggs. Best way ever. You will never have to mess with boiling water again. I use this recipe.
http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2012/11/how-to-make-perfect-hard-boiled-eggs-in-the-oven.html
Thanks for your blog.
I have heard of that, but haven't tried it. Somehow heating up the oven seems harder to me than steaming, but I will give it a try.
My fridge always feels "empty" if I don't have a container of hard boiled eggs in it. So helpful at this time of year to have a reminder of the best ways to make eggs in a batch at one time.
Lydia, deviled eggs are absolutely my snack of choice when I plan ahead enough to make them, so I can relate!
I said "Eggs that are too fresh won't peel easily" which I think is the most important trick to removing the shells easily. If you know other tricks besides that, please share.
Missed, totally, the MOST IMPORTANT
aspect – how to shell easily!!!
I don't think it will matter. I have a gas stove though, so for electric you might take the pan off the heat.
I am such a dunce when it comes to boiling eggs… Wouldn't it make a difference if it's a gas stove vs. electric? With gas, the burner would cool down very fast. My electric stove will keep that water boiling for a long time if I cover a pan and turn it off. Am I supposed to remove the pan from the burner? I am laughing at myself for what is probably a stupid question here, so feel free to laugh along. 🙂
Oopsali, hope these tips will help. I think the freshness of the eggs is one of the biggest factors though; when eggs are too fresh, they just won't peel well.
Hi Kalyn,
I'm glad you thought to post this on your site. I have had no luck boiling eggs since moving back to Utah from Las Vegas. I am learning that baking has to have adjustments for altitude so I thought maybe it affected the eggs. Apparently it does, but yours is the only site I found that had a procedure used in Utah. I have my eggs setting out and can't wait to get them done!
I buy Oakdell Farms high omega 3. They're a Utah product, sold at Costco here. I don't really know much about other brands.
Again…I wasn't sure where to post this…I am trying to convert my eggs to organic. There are so many brands out there that is confusing!! I went to my local Sam's club (no Costco) and they have EB eggs for a really good price. I read the package and they seem good but I was wondering what type of eggs you recommend?