How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs on the Stove

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Are you tired of overcooked, dry hard boiled eggs? If so, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing my foolproof method for making perfect hard boiled eggs on the stove. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to hard boil eggs, read on! With this method, you’ll get perfectly cooked eggs every time. So say goodbye to rubbery eggs and hello to deliciousness!

Making hard boiled eggs is easy, right? You just boil some water, drop in the eggs and wait a few minutes. But somehow, they always seem to come out wrong. The shells are cracked, the whites are rubbery… it’s enough to make you want to give up and eat cereal for breakfast instead.

If you’re determined to master the art of making perfect hard boiled eggs, read on. With this foolproof method, you’ll never have to worry about rubbery whites or broken shells again. So let’s get started!

You also might be interested in this How to Make Boiled Eggs in the Oven post too!

Hard boiled eggs sliced in half with salt and pepper on a blue plate.

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Making a perfect boiled egg isn’t as easy as it sounds. If you’ve ever tried to make them yourself, you know that getting the eggs just right can be a challenge. But don’t despair! With this simple method, you’ll be making perfect hard boiled eggs every time.

It’s incredibly easy for anyone to make perfect hard boiled eggs using this method.
Plus, they’re a great source of protein and healthy fats, making them the perfect breakfast or snack option.
And finally, they’re delicious! Whether you eat them plain or add them to a salad or sandwich, they’re sure to please.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large pot with lid
Large bowl

Eggs and salt with a stockpot in the back ready to cook hard boiled eggs.

INGREDIENTS

You only need three simple ingredients to help you make this deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for a high protein snack and great for easy meal prep. You may even have these ingredients on hand already so you may not even need to make a trip to the grocery store.

dozen eggs
salt
water
ice

HOW TO HARD BOIL EGGS

These hard boiled eggs come together in just a few simple steps. Follow the steps and cooking times below and you will perfect eggs every time.

STEP 1: ADD THE EGGS TO A SAUCEPAN

Set eggs in the bottom of a large saucepan or pot. Do not crowd.

STEP 2: COVER THE EGGS WITH WATER

Cover eggs with cold water, at least 1 inch above the eggs.

Eggs placed in a pot before adding water to boil.

Topping eggs with water in a pot before boiling to cook on the stovetop.

STEP 3: BRING THE WATER TO A ROLLING BOIL

Bring the water to a hard boil over high heat.

STEP 4: COVER THE POT WITH A LID

Cover with a lid and remove from the heat.

Boiling pot of water with eggs in them cooking them.

STEP 5: ALLOW THE EGGS TO COOK

Set a timer for the desired length of time. 6 to 14 minutes. See notes below for the cooking times for doneness.

STEP 6: PREPARE A LARGE BOWL OF ICE WATER

While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl filled with ice and cold water.

STEP 7: PLACE THE EGGS IN THE ICE BATH

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.

Placing eggs in a bowl of ice to stop the cooking process.

STEP 8: PEEL AND SERVE OR STORE THE EGGS

Peel the egg shell and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

WAYS TO ENJOY

There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can do with this egg recipe. Here are a few of my favorites.

Add them to a salad for a filling and satisfying meal. I like to use them on a cobb salad.
Use them as the protein in your lunchtime sandwich instead of meat.
Whip up a quick and easy egg salad for a quick snack.
Make deviled eggs for a party or potluck.
Great for dying Easter Eggs
Who else loves a good Cobb Salad with eggs?

TIPS

Here are a few tips to help you make perfect hard boiled eggs every time.

Do not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the eggs from cooking evenly.
Be sure to use cold water. This will help to prevent the eggs from cracking.
Do not overcook the eggs or they will become rubbery. See the chart below for the cooking times for the desired level of doneness.
Allow the eggs to cool completely in an ice bath before peeling. This will make them much easier to peel.
You can use fresh eggs or older eggs with this recipe, they should both peel well.
I use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs with ease.
If you use the very hard time, you may have a slightly green yolk.
Having trouble peeling the eggs? Run the egg under cold water during the peeling process.
Be sure to use cold eggs for this recipe, and not room temperature eggs.
The cooking times below will work for medium, large and extra-large eggs.
Use a pot large enough for the eggs to sit in a single layer on the bottom of the pan.
Make sure that your water comes to a full boil before you turn off the heat.

Hard cooked brown eggs in the back of sliced eggs on a plate.

HOW TO STORE

Hard boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

COOKING TIMES FOR HARD BOILED EGGS

Here is a list of cooking times to make sure that your egg yolks turn out perfect every time on the stove top. This cook times give you the best results, so be sure to follow them closely.

Super Soft Boiled Eggs – 4 minutes

Soft Boiled – 6 minutes

Medium Soft Boiled – 8 minutes

Medium Boiled -10 minutes

Hard Boiled – 12 minutes

Very Hard Boiled – 14 minutes

Time chart to cook hard boiled eggs on the stove.

FAQS

Do you have questions about how to hard-boil eggs? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What is the best way to hard-boil eggs?

The best way to hard boil eggs is using this method. It’s simple and easy to follow and yields perfect eggs every time.

What is the cooking time for hard-boiled eggs?

The cooking time for hard-boiled eggs varies depending on how you like your eggs cooked. See the chart above for the cooking times for doneness.

Can I overcook hard-boiled eggs?

Yes, if you cook the eggs too long they will become rubbery. See the chart below for the cooking times for doneness.

Will the eggs peel easier if I cool them in ice water?

Yes, cooling the eggs in ice water will make them much easier to peel.

OTHER DELICIOUS RECIPES YOU MAY ENJOY

A plate full of hard boiled eggs cut in half on a blue plate.

Time chart for hard boiled eggs cooked on the stove top.

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