The Ultimate Hard-Boiled Egg Recipe

Hard-boiling an egg: It sounds like a really easy task. And it is — eventually. But getting it just right can be a bit of an art if you’re new to the cooking method. That’s probably why you’re here — to finally nail the process.

Ahead, we’ll go over the many reasons hard-boiled eggs are worth mastering, walk you through the step-by-step instructions, and offer tips along the way. With this foolproof hard-boil egg recipe, you’ll have perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.

So, without further ado, here’s the best hard-boiled egg recipe — and why you should add it to your routine. Hint: It’s pretty much the ticket to meeting your protein goals.

If you ask us, this is the best hard-boiled egg recipe because it’s packed with protein, affordable, easy to make, and can be used in various dishes.

They’re Loaded With Protein

Let’s start with the health benefits.

Hard-boiled eggs are a powerhouse of protein (one large egg packs about six grams of protein), making them a satisfying and efficient way to fuel your day — especially if you’re working on weight loss or weight management. Whether you enjoy the whole thing, egg yolks and all, or prefer just the egg whites, you’ll still benefit from their high protein content.

Protein is essential for building and maintaining lean muscle while you exercise, and it helps keep you feeling full longer. That means hard-boiled eggs can help stave off hunger between meals compared to lots of other processed or sugary foods.

This makes them a great snack, breakfast option, or an extra to add to something light, like a salad or toast.

Beyond protein, eggs are rich in calcium and potassium — nutrients that support bone and heart health, help regulate blood pressure in context of an overall healthy diet, and keep your energy levels steady. With their low-calorie count (around 70 kcal per egg) and impressive nutrient profile, hard-boiled eggs are a smart, wholesome choice to keep you going.

The yellow yolks of eggs are high in cholesterol, though, so if you have high cholesterol levels, dyslipidemia (high levels of fats in your blood) or cardiovascular disease, you may want to be mindful of your intake or check with your healthcare provider. You can consider removing the yolk after boiling the egg and eating only the egg whites. By skipping the yolk, the egg whites become an even leaner source of protein, with almost no fat and cholesterol.

Check out our Egg White Bites Recipe!

They’re Affordable and Incredibly Easy to Make

Hard-boiled eggs are also a meal-prep dream. Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a convenient snack or ingredient ready for days. Plus, if you want to skip the stovetop, affordable egg cookers can simplify the process — just add water and let the machine do the work.

The cleanup is almost nonexistent with hard-boiled eggs since they’re super easy to handle — they aren’t runny (unlike soft-boiled eggs).

And let’s not forget the cost factor: With just eggs, hot water, and basic seasonings, you’ve got an affordable, nutrient-packed option for any meal.

Learn how to lower your cholesterol in our guide.  

They Can Be Used in Tons of Recipes

Hard-boiled eggs are a versatile kitchen staple with so many uses. Whether you’re whipping up deviled eggs, adding protein to a cobb salad, or making egg salad sandwiches, they’re a go-to ingredient for countless recipes.

Some of the best hard-boiled egg recipe ideas:

• Potato salad

• Kedgeree

• Lettuce egg cups

• BLT salads or sandwiches

• Egg-topped avocado toast

• Ramen soup

• Macaroni salad

• Veggie nicoise salad

Needless to say, one of the biggest perks of hard-boiled eggs is that they’re easy to customize.

This is partly because eggs have a pretty mild flavor, which makes them the perfect canvas. You can season them with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. You can even separate the yolks and whites, depending on your preferences.

The recipe can also be used to boil eggs for Easter egg painting.

Making hard-boiled eggs is simple, but getting them just right takes some technique. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked eggs every time:

1. Gather your ingredients and supplies. You’ll need fresh eggs, a pot, a bowl, and a steamer insert. Or, if you prefer, you can use an instant pot or a device specifically designed for boiling eggs.

2. Boil water. Fill a pot with one to two inches of water, and then put it on high heat until the water reaches a roaring boil.

3. Ready the eggs. Place the eggs in a steamer insert inside the pot, then cover it with a lid.

4. Cook the eggs. Cook the eggs for 10 to 14 minutes.

5. Prep a bowl of ice water. While the eggs are cooking, fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Set the bowl aside.

6. Give your hard-boiled eggs an ice bath. Remove eggs from the steamer insert (or drain them using a slotted spoon if you didn’t use a steamer insert) and shock them in the ice-water bath for 10 minutes.

7. Peel hard-boiled eggs. And now for the grand finale: Remove the egg shells by gently peeling your eggs under cool running water.

How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Take to Cook?

Not all eggs have the same cook time. Hard-boiled eggs take about 10 to 14 minutes to cook in boiling water. Large eggs take a little longer to cook, while older eggs cook more quickly.

If you see a green ring around the yolk, that means you’ve overcooked your hard-boiled eggs (unless you like them that way!).

Long story short, everyone’s definition of the perfect egg is different, so it may take some trial and error to figure out your preferred cook time.

For soft-boiled eggs, the cooking time is six to eight minutes.

How to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs will keep in the fridge for up to a week after cooking them. And you can store them peeled or unpeeled, still in their shells.

Make sure your hard-boiled eggs are completely cool before storing them. Once cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag — a hard container is best for preventing them from getting crushed or smooshed.

Serving: 2 eggs

Cook time: 10 to 14 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Fill pot with one to two inches of water. Bring to a boil. 

2. Place eggs in steamer insert, lower insert into pot, then cover with lid.

3. Cook eggs for 10 to 14 minutes.

4. While eggs cook, fill large bowl with ice and cold water. Set aside.

5. Remove eggs from steamer insert and shock in ice-water bowl for 10 minutes.

6. Peel under cool running water.

Here’s how the nutritional info shakes out for this hard-boil egg recipe.

Calories: 140

Total fat: 10 grams

Saturated fat: 3 grams

Trans fat: 0 grams

Sodium: 140 milligrams

Total carbohydrates: 0 grams

Dietary fiber: 0 grams

Total sugars: 0 grams

Added sugars: 0 grams

Protein: 12 grams

For more protein-packed snack ideas, check out our protein mug cake and coffee protein shake recipes.