How Long to Hard Boil Eggs

5 from 3 votes

No more guessing how long to boil eggs for the perfect hard boiled eggs every time! Here’s the easiest method.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Snack, tips & tricks

Cuisine: American

Servings: eggs

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Use a slotted spoon to quickly lower eggs into the water (so they don’t crack on the bottom of the pot). Immediately set timer for 12 minutes. Keep water at a gentle (not roaring) boil.
While eggs are boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the timer goes off, use a slotted spoon to quickly drop the eggs into the ice bath to stop the cooking process (preventing the yolks from turning green).
Let eggs chill for at least 10 minutes. Crack shells, rinsing eggs under cold water to ensure there’s no stray shells left behind.

Peeled eggs will save in fridge for 3 days. To save eggs for up to 5 days, keep eggs in shell. Peel eggs right before you want to eat them for optimal freshness!
Eggs that are closer to their expiration date will be easier to peel!
Keep water at a gentle boil to ensure eggs cook through properly. If water is boiling too hard, the eggs will break. If water isn’t boiling, the eggs won’t cook.
Plunge eggs in an ice water bath to stop them from cooking and prevent green yolks.