How Long to Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs (Because Timing Is Everything)

Best Method for Cooking Hard-Boiled Eggs

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time:

Start in Cold Water: Place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with about an inch of water. Starting in cold water allows the eggs to heat gradually, which can help avoid cracking.
Bring to a Boil: Heat the water over medium heat until it reaches a full boil.
Cover and Set a Timer: Once the water comes to a boil, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat slightly, but keep the water at a steady simmer. Set a timer for 10 to 12 minutes.
Stop the Cooking with an Ice Bath: When the timer goes off, carefully transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and water) for 5 to 10 minutes. This instantly halts the cooking process and makes peeling the eggs easier.
Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs: Tips and Tricks
Peeling hard-boiled eggs can sometimes be tricky, but a few simple tips can make the process easier:

Use Older Eggs: Fresher eggs tend to be harder to peel. If possible, use eggs that are a few days old.
Crack and Roll: Gently crack the egg and roll it between your hands to loosen the shell before peeling. Start peeling from the wider end, which usually contains an air pocket.
Ice Bath: Placing eggs in an ice bath after cooking not only helps them cool down quickly but also makes them easier to peel.
Is It Safer to Eat Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Yes! Hard-boiled eggs, when cooked thoroughly, are safe to eat. Cooking eggs to a temperature of 165°F kills off any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella. As long as the egg whites and yolks are fully set, they’re completely safe.

From a food safety perspective, the USDA recommends cooking hard-boiled eggs for slightly longer than the typical 10 to 12 minutes to be extra sure that no foodborne pathogens remain:

12 minutes for medium-sized eggs
15 minutes for large eggs
18 minutes for extra-large eggs
However, if you cook them too long, you may get dry yolks, so there’s a balance. For most people, 10 to 12 minutes is the sweet spot for great taste and safety.

Summary of Key Times for Hard-Boiled Eggs
Egg Size Cook Time
Medium (slightly smaller) 8 to 10 minutes
Large (standard) 10 to 12 minutes
Extra-Large 12 to 14 minutes
Whether you’re making deviled eggs, prepping a quick snack, or adding them to a salad, mastering the perfect hard-boiled egg comes down to a little attention to detail with timing. With this guide, you’ll have perfect hard-boiled eggs every time!