How to Make Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

This step-by-step photo tutorial will show you exactly how to make Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs! No more stuck-on shells or overcooked yolks. This foolproof method for making easy peel boiled eggs will become your go-to way to cook eggs every time.

How to make easy peel hard boiled eggs every time

Not many people enjoy the challenge of peeling the shell off a stubborn hard boiled egg. You know when the shell sticks like crazy and takes half of the egg with it? Yeah, no thanks! Today is the day that we share the method we have used for years to make the perfect hard boiled eggs that are easy to peel.

Hard boiled eggs are something we make often to have on hand. They’re an easy and low-cost, protein-rich food that you can eat simply with a dash of salt and pepper (maybe a little hot sauce) or add on top of a salad for a boost of protein.

A step-by-step photo tutorial for making easy peel hard boiled eggs

The method that we share here works well for both farm-fresh eggs and store-purchased eggs. The key to easy peel eggs is to bring the water to a boil first, then add the eggs. After boiling, transfer the eggs to an ice bath which is where the magic happens.

No, they don’t peel themselves, BUT the shells do come off incredibly easy now! Plus, when you follow the boiling time we suggest, you won’t get that greenish-bluish colored sulfur ring around the yolk, a sign of overcooking. Hallelujah!

Start with 6 to 12 organic large eggs. This amount of eggs we cook varies, depending on whether we’re making them for snacks or planning to use them in a recipe. This method will work for any range of eggs from 6 to a dozen.

What you’ll need to make easy peel boiled eggs

• Whole eggs – we prefer to use organic or local, farm fresh. Read our post on How to Choose Quality Eggs
• Pot – we use a 2 quart saucepan
• Medium bowl – for the ice water
• Slotted spoon – to lift the eggs in and out of the boiling water
• Water – for boiling the eggs
• Ice – for plunging the eggs into after they have been cooked

Step 1: Fill a pot with water, about  3/4 full, and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2: Once water is boiling, carefully slip the eggs, one at a time, into the boiling water with a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Keep the water at a gentle boil (not rigorous). Set a timer for 12 minutes. If you want softer boiled eggs, set a timer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: While eggs are boiling, fill a medium bowl with ice and water to make an ice bath.

Step 5: When the boiling time is up, use the slotted spoon to immediately transfer the hard-boiled eggs to the ice bath. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Once the 10 minutes is up, the eggs are cool enough to handle and ready for easy peeling.

Step 7: Store the peeled or unpeeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How long do hard boiled eggs last in the refrigerator? 

Hard boiled eggs that are stored in an airtight container will last for one week in the refrigerator, peeled or unpeeled. Make a batch of easy peel boiled eggs as part of your weekend meal prep, and you’ll be thankful that you did all week long.

Prepared recipes that are made with hard boiled eggs, such as a salad, can be safely stored in the refrigerator for for 3 to 4 days.

Tips to make easy peel hard boiled eggs at high altitude

Some members of our team live in Colorado, at elevation about 5,500 feet, so we know a thing or two about how to hard boil eggs at high altitude. Use our foolproof method and simply increase the boiling time by 10%-15%. So, if you want your yolks fully cooked, boil the eggs for 13 1/2 minutes (which is 12 minutes + 10% to 15%).

Recipes that use hard boiled eggs

Check out some of our insanely delicious recipes where these easy peel hard boiled eggs will come in handy:

• Buffalo Ranch Egg Salad
• Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs
• Low-Carb Mock Potato Salad
• BLT Egg Salad 
• Curry Egg Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Sweet Potato Salad

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