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You’ll get immediate access to your download with simple shifts you can start today—because every small habit tweak helps.
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Perfect Easy-to-Peel Hard Boiled Eggs [The Trick!]
I’ve been on a quest to find the best way to make easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs, and after dozens of tries, I finally figured out the secret.
We’ve all been led astray. Who else has been told to put the eggs in a pot, cover by an inch of cold water, then bring to a boil? Yeah, me too. But that’s where we’ve been doing it wrong.
First, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs are a result of a hot, boiling start
No joke. I think this “cold start” egg myth came from the fact that potatoes actually do need a cold start. When you give potatoes a cold start—meaning that you put the chopped potatoes in a pot, cover by an inch with cold water, then boil—they actually do have a better texture and cook more evenly. (Tuck that away for the next time you make mashed potatoes.) So, people have assumed the same with eggs. But it’s not true!
The second trick to making easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs is shocking them in cold water after the 13 minutes at a simmer (see full method below). Shocking them in ice-cold water stops the cooking process, which not only yields more tender whites and a perfectly cooked yolk (no weird dark lines here), it immediately cools the eggs which makes them easier to peel. My friends over at one of my favorite blogs, Serious Eats, go into the science of it, but you can just trust me that it’s true.
Now for cooking time.
You don’t want to boil the eggs for the full 13 minutes or they will be over-cooked. The best method is to bring the water to a full boil, carefully lower the eggs in (a fine mesh strainer or spider-skimmer work well), then let them boil for 30 seconds. Time this, then lower the burner to the lowest setting so they very gently simmer.
None of these tips really create that much more work—and trust me—it’s worth it for shells that practically fall off.
A boiling start for 30 seconds to a very gentle simmer for 13 minutes then ice bath at the end makes perfect, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs
But, what about making a tiny hole at the top of the egg you might ask? In my experience, making that tiny hole in the shell with a thumbtack actually does help—a little. If you don’t have a thumbtack handy, you don’t need to drive to the store to get one just to make easy-to-peel eggs. But, if you do have one, use a thumbtack to make a tiny hole at the top of the big end of the egg before boiling (gently press and it will go right through the shell). The shells will be that much easier to peel.
There are other methods out there that call for salt or vinegar in the water. I tried both multiple times and didn’t find that either made a difference. So, save your salt and vinegar for other recipes.
After boiling, let the eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 15 minutes, then peel them or refrigerate them (unpeeled) for up to seven days. To peel, gently tap the egg at the big end first, then the small end, then all around. I prefer not to roll them because it’s easy to break the white. Just gently tap all around to crack the shells everywhere and they will peel with ease.
Tips to Prevent Cracking
Post update: Since publishing this blog post last year, it’s quickly become a top Google search result. And while an overwhelming majority of you have commented that this method works perfectly, a few of you have commented below that your eggs cracked. This can be for two reasons:
Mistake #1: The pan is crowded
Be sure to not crowd the pan. Your eggs need a little room to groove. They should not touch or be on top of each other. There needs to be enough room to allow a single layer of eggs in your pan while they cook. If they crack while cooking, it may be because they were too crowded.
Mistake #2: Super fresh eggs crack more easily
And finally, don’t use super fresh eggs for your hard-boiled eggs.
This is probably the only time in the kitchen that day-of fresh isn’t best. Shells like to really stick to just-laid eggs. If you have your own chickens or buy directly from a farmer, use those eggs for a glorious scramble or poach ’em up. If you buy your eggs at the grocery store, they’re already a few weeks old so they’ll work great. In the US eggs are refrigerated because they are power-washed before packing. No need to bring them to room temp, you can use this method with eggs straight out of the refrigerator.
Perfect Easy-to-Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
Author: Elizabeth Rider
Yield: varies
Ingredients
- Eggs (obviously!) Super fresh eggs crack easily, read the notes below.
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Use an appropriate sized pot that will fit your eggs. I use a 2.5 quart pot for six eggs.
- If using, use a thumbtack to make a tiny hole at the top of the big end of the eggs. (See note.)
- Gently lower the eggs into boiling water. A fine mesh strainer or spider-skimmer work well for this.
- Boil for 30 seconds, then turn the burner to the lowest setting for a very gentle (not rolling) simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and wait 13 minutes.
- Put the eggs in an ice bath. You can do this by filling a separate bowl with water and ice, and transfer the eggs, or, gently pour the water out of the pan without cracking the eggs, then fill the pan with cold water and ice. The first way, with the bowl, is easiest to prevent accidentally cracking your eggs while they are hot.
- Leave the eggs in the ice bath for 15 minutes.
- Peel, or store in the refrigerator unpeeled for up to three days.
- To peel, gently tap the egg at the big end first, then the small end, then tap all around to gently crack the shell. Be amazed at how easy they peel.
Notes
- Tip to prevent cracking #1: Be sure to not crowd the pan. Your eggs need a little room to groove. They should not touch or be on top of each other. There needs to be enough room to allow a single layer of eggs in your pan while they cook. If they crack while cooking, it may be because they were too crowded.
- Tip to prevent cracking #2: Don't use super fresh eggs for your hard-boiled eggs. This is probably the only time in the kitchen that day-of fresh isn't best. Shells like to really stick to just-laid eggs. If you have your own chickens or buy directly from a farmer, use those eggs for a glorious scramble or poach 'em up. If you buy your eggs at the grocery store, they're already a few weeks old so they'll work great. In the US eggs are refrigerated because they are power-washed before packing. No need to bring them to room temp, you can use this method with eggs straight out of the refrigerator.
- In my experience, making that tiny hole in the shell with a thumbtack actually does help—a little. If you don't have a thumbtack handy, you don't need to drive to the store to get one just to make easy-to-peel eggs. But, if you do have one, use a thumbtack to make a tiny whole at the top of the big end of the egg before boiling (gently press and it will go right through the shell). The shells will be that much easier to peel.
- Unpeeled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator up to 7 days. I suggest storing them in an airtight container to prevent odor in your refrigerator.
- Tip to prevent cracking #2: Don't use super fresh eggs for your hard-boiled eggs. This is probably the only time in the kitchen that day-of fresh isn't best. Shells like to really stick to just-laid eggs. If you have your own chickens or buy directly from a farmer, use those eggs for a glorious scramble or poach 'em up. If you buy your eggs at the grocery store, they're already a few weeks old so they'll work great. In the US eggs are refrigerated because they are power-washed before packing. No need to bring them to room temp, you can use this method with eggs straight out of the refrigerator.
- In my experience, making that tiny hole in the shell with a thumbtack actually does help—a little. If you don't have a thumbtack handy, you don't need to drive to the store to get one just to make easy-to-peel eggs. But, if you do have one, use a thumbtack to make a tiny whole at the top of the big end of the egg before boiling (gently press and it will go right through the shell). The shells will be that much easier to peel.
- Unpeeled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator up to 7 days. I suggest storing them in an airtight container to prevent odor in your refrigerator.
What do you think? Have you tried this method or others? Let us know how they turn out in the comments below.
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March 24th, 2019 at 9:38 pm
This recipe and Google Maps — reasons alone for the internet. I can’t believe I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to peel hard-boiled eggs so unsuccessfully. This worked perfectly! Thank you, now and for the rest of my years..
April 16th, 2019 at 8:57 pm
The reason you start eggs in cold water is that they often crack if you put the cold eggs into hot water, same as if you pour hot water into a cold glass. I’ve never heard anything about starting cold making eggs cook better or taste better, it’s just to keep them intact.
April 20th, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Works perfectly! It’s awesome to finally get it right.
April 20th, 2019 at 2:44 pm
WORKS PERFECTLY!! I followed these instructions precisely and they peeled absolutely perfectly! Thanks so much!
April 25th, 2019 at 3:34 pm
Have you used an electric stovetop to employ this method? I always worry about the boiling water taking too long to reverse to a simmer, thereby overcooking the eggs in the process.
July 23rd, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Thank you for this great idea! I’ve tried to do it and it really works!
August 19th, 2019 at 2:24 pm
What am I doing wrong? I followed these directions exactly, even poking the hole with the thumbtack, and the eggs were impossible to peel. I actually gave up and tossed them. 😔
August 21st, 2019 at 12:14 pm
Tried this on a couple of eggs – test run for doing 4-5 dozen eggs for an event. Worked WONDERFULLY! Only question – ‘boil for 30 seconds.’ When the eggs are immersed, the water stops boiling, when do you start the 30-second clock – when it returns to boiling or simply after the egg are immersed? Thank you.
August 21st, 2019 at 4:13 pm
I can’t believe it! This totally worked. I’m looking at 6 beautifully peeled hard boiled eggs. Thanks for the tip. I’ve tried others but this is the first to work for me.
August 25th, 2019 at 2:17 pm
I’ve tried several ez peel egg recipes. Yours is the brst
August 27th, 2019 at 2:15 pm
I’m so happy. It worked perfectly. So easy too. Thank you so much!!!!
August 28th, 2019 at 4:18 pm
Thank you for this post! My eggs peeled perfectly!
August 31st, 2019 at 1:33 am
Nice egg tip. When I lower 12 eggs into boiling water, even if the eggs are near room temp, the water stops boiling for 60 to 90 secs. Are we to wait for the water to start boiling and then count 30 secs? Thank you
August 31st, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Oh my goodness, I used eggs that are farm fresh, probably only 2 weeks old. Followed this method, poked the big end of each egg as directed. Eggs peeled perfectly and easily! Yes, it works!!
September 4th, 2019 at 5:10 am
Looking for the answer to this boiling question. Do I wait until the water starts boiling again to start my 30 second count or do I start when I lower eggs in even though the water has temporarily cease to boil?
September 6th, 2019 at 1:08 am
Hi Velma! Start your 30 seconds from when you lower the eggs into the water. If you’re off by a few seconds it doesn’t matter, but you don’t need to wait for the water to come back up to a boil. Thanks! ~E
September 9th, 2019 at 1:44 pm
The eggs all cracked when placed ever so gently into the boiling water. Ugly eggs, sloppy peel. Doesn’t work.
September 13th, 2019 at 7:53 pm
Worked great…wow I’m thrilled….Thanks a million!!
September 14th, 2019 at 2:17 pm
I’ve always done this exact method myself, but my housekeeper insists on doing it her way and the shell sticks to the egg and breaks up into a mosaic so then she insists the eggs are old. LOL Now I can print out your instructions so I can be a happy camper.
September 19th, 2019 at 2:29 am
I admit. I was very skeptical because I’ve tried other methods that didn’t work (adding Vinegar to the water). I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try your method. It worked perfectly the first time and I thought maybe it was a lucky try. I tried it again and now this will be my only method for boiling eggs. I’m still wondering how I never saw your method before!! Thank you!!!
September 25th, 2019 at 12:09 am
All the eggs cracked and leaked as soon as they hit the water. What a mess
September 25th, 2019 at 4:40 am
Hi Joe, this is interesting. We have so many comments here on how well this works, so sorry to hear that! It’s important to use a slotted spoon or mesh basket to very gently lower the eggs into the water. Also, be sure not to crowd the pan—the eggs should have a little room (for example, 4 eggs in an 8-inch diameter pot). Hope that helps!
October 5th, 2019 at 1:07 pm
5 out of 12 eggs cracked as soon as they hit the water. But I only had 1 day old eggs and they peeled easily.
October 7th, 2019 at 6:45 pm
This method of boiling eggs worked perfectly!
Eggs turned out soft and beautiful, with no gray ring around the yolk. I might actually enjoy eating boiled eggs again!
Thank you for the tips, (including poking the end of the eggs with a tack, which I had never tried before.)
October 8th, 2019 at 9:43 pm
Just as a side note…when I put the eggs into the ice bath I like to crack the eggshells after a couple of minutes. It seems to allow water in between membrane and egg as they cool adding to the ease of peeling.
October 10th, 2019 at 8:21 pm
I am impressed! Worked great w/Trader Joe’s eggs. One cracked and some white came out but I just scraped it off after the ice bath and it was still perfectly usable. Thank you!
October 16th, 2019 at 3:47 pm
This method does a very poor job. The eggs Crack as a result of being lowered into boiling water. The water had egg white streams floating in it and some of the eggs were cracked open to the point of being unuesable.
October 21st, 2019 at 10:08 pm
I love hard boiled eggs!! Sliced on salads and sandwich’s, mashed-up to make egg salad and eaten whole w/ salt as a snack. But, I have never had any kind of consistent luck in getting them properly cooked or in peeling them.
UNTIL NOW!!! I followed your instructions precisely (very easy due to my German heritage)
and they turned out PERFECTLY!!! Many thanks
October 23rd, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Hi Mike, thanks for sharing! Glad to hear it worked perfectly for you. ~E
October 24th, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Haven’t tried it, but just a quick question. Is that boil 30 seconds after the pot come back up to a full rolling boil, or start timing the 30 seconds the instant the last egg is in?
October 25th, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Hi Bob, either will work, but I start the 30 seconds right after I lower them into the pan. ~E
October 29th, 2019 at 2:39 am
For 60+ years (ok for 40+ years as an adult), I have been battling peeling hard boiled eggs, only to be disappointed with ugly, torn eggs. The method is so simple, and my eggs come out perfect every time. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!
November 5th, 2019 at 12:33 am
Good news and bad news. The good news is that the eggs peeled like a dream. The bad news is that they were not hardboiled after 13 minutes. I had to keep them in the heat for at least another 5 minutes. Maybe my simmer was too weak? But it was a real treat to have smooth eggs after peeling! Beautiful!
November 13th, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Why does my eggs crack as soon as I place them in the boiling water
November 18th, 2019 at 1:22 am
THANK YOU Elizabeth!!! For years I’ve been struggling with peeling hard boiled eggs. I followed your instructions exactly, and it was like magic !!! I cooked 8 eggs and as I was peeling them, I kept waiting for the shells to stick and the eggs to destruct, but it never happened. Thank you again!
November 26th, 2019 at 9:46 pm
To the people saying their eggs are cracking as soon as you put into the boiling water. Eggs should always sit on the counter and let come to room temp before cooking. Even if you don’t leave them out that long, as least put them out for a few minutes so they can slightly warm up. I usually set out the ones I’m going to cook before I do anything else…preheating oven or getting other ingredients. Usually by the time I’m ready to cook them, the egg shells have quite a bit of condensation on the outside so I know they have warmed up from the fridge. The extreme temperature difference is what makes them crack.
Good luck.
November 27th, 2019 at 4:58 pm
I just did hard boiled eggs according to your instructions and was so exited that they peeled just as easily as you said.. I have always had trouble peeling newer eggs. This is amazing and I thank you so much for your. Have a blessed thanksgiving. You just made my day.
November 28th, 2019 at 5:21 am
After years of trying numerous tricks to peel my eggs, I have finally found the only one that works like a charm every time!!!!
November 28th, 2019 at 7:44 am
Wow. Tried this and all of the eggs came out less than soft boiled. I’m an experienced cook, have made hundreds of deviled eggs, but I just ruined 18 eggs.
November 30th, 2019 at 4:22 pm
I followed this recipe to the letter and wasted 18 eggs. They all turned out half cookedand the shells stuck worse than I’ve ever had. Would not recommend this technique.
December 1st, 2019 at 4:59 pm
I tried the cracking egg at one end and then the other end and the shells practically fell right off it’s the first time in my life I have ever had an egg pell like that and I’ve tried everything thank you so much!