Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are super easy to make, come out perfectly cooked every time and are so versatile. They’re great to have on hand for a healthy snack or to use in making egg salad, deviled eggs, toasts, salads, grain bowls and more.

 

Today, we’re going back to basics and sharing a how-to type of recipe for hard boiled eggs.

I’ve gone through phases where I make a batch of these every single week. For months on end.

And I’m always so glad to be able to pull some out of the fridge all week long!

My favorite way to use these is for my mom’s classic Southern deviled eggs.

They are a must at holidays and special occasions. They’re also great for parties and potlucks.

I’ve also got a bulleted list down below with TONS of ideas of how to use hard boiled eggs. I love how versatile they are.

And what a wholesome, well-rounded, high protein snack they are. 

OK, let’s get cooking.

Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make hard boiled eggs. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Recipe Notes:

• Large eggs: I use large eggs. If you are using a different size, the timing may vary.
• Quantity: You can cook as many eggs as will fit in an even layer in your pot. You can also just cook 2 in a small pot if that’s all you need.
• Cook time: Let these sit for 13-14 minutes for eggs that are cooked all the way through. You can also remove some eggs along the way if you want a couple that are a bit more jammy. Preferences vary, but you can take them out at 5-7 minutes for a more jammy center.
• Water bath: Fill a bowl with cold water (and/or add some ice cubes to it) before the eggs are finished. The eggs need to be transferred to the water bath to stop the cooking.
• Peeling: If you are using them immediately, go ahead and peel the eggs. However, if you are storing them, leave the shells on. More on storage below.

I feel like everyone has a different method on peeling hard boiled eggs.

Kinda like how everyone has their favorite “cure” for hiccups.

Here are a couple of my family’s tips, but use whatever method works best for you.

How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs:

- I let the eggs cool a bit, tap them all over against the counter or sink edge to crack them, then peel them under running water.

- They say it helps not to use super fresh eggs. It has to do with the acidity level in the whites of the egg. Eggs bought at the grocery store are at least 30 days old, so they should be fine.

- My aunt’s method is to drain the water from the pot they cooked in, then swish the hard boiled eggs around in the pan to crack them. She adds ice water, lets them sit for about 5 minutes and then peels them.

I gotta mention, if you have one and are interested, making Instant Pot hard boiled eggs is a great way to cook them too. They peel incredibly easy!

The point though is to have lots of these on hand and ready to use.

So let’s talk about some ideas for enjoying them.

Ways to Use Hard Boiled Eggs:

• Use for breakfast or snack cut in half and sprinkled with some salt and pepper
• Or get creative and change up the seasonings (everything bagel, anyone??)
• Serve with a drizzle of pesto, chimichurri or another favorite sauce
• Slice (or grate) and put over avocado toast
• Add to a savory oatmeal or grits bowl
• Slice or chop and add to a salad
• Make egg salad (or curried egg salad)
• Make deviled eggs
• Pack for a school or work lunch
• Use with a grain bowl
• Slice and use in a grilled cheese sandwich; add bacon if you have it
• Add to potato salad
• Serve with a ramen bowl

And finally, let’s talk how to store extras.

Storage Tips:

- Hard boiled eggs are best stored unpeeled, with the shell still on. Store the eggs, in the shell, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

- Once peeled, any extra unused eggs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- You can keep peeled hard boiled eggs in a bowl of cold water, changing it daily, to prolong their freshness; they’ll keep for up to 5-7 days this way.

- They will also last up to 5-7 days if you keep them wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a sealed container.

Not sure how long yours have been in the refrigerator? Give them a whiff. If you smell any rotten odors or any sulfur, they need to be tossed in the trash.

I hope this gives you some new inspiration to make and eat all the hard boiled eggs! 

(If you have other favorite ways to use them, please share in the comments below. I’m always up for new ideas!)

Happy cooking and enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn