How Long Does It Take to Perfectly Boil Eggs?

A common question in the kitchen: How do you know when boiled eggs are cooked to perfection?

For hard-boiled eggs, the general rule is 10-12 minutes. However, the exact timing can vary depending on your desired egg style, whether you prefer a fully-cooked yolk or a soft, creamy center.

The key to boiling eggs lies in getting the timing just right. Whether you’re preparing deviled eggs for a barbecue, making egg salad, or simply want a quick protein snack, knowing how long to cook your eggs is essential. Our guide provides you with a foolproof method to determine when your eggs are boiled, no matter your preference.

How to Achieve the Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg

Follow this simple method for perfectly hard-boiled eggs every time:

Step 1: Arrange a single layer of raw eggs at the bottom of a medium or large pot. Add enough water to the pot to cover the eggs by about 2 inches.

Step 2: Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat. Cover it and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes.

Step 3: Cool the eggs by running them under cold water or placing them in an ice bath. Peel and enjoy your perfectly hard-boiled eggs.

Additional Tips

• Don’t just throw cold eggs into boiling water! The sudden change of temperature can lead to “shocked,” or unevenly cooked, eggs or even worse—cracked, damaged eggs. Instead, heat the eggs gently using the water. This allows for a gradual, even cook that equals the perfect hard-boiled egg.
• You’ll know that your egg is perfectly cooked if it has an opaque, yellow center. The yolk of an overcooked egg, on the other hand, will turn a greenish-gray color.
  

How Long to Boil Eggs (Soft, Medium, or Hard)

Soft-boiled egg (with a slightly runny yolk)

After the water reaches a boil, let the eggs sit for 4 to 5 minutes. For perfect soft-boiled eggs, be sure not to let them continue cooking once they're out of the hot water. To stop the cooking process, quickly transfer the eggs into an ice bath. If you prefer your eggs warm, remove them from the bath promptly and serve them on toast or in a salad.

Medium-boiled egg (with a creamy yolk)

Let the eggs stay in the boiling water for 6 minutes. Just like with soft-boiled eggs, quickly place them in an ice bath once removed from the water.

Firm yolk (creamy with a touch of liquid)

Leave the eggs in the boiling water for 10 minutes. If you're peeling and eating the eggs immediately, you can skip the ice bath. Otherwise, be sure to chill the eggs quickly to avoid overcooking.

Fully hard-boiled egg (perfect for deviled eggs or egg salad)

Let the eggs sit in the boiling water for 12 minutes. To avoid that dreaded green ring around the yolk, ensure your timing is precise. Also, check the quality of your water — if it's high in iron, that can affect the results. Consider using filtered water for better eggs. And remember to use the ice bath if you're not eating them right away.

How long do hard-boiled eggs stay fresh in the fridge? You can store them in their shells for up to 1 to 1½ weeks safely.