How to Boil Eggs Perfectly

Soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs every time

⚡Quick Answer

Boil water, add eggs, cook 6-7 min (soft), 9-10 min (medium), or 12-13 min (hard). Ice bath to stop cooking.

Fill a pot with enough water to cover eggs by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

💡Starting with boiling water makes timing more consistent.

Use a slotted spoon to lower eggs into boiling water one at a time. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil.

💡Room temperature eggs are less likely to crack.

Soft-boiled: 6-7 minutes. Medium: 9-10 minutes. Hard-boiled: 12-13 minutes.

💡Set a timer! Even 30 seconds makes a difference.

Transfer eggs immediately to a bowl of ice water for at least 5 minutes to stop cooking.

💡This also makes peeling easier.

Fresh eggs are harder to peel. Use eggs that are 7-10 days old, and always use an ice bath.

Yes, but timing varies. Cover eggs with cold water, bring to boil, remove from heat, and let sit 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled.

Was this helpful?