Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Wondering how to make hard-boiled eggs? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to perfectly boil eggs every time with our top-rated recipe!

How to Boil Eggs

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics first:

How Long to Boil Eggs

Six whole eggs should be perfectly hard boiled after about 14 minutes in gently boiling water with vinegar and salt. 

How Long Does It Take to Hard Boil Eggs? 

From the beginning of the recipe to the end, it will take about 40 minutes to make hard-boiled eggs: You’ll need to bring the water to a gentle boil, boil the eggs for 14 minutes, and cool the boiled eggs for about 15 minutes.  

How to Hard Boil Eggs

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you hard boil eggs at home: 

1. Bring the salt, vinegar, and water to a boil. 
2. Gently boil the eggs for about 14 minutes. 
3. Transfer the eggs to ice water. 
4. Once cooled, peel the eggs. 

How to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Easy to Peel

The vinegar in the water makes the eggs easier to peel. Here’s why: The vinegar’s acid not only dissolves some of the calcium carbonate in the shell, it also helps the whites set faster. 

Running the hard-boiled eggs under cold running water as you’re peeling, meanwhile, helps the shell separate from the membrane. 

Learn more: I Tried 6 Ways to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Easier to Peel, and This Is the Best One

How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last? 

• To store unpeeled hard-boiled eggs: Store the eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• To store peeled hard-boiled eggs: Place the peeled eggs in a bowl, then fill the bowl with just enough cold water to cover the eggs. Store, uncovered, in the fridge for two to three days. Replace the water every day to keep it fresh.

Learn more: How to Store Hard-Boiled Eggs

Can You Freeze Hard-Boiled Eggs? 

Avoid freezing whole hard-boiled eggs, as the whites will become tough and rubbery during the freezing and thawing process. We recommend freezing just the yolks and using the whites immediately (for instance, in a salad). 

How to Freeze Hard-Boiled Egg Yolks

To freeze egg yolks:

1. Separate the yolks from the whites with your fingers or a slotted spoon.
2. Spread the cooked yolks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Flash freeze for at least three hours or up to overnight.
4. Transfer the now-frozen egg yolks to a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date.
5. Freeze for up to a month.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“I have made these at least 20 times and they always peel perfectly and are cooked to perfection,” according to Kimberly Mcpherson.

“I haven't made egg salad in years, partially because I could never keep the shell from sticking to the egg whites,” says Denise Goodlin Murray. “These eggs came out so beautifully, and in fact, I could "feel" that the eggs were loose inside the shell before I ever cracked them!”

“Finally eggs that peel perfectly, even when using fresh eggs,” says Kendra Adams. “Not everybody has old eggs lying around the house. So if you need perfectly peelable eggs in a pinch, use this recipe!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams