How to hard-boil an egg

Making the perfect hard-boiled egg is a science. Follow these simple steps to have that perfect creamy yellow yolk.

Step 1: Get eggs
Purchase eggs one week prior to cooking. Fresh eggs are harder to peel.

Don’t use eggs that have visible cracks – they could be spoiled.

Step 2: Remove eggs from refrigerator
Remove eggs from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Room temperature eggs are less likely to crack in hot water.

Step 3: Place eggs in saucepan
Place one layer of eggs in a saucepan. Laying eggs on top of each other will cook them unevenly.

Step 4: Add water
Add enough water to cover the eggs.

Step 5: Turn stove on high
Turn the heat on high. Place the lid on the pan and wait until the water is at a rapid boil.

Step 6: Remove from burner
Remove the pan from the burner and turn it off. Take the lid off the pan and return the pan to the burner.

Step 7: Simmer eggs
Simmer jumbo eggs in water for 18 minutes, large eggs for 15 minutes, and medium eggs for 12 minutes.

Step 8: Run cold water over eggs
Remove the pan from the stove top and place it in the sink. Run cold water over the eggs until they’re cool to the touch.

Fact: A hen lays 265 eggs per year on average.