Hey y’all! Ever struggled with boiled eggs that just won’t peel without turning into a scraggly mess? With this Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs recipe, you’ll get perfectly tender, creamy eggs every single time—no more fuss or frustration! Whether you’re prepping a protein-packed snack, a brunch platter, or a quick salad topper, these eggs are a versatile must-have for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in under 15 minutes!
- Shells slide right off, saving you time and hassle.
- Deliciously creamy yolks and tender whites every time.
- Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or adding to salads and sandwiches.
- No fancy equipment or special ingredients required.
Ingredients for Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- Water (enough to cover eggs by 1 inch)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional, helps with peeling)
- Ice (for ice bath)
Directions: How to Make Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
Step 1: Prepare Your Water
Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt if desired. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add the Eggs
Once the water is boiling, use a slotted spoon to gently lower the cold eggs into the water. Adjust the heat to maintain a gently rolling boil.
Step 3: Set the Timer
- For soft-boiled eggs: Boil for exactly 6 minutes for jammy yolks.
- For hard-boiled eggs: Boil for 10-12 minutes for fully set yolks.
Step 4: Ice Bath Time
Transfer the eggs immediately to a large bowl of ice water. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
Step 5: Peel and Enjoy
Gently tap the cooled eggs on the counter, then peel under running water for the easiest results. Enjoy your Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs!

Notes for Perfect Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Use eggs that are at least a week old for easier peeling. Learn why here.
- Don’t skip the ice bath—it stops the cooking process and prevents gray yolks.
- Peel eggs right after cooling for best results, or store unpeeled for later use.
Variations: Easy Peel Boiled Eggs Your Way
- Spiced Boiled Eggs: Add a teaspoon of baking soda or vinegar to the boiling water for extra-easy peeling.
- Herb-Infused Boiled Eggs: Toss fresh dill or tarragon sprigs into the boiling water for a subtle flavor.
- Marinated Eggs: Soak peeled eggs in soy sauce or pickling brine for a savory twist.
Required Equipment for Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Medium saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Large bowl for ice bath
- Tongs (optional, for handling hot eggs)
Storage Instructions for Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
Store unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For peeled eggs, place them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh for up to 4 days. More egg storage tips here.

Serving & Pairing Ideas for Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Slice onto avocado toast or grain bowls for extra protein.
- Chop into salads or pasta for creamy texture and flavor.
- Serve with a sprinkle of flaky salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for a quick snack.
- Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, and toast for a balanced breakfast.
Pro Tips for Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Use a slotted spoon to avoid cracking the eggs when lowering them into boiling water.
- Peeling under running water helps separate the membrane from the shell for a smooth finish.
- For jammy soft-boiled eggs, precise timing is crucial—set a timer! See more timing tips here.
FAQ: Easy Peel Hard- and Soft-Boiled Eggs
- Why do my boiled eggs sometimes have a green ring around the yolk?
- This is caused by overcooking; cooling eggs in an ice bath right away helps prevent it.
- Can I boil eggs straight from the fridge?
- Yes! Cold eggs work perfectly and are less likely to crack if added gently to boiling water.
- What’s the best way to peel boiled eggs?
- Crack all over and peel under running water—the shell comes off in big pieces.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6-12 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 6 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Ice cubes (for ice bath)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
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1Fill a medium saucepan with 6 cups of water, add salt and vinegar, and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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2Carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon. For soft-boiled eggs, cook for 6 minutes; for hard-boiled eggs, cook for 11-12 minutes.
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3While the eggs are cooking, prepare a large bowl with ice cubes and cold water to create an ice bath.
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4Once the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to the ice bath and let them cool for at least 5 minutes.
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5Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface and peel under running water for easy removal of the shell. Season with sea salt and black pepper as desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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