Everything You Need to Know About Boiled Eggs: Storage, Safety + 25 Recipes
on Apr 04, 2023, Updated Oct 24, 2023
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A yummy collection of 25 recipes with boiled eggs plus everything you need to know about cooking, peeling, safety concerns, and storage tips for hard-boiled eggs too.
Healthy Reasons to Eat Fresh, Pastured Eggs
Boiled eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Farm fresh eggs, like the ones we eat here, are even better!
A study conducted by Heather Karsten at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences indicates that eggs from pastured chickens can be higher in vitamin E and omega-3 fats compared to commercial hens.
Beyond the health benefits of eating eggs from pastured chickens, though, we think their taste can’t be beat. Here are reasons to buy more farm-fresh eggs from your friendly, local chicken farmer! Or, get your own chickens and start raising your own eggs!
- Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Eggs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and organs.
- Eggs are high in protein and low in calories, making them a filling and nutritious food that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They have been linked with weight loss in some studies!
- Eggs contain choline, which is important for brain function and may help improve memory and cognitive function.
- Despite their high cholesterol content, studies have shown that moderate egg consumption is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease and may even have protective effects, like lowering cholesterol as well.
Overall, boiled eggs are a nutritious and delicious food that can provide a wide range of health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. So these recipes with boiled eggs is sure to come in handy!
How to Make the Perfect Hard Boiled Egg
There are lots of ways to make the perfect hard boiled eggs, but we are traditionalists and prefer boiling on the stove top. Here’s how we make the perfect boiled egg, not overcooked and not undercooked.
- Place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan or pot.
- Cover the eggs with cold water, making sure there’s at least an inch of water above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the pot from heat and cover it with a lid.
- Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 9-12 minutes, depending on how well done you like your yolks. For a fully cooked yolk, leave the eggs in the water for 12 minutes.
We also like these easy egg cookers which boil, steam, and poach!
Using these tips, you’ll have no problem whipping up a huge batch of eggs to use in all the yummy recipes with boiled eggs below!
Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs Made Easy
Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be a frustrating task, but there are a few tricks that can make peeling hard-boiled eggs should be a breeze!
- Use older eggs: Fresher eggs are harder to peel, so it’s best to use eggs that are at least a week old.
- Add vinegar or baking soda to the cooking water: Adding a tablespoon of vinegar or baking soda to the water can help to loosen the eggshells and make them easier to peel.
- Shock the eggs in ice water: After cooking the eggs, transfer them to a bowl of ice water and let them cool for at least 5 minutes. This will help to shrink the egg whites and pull them away from the shell, making it easier to peel.
- Roll the egg gently on a hard surface: After cooling the eggs, gently roll them on a hard surface to crack the shell all over. This will help to loosen the shell and make it easier to peel.
- Peel under running water: Peel the eggs under running water, which will help to remove any remaining bits of shell and make the process smoother.
Now that you know why to eat more boiled eggs, how to cook and peel the perfect hard boiled eggs, here are frequently asked questions about them – how to store them and also a few safety concerns when it comes to eating eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boiled Eggs
We’re answering your common questions about hard-boiled eggs. From safety concerns to storage best practices, hopefully we’ve answered your most pressing questions!
What are soft boiled eggs vs hard boiled eggs?
Soft boiled eggs and hard boiled eggs are both cooked using the same method, but for different lengths of time.
A soft boiled egg is cooked for a shorter period of time, usually between 4 to 6 minutes, resulting in a runny yolk and a set egg white. Soft boiled eggs are often eaten in egg cups, with the top of the egg sliced off and the yolk scooped out with a spoon. Food safety experts recommend only eating hard-boiled eggs, but I definitely enjoy runny yolks in over-easy and soft-boiled eggs!
A hard boiled egg is cooked for a longer period of time, usually between 8 to 12 minutes, resulting in a fully cooked yolk and egg white that are both solid.
Is it safe to eat boiled eggs left out overnight?
No, it is not safe to eat boiled eggs that have been left out overnight.When eggs are cooked and then left at room temperature for an extended period of time, bacteria can begin to grow on them, which can lead to food-borne illness.
Best safety practice is to refrigerate boiled eggs within two hours of cooking them and consume them within seven days. If boiled eggs have been left out for more than two hours, it is best to put them in the compost to avoid the risk of food-borne illness.
Read What NOT to Compost + 11 Surprising Things You Can!
Is it safe to eat overcooked hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, you can eat overcooked hard-boiled eggs, but the texture may not be as pleasant. Overcooked hard-boiled eggs tend to have a rubbery texture and the yolk may become dry and crumbly.
The yolk will also have a dark green ring around it. As long as they’ve been stored properly and have not been left at room temperature for too long, overcooked boiled eggs are fine to eat.
How to store boiled eggs?
Boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and keep them fresh.They can be stored peeled or unpeeled. Here are best safety practices for storing hard boiled eggs.
- Boiled eggs can be stored in their shells for up to one week in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer to store peeled boiled eggs, be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. They can be stored this way for up to five days.
- Store boiled eggs in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back of the fridge or in the crisper drawer.
- Be sure to label and date the container so you know when they were cooked and when they need to be eaten by.
How to freeze hard boiled eggs?
You can freeze hard boiled eggs. However, it is important to note that the texture of the egg white may become rubbery and the yolk may become crumbly after being frozen.
To freeze hard boiled eggs, peel the eggs and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can also slice the eggs in half before freezing. They’ll keep for about one month for the best quality.
When ready to eat, thaw the eggs in the refrigerator overnight and consume them within 24 hours. Instead of freezing the boiled egg, we think it’s better to freeze lightly whipped cracked eggs.
Learn our favorite method for how to freeze eggs here.
How long do boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?
Unpeeled eggs will last about a week in the refrigerator. Peeled eggs probably won’t last as long, about 5 days.
If you’re not sure if the eggs are still good, you should be able to tell by their smell. Rotten boiled eggs do not smell good!
How to reheat hard boiled eggs?
Reheating boiled eggs can be a bit tricky as the texture can become rubbery or the yolk may become overcooked. We think it’s best to eat them cold or at room temperature if possible.
If you do need to reheat them our favorite method is the boiling method. Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently lower the boiled eggs into the water with a slotted spoon. Allow them to heat up for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove them from the water and serve.
You can also try to reheat them in the microwave or oven if you prefer. Low and slow is key to avoid overcooking.
Let’s get cooking! This collection of 25 recipes with boiled eggs includes all the standards like healthy egg salad, classic Cobb Salad, Nicoise Salad, and Avocado Toast, and Deviled Eggs.
It also includes a lot of adventurous options like Bahn Mi, chocolate chip cookies (with boiled eggs!), Danish Smoked Salmon Sandwiches, Greek-style Breakfast Eggs, Scotch Eggs, Traditional Kedgeree, and more!
The only bad news is you have to make everything yourself. The good news, is the recipes are fun and easy! Enjoy.
25 Unique Recipes to Make with Hard Boiled Eggs (more than Deviled Eggs)
Looking for things to make with boiled eggs? Tired of deviled eggs and thinking of tossing all those hard-boiled eggs in the compost? Here are 21 fresh ideas to try!
Hard boiled egg stuffed biscuit
Use biscuit dough to wrap around a hard boiled egg along with meat and cheese for a tasty surprise.
Pulled Pork Banh Mi Recipe
Hands holding a pork bahn mi sandwich with a runny egg ... A poached egg would also be amazing, and sliced hard-boiled can be used as well.
Cobb Salad Sub
All the fixings of a Cobb Salad - but turned into a delicious sandwich instead!
Cocktail Challenge: Hard-boiled eggs
I'm going to be honest. I haven't tried this one but it sounds VERY interesting. I'd like to try it when I feel braver....like after a few adult eggnogs!
English-Muffin Egg Pizzas Recipe
This is a quick and easy vegetarian option and can be ate breakfast, lunch or dinner. It even makes a delicious after school snack for everyone.
Hard-Boiled Egg Chocolate Chip Cookies
You'll never guess these chocolate chip cookies are protein packed with hard boiled eggs. Not only will you be able to use up all those eggs but you'll be happier knowing the kids are getting more nutrition.
Wilted Lettuce Salad & Hot Bacon Dressing
This Wilted Lettuce Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing has been handed down through our family. I like to add sliced hard boiled eggs to take it from a side dish to meal for lunch.
Spicy Sesame Vegetable Lettuce Cups with Hard-Boiled Eggs & Jasmine Rice
Lettuce Cups filled with fragrant rice, mushrooms and peppers and cool cucumber and hard boiled egg all topped with a spicy sweet sauce is simply delicious.
Danish Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
These delicious sandwiches combine traditional Scandinavian ingredients salmon, caviar, and hard-boiled eggs for a bite or meal you won’t soon forget.
A Delicious and Versatile Tuna Salad With Egg, Dill, and Red Onion
Chopped hard boiled eggs make this tuna salad creamy and the dill and red onion give it the fresh taste you're looking for. Add in one of my homemade dill pickles and you've the perfect lunch.
Best Cobb Salad Recipe - How to Make Cobb Salad
Cobb Salad is a simple and fresh meal that truly satisfies when you're wanting to enjoy all the fresh produce from your garden and take advantage of all the eggs your hens are laying.
Creamy Egg & Avocado Salad Pepper Boats
These keto-friendly peppers are stuffed with creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, and spring onions and take no time at all to prep if your eggs are already cooked!
Avocado Toast with Tomato and Hard Boiled Egg
The hard boiled egg, cheese and tomato takes this simple avocado toast from a quick bite to decadent self care.
Chorizo Egg and Bean Salad
This chorizo, egg and bean salad is packed with protein and is perfect for after a workout at the gym or on the farm. It is quick to put together and travels very well if you're looking for something for the office.
Potato Salad with Bacon and Eggs
The levels of flavor from the crisp smoky bacon and the silky eggs in this potato salad will have your eyes rolling in the back of your head. Be careful though...potato salad is supposed to be a side dish.
Asparagus Egg and Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
This asparagus, egg and bacon salad with djon vinaigrette salad makes me think of spring and all the abundance the season brings.
Greek-style Breakfast Eggs
A Greek-inspired riff on baked eggs, or shakshuka. Rather than poaching the eggs in the sauce, the tomato sauce is topped with boiled eggs, making life much simpler.
Healthy Ramen with Hard-Boiled Eggs & Veggies
Make instant ramen noodles into a healthy and delicious meal. By adding in hard boiled eggs, fresh veggies, and using a bone or veggie broth you can increase the nutrition of a common home staple.
Classic Nicoise Salad
This Paris-style Nicoise salad is one of my favorite go-to quick meal ideas when I have fresh veg in the garden and leftover rice! The perfect way to use up those left-over hard-boiled eggs!
Soba Noodle Salad with Tahini, Broccoli, and Boiled Eggs
This is a delicious cold noodle salad that makes for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. It's sort of Japanese meets Middle Eastern food that can easily incorporate leftover boiled eggs.
How to Make Traditional Kedgeree, Indian-Inspired Rice and Fish Dish
Looking for something you can eat hot or cold and make it a meal or a side? Kedgeree is perfect no matter what time of the year you'll eat it.
Gribiche (Hard-Boiled Egg) Dressing
I love how Gribiche aka Hard Boiled Egg dressing gives every vegetable a creamy and protein packed layer of rich yum. The pickles mixed with the capers and mustard breaks down the yolks into a creamy deliciousness with a bite from the egg whites. It's absolutely delicious and is perfect for those who like to make their own mustards for additional flavor profiles.
Hard Boiled Egg Breakfast Toasts Ideas
Flavorful and perfect to create with whatever veggies you have on hand these Hard boiled egg breakfast toasts will have the whole family with a full belly even when they wake up late.
Traditional Scotch Eggs
I have the funniest story about how a Scotch Egg almost cost us our connecting flight home when we came back from Spring Break in England recently. Sadly, I did not get to try the Scotch Egg I tried to bring home, but now I can make my own thanks to this recipe from The Culinary Ginger!
15 Unique Deviled Eggs Recipes to Impress Your Friends & Family
Deviled eggs are a must-consider when you're looking for ways to eat boiled eggs. They used to be such a party staple, but now they are rarely considered. Make sure to check out this post for unique ways to make the perfect deviled eggs.
Now you have all the great information and recipes with boiled eggs – it’s time to make a batch of hard boiled eggs so you’re never hungry! Make sure your leftover Easter Eggs don’t go to waste this year!