Everything You Need to Know About Boiled Eggs: Storage, Safety + 25 Recipes

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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.

boiled eggs

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. 

big bowl of colorful farm fresh eggs

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!

eggs boiling in a pan of water

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.

  1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan or pot.
  2. Cover the eggs with cold water, making sure there’s at least an inch of water above the eggs.
  3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  4. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the pot from heat and cover it with a lid.
  5. 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!

tips for peeling hard boiled eggs

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!

  1. Use older eggs: Fresher eggs are harder to peel, so it’s best to use eggs that are at least a week old.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

best way to store boiled 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.

Salad Nicoise #shop

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!

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!

About Michelle Marine

Michelle Marine is the author of How to Raise Chickens for Meat, a long-time green-living enthusiast, and rural Iowa mom of four. She empowers families to grow and eat seasonal, local foods; to reduce their ecological footprint; and to come together through impactful travel.

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