How Long to Boil Eggs (Hard-Cooked)

By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made

For classic hard-cooked eggs with a fully firm yolk, large eggs taken from the refrigerator should be cooked in gently boiling water for 11 to 12 minutes. This timing produces a cooked egg that is ideal for slicing into salads or for making deviled eggs.

Slight adjustments to the cooking time can produce yolks that are softer and creamier or much firmer and drier. The provided times for cooking large eggs in gently boiling water can help achieve different results. Remember that factors like egg size and the intensity of the boil can affect the final outcome.

How Long to Boil Eggs (Hard-Cooked): time chart

Table source: Typical ranges from standard cooking practice, not an official chart. Ovens, grills and pieces vary: start checking at the low end of each range.

Good to know

• Move eggs to ice water right after cooking to stop the cooking and make peeling easier
• USDA advises cooking eggs until both the white and yolk are firm
• Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs and use within 1 week

What changes the cooking time

Several factors determine how long it takes to hard-cook an egg. The provided times are a guide for a specific set of conditions, but your results may vary if your method is different.

• Egg size: The timings are for large eggs. Extra-large or jumbo eggs have more volume, so heat takes longer to travel to the center. We suggest adding one to two minutes to the cooking time for these larger sizes.
• Starting temperature: These guidelines assume you are starting with eggs straight from the refrigerator. Eggs at room temperature will cook more quickly.
• Water temperature: The times are based on lowering cold eggs directly into water that is already at a gentle boil. A gentle boil means the water is bubbling steadily but not violently. A rolling boil can cause eggs to knock against each other and crack. Starting eggs in cold water and bringing it to a boil is a different method that requires different timing.

How to tell when an egg is done

The most reliable way to know if an egg is cooked to your preference is to use a timer. Unlike checking a steak or a piece of chicken with a thermometer, you cannot check the internal temperature of an egg in its shell. Doneness is achieved through time and temperature control.

For food safety, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm. The suggested cooking times for hard-cooked eggs meet this standard. Egg dishes, such as casseroles, should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

If you are cooking a large batch of eggs or using extra-large eggs, it can be helpful to test one egg. Cook it for the recommended time, immediately move it to ice water, peel it, and slice it open to check the yolk. You can then adjust the time for the rest of the batch if needed.

Tips for better results

A few simple techniques can improve the quality and consistency of your hard-cooked eggs.

• Use an ice bath: Immediately after the cooking time is up, use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs from the boiling water to a bowl of ice water. This ice bath stops the cooking process instantly, preventing the yolks from becoming overcooked and dry. The rapid cooling also helps the egg whites contract, which can make the eggs easier to peel.
• Proper storage: Once cooled, hard-cooked eggs should be stored in the refrigerator. They should be used within one week. It is best to store them in their shells to protect them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Consistent sizing: For even cooking, try to use eggs of the same size in a single batch. If you mix sizes, the smaller eggs will be overcooked by the time the larger ones are done.

Sources and method

• USDA FSIS Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
• Time ranges not marked as USDA are typical ranges from standard cooking practice

Last checked October 21, 2026.