Perfect Boiled Eggs — Soft, Medium & Hard (Exact Times) Recipe
Quick Answer
For soft-boiled eggs, boil for 6 minutes. For medium (jammy), boil for 9 minutes. For hard-boiled, boil for 12 minutes. Always start in cold water, bring to a boil, then time from the boil. Transfer to an ice bath immediately after cooking.
By Sarah Mitchell • June 19, 2026
Master the art of boiled eggs with exact timing for soft (6 min), medium (9 min), and hard-boiled (12 min). Foolproof method works every time — no grey yolks, no rubbery whites.
About This Recipe
"Perfect Boiled Eggs — Soft, Medium & Hard (Exact Times)" is a breakfast recipe that brings Large eggs, Water, Ice and Salt together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated easy and ready in about 14 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 4 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 4 Large eggs
- enough to cover eggs Water
- 2 cups cups Ice
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- 1
Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt.
- 2
Bring water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- 3
For SOFT-BOILED (runny yolk): Once boiling, reduce heat to low simmer. Cook exactly 6 minutes.
- 4
For MEDIUM-BOILED (jammy yolk): Cook exactly 9 minutes from the boil.
- 5
For HARD-BOILED (fully set yolk): Cook exactly 12 minutes from the boil.
- 6
Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath (bowl of ice water). Let cool for 5 minutes.
- 7
Gently tap eggs on the counter and roll to crack the shell all around. Peel under cold running water.
- 8
Serve immediately, or store unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Large eggs is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. No equipment work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Perfect Boiled Eggs — Soft, Medium & Hard (Exact Times)" is a versatile breakfast dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans and roasted potatoes. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Perfect Boiled Eggs — Soft, Medium & Hard (Exact Times) stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you boil eggs for hard-boiled?
Hard-boiled eggs take 12 minutes from a rolling boil. The yolk will be fully set with no grey ring if you use an ice bath immediately after.
How long for soft-boiled eggs?
Soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk take exactly 6 minutes from a rolling boil. For a jammy, medium-boiled egg, cook for 9 minutes.
Should you start eggs in cold or boiling water?
Start eggs in cold water for the most consistent results. Cover by 1 inch, bring to a boil, then start your timer. This method produces evenly cooked eggs every time.
How do you peel boiled eggs easily?
Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes after cooking. Then tap and roll on the counter to crack the shell all around. Peel under cold running water — the shell slides right off.
How long can you store boiled eggs?
Hard-boiled eggs can be stored unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Peeled eggs should be eaten within 2 days. Keep them in a sealed container.
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