How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Once the hard-boiled eggs finish cooking, transfer them immediately to a bowl of ice water and allow them to be fully submerged until cooled.
Tap an egg gently on a hard surface to loosen the shell.
If needed, gently roll the egg between the palm of your hand and the countertop.
Hold the egg in one hand, gently peel away the shell from the cracked area all around the egg. Continue peeling until all the shell is removed.

4 image collage on steps for recipe: 1- boiled eggs in an ice bath, 2- cracking shell on surface, 3- gently rolling egg on surface, 4- peeling shell away.

TIPS FOR PEELING HARD BOILED EGGS FAST

Don’t skip the ice bath! Immediately after cooking, transfer the hard boiled eggs to an ice water bath. This helps the egg whites contract from the shell, creating a separation.
Use older eggs. Save the farm-fresh eggs for your avocado and egg toast, and use eggs that are a week or two old for hard boiling. Older eggs tend to peel more easily than fresh ones.
You can use the back of a spoon to help loosen the shell. If you’re having a hard time peeling the egg, try this trick: gently slide the spoon between the egg white and the shell. Then just gently work your way around the egg to separate the shell from the egg white.
Rinse the egg under running water. You can either peel the egg under water or give a quick rinse after peeling to wash away any small fragments of the shell and membrane. As the water gets between the egg white and the shell, it helps to separate them.

RECIPES TO MAKE WITH HARD BOILED EGGS

HOW TO REHEAT & STORE HARD BOILED EGGS

Once hard boiled eggs have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to the refrigerator promptly. For maximum freshness, store them in their shells in a bowl or container. However, if you prefer to store peeled hard boiled eggs, make sure they are kept in an airtight container away from strong odors.

To reheat hard boiled eggs in their shells, run them under hot water for a minute or submerge in a cup of warm water.

HOW LONG WILL HARD-BOILED EGGS LAST IN THE FRIDGE?

Hard boiled eggs with their shells will last in the fridge for up to 7 days. Peeled hard boiled eggs can also last up to a week but some sources recommend consuming them within 4 days.

CAN I FREEZE HARD BOILED EGGS?

I don’t recommend freezing hard boiled eggs as the whites will become rubbery and inedible when thawed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are my hard boiled eggs always hard to peel?

There could be many variables affecting how easy or difficult it is to peel an egg. First, if the eggs are very fresh, the inner membrane may be too intact causing difficulty peeling. But the best peeling hard boiled eggs hack is to submerge them in an ice bath immediately after cooking.

Are boiled eggs easier to peel hot or cold?

Generally, hard boiled eggs are easier to peel when they are completely cooled. As the eggs cool, the proteins in the egg whites contract, causing them to separate from the membrane and making it easier to peel.

Does adding vinegar help to easily peel the hard boiled eggs?

Yes, adding a little bit of vinegar to the boiling water may help the eggs peel easier by increasing the acidity of the water. This helps the egg whites set faster and helps to separate from the membrane. Keep in mind, results may vary based on egg freshness and chilling time, so follow the recipe instructions.

Peeled and partially peeled boiled eggs on a plate next to removed shells.

Now that you know how to peel hard boiled eggs without tearing them up, what will you make with them? You can enjoy them as a snack with a drizzle of sriracha or chop them up in a mouthwatering salad. However, you choose to indulge, your perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs open the door to so many delicious possibilities.