To boil eggs for Easter, follow these expert steps to get perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel eggs ideal for dyeing and decorating:
Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Easter Eggs
- Use eggs that are about 5 to 7 days old : Slightly older eggs peel easier than very fresh ones
- Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan : Avoid stacking eggs to prevent cracking
- Cover eggs with cold water : The water should be about 1 inch above the eggs
- Optional : Add a teaspoon of vinegar or salt to the water to help prevent cracks and make peeling easier
- Bring water to a rolling boil : Heat the pot over medium-high heat until boiling
- Turn off the heat and cover the pot : Let the eggs sit in the hot water for:
- 12 minutes for medium eggs
- 15 minutes for large eggs
- 18 minutes for extra-large eggs
- Prepare an ice bath : Once cooking time is up, drain the hot water and immediately transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and make peeling easier
- Let eggs cool completely in the ice bath : At least 14 minutes or longer before peeling or decorating
Additional Tips for Easter Egg Boiling
- Using a single layer and cold water start reduces cracking
- Eggs stored longer in the refrigerator tend to crack less during boiling
- Steaming eggs instead of boiling is another effective method: place eggs in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 15 minutes, then cool in ice water
- After cooling, eggs are ready for dyeing or decorating.
This method ensures hard-cooked eggs with firm whites and vibrant yolks, perfect for Easter crafts and safe to eat or hide for celebrations
