Cooking eggs to the proper temperature for the correct amount of time can help to reduce the probability of salmonella. Even though the risk of getting salmonella from eggs is inherently low to begin with, taking the time to follow safe food handling procedures can reduce the chance even more. The following will provide a brief how to on cooking a hard boiled egg.

What You will need for Cooking Eggs

• Large Cooking Pot (size of pot is dependent on the number of eggs)
• Eggs
• Water
• Paper Towels

Step 1: Inspect your eggs for any cracks and carefully place in an empty cooking pot.

NOTE: Do not use cracked eggs for any cooking because the chances of bacterial contamination could occur causing you to become ill.

NOTE: If you have farm fresh eggs you may want to rinse your eggs with water to cleanse the surface of bacteria prior to cooking. You can also do this as an extra safety measure for store bought eggs.

Step 2: Run cold water over the eggs filling the pot just until the eggs are covered.

Step 3: Place the filled pot on the stove and cook over medium high heat until the water begins to boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the eggs for 12 minutes (adjust the heat to keep the eggs at a slow boil for the entire cooking time).

NOTE: Do not start the timer until the water begins to boil.

Step 5: After 12 minutes, carefully remove the eggs from the heat and place entire pot in the sink.

Step 6: Do not drain the eggs. Simply run cold water over the eggs to cool them off quickly. Pour off the water and fill with cold water after your eggs have cooled slightly. Keep the eggs covered with cold water.

Step 7: Remove the eggs from the water one at a time and begin peeling the eggs.

Step 8: Lay down paper towels and gently crack the egg on a hard surface.

NOTE: You can roll the hard boiled egg over the hard surface to loosen the egg membrane from the albumen or egg white.

Step 9: Using your thumb, gently peel the shell away from the egg.

NOTE: Do not allow your eggs to cool completely. This will make it more difficult to peel. If the shell removal is difficult simply run the cracked egg under cool water to help release the membrane.

Step 10: Once peeled, rinse the egg under cool water to remove any excess shell pieces.

NOTE: Older eggs will be more difficult to peel. Try to cook your hard boiled eggs within a week or two of purchase.

Hard boiled eggs can be used in many different recipes such as egg salad, deviled eggs, on a Chef salad, or simply eaten as a good source of protein. The eggs make a great breakfast with a slice of whole-grain toast and some fresh fruit. You can also use them for colorful decorations during Easter.


Be sure to use your eggs within three to five days of cooking if stored properly. The eggs should be placed in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cooking. You can store them in an air tight container or in a bowl of cold water. The water should be changed daily to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. If you are using the eggs for a picnic or dinner, keep the eggs cold for the duration of the meal and throw out any leftovers if not kept cold.

Difference between Hard Cooked and Hard Boiled

As Americans push to do things more quickly so does the process for cooking eggs. As mentioned above, a hard boiled egg can be cooked in as little as 12 minutes. To Hard Cook an egg you simply follow steps 1 through 3 then turn the heat off after the water comes to a rapid boil. Cover the pot with a lid and leave eggs to hard cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes cool eggs off with cold water and follow steps 6 through 10.