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How to Make the Best Soft Boiled Eggs

Learn to make perfectly soft-boiled eggs with my foolproof method! This easy technique yields perfectly jammy yolks and easy-to-peel whites. Whether you're eating them as a snack, a quick breakfast, or on top of toast, this is truly the best way to make eggs.

close up on a plate with jammy soft boiled eggs

There are a few dishes that don't benefit from being topped with an egg. Whether you toss a fried egg on Thai quinoa salad or amp up the protein on a stack of zucchini fritters, eggs add flavor, texture, and their signature golden yolks to everything. Since I perfected how to make easy soft-boiled eggs, I always have a quick and tasty protein option to add to my favorite dishes! So I'm excited to share my method for how to make the best soft boiled eggs.

What Is a Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg?

Follow this simple recipe, and every time your eggs will come out:

  • With a soft, jammy yolk
  • Just-set whites that are tender, not rubbery
  • Easy to peel
three soft boiled eggs on a plate with corners of toast

How to Make Soft Boiled Eggs

There are a few keys to perfecting jammy and soft eggs. Here's how I've been making soft-boiled eggs for years, without fail.

  1. Boil the water. Bring the water to a boil before adding the eggs. This helps prevent cracking.
  2. Cook. Set the timer for 6:30 as soon as the eggs are in the water.
  3. Ice bath. Immediately drain the eggs and cover them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Wait, then peel. Cool the eggs in the cold water for 5 minutes before peeling.

Cooking Times for Boiled Eggs

  • 6 minutes for soft eggs with runny yolks
  • 7-8 minutes if you like your egg yolks a little more “done”
  • 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs
close up on avocado toast with soft boiled eggs and sesame seeds

How to Serve Soft-Boiled Eggs

There are loads of delicious ways to use boiled eggs in addition to mashing them into egg salad for an egg salad sandwich (also a great idea, mind you). When I have a perfectly cooked egg, my favorite way to serve it is on avocado toast. Just add a sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning and a side of breakfast potatoes! Here are some other great ways to enjoy soft boiled eggs:

two plates of avocado toast with soft boiled eggs on top

How Long Do Boiled Eggs last in the Fridge?

Properly stored, soft-boiled eggs will last for up to 1 week in the fridge. It makes eggs a wonderful meal prep option. Keep any leftover eggs unpeeled so they stay fresh. Store them in an airtight container and they'll be ready to peel for meals and lunches.

Soft Boiled Eggs

5 from 2 votes
This is the best way to make perfect soft boiled eggs every time! Great for high-protein breakfasts, toast, soups, stir-fries, salads and more.
author: Alyssa
yield: 2 servings
three soft boiled eggs on a plate with corners of toast
Cook: 7 minutes
Total: 7 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs
  • 4 – 5 cups water

to serve:

  • 2 pieces of toast
  • 1/2 avocado , mashed
  • flaked sea salt
  • everything but the bagel seasoning (if you can find it!)

Instructions
 

  • Add the water to a small sauce pan and turn on high. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, place each egg on a spoon and carefully drop it into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium-high.
  • Set a timer for 6:30.
  • When the timer goes off, drain the water from the pot and fill it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Allow the eggs to cool for 5 minutes, then peel.
  • Serve them up on your piece of avocado toast, slice in half and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1toast + egg | Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 311IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg
cuisine: American
course: Breakfast

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