The times below assume you’re using large eggs and starting them in cold water that you then bring to a boil. What is the perfect time for a hard-boiled egg? For a classic hard-boiled egg with a completely firm, pale yellow yolk—perfect for egg salad, deviled eggs, or slicing onto a salad—the magic number is 12 minutes. Mar 21, 2023 · The perfect boiled egg should be easy to peel and even easier to cook. This article details how to make the egg whites firm and cook the yolks to the desired degree of doneness. Learn how to boil eggs on the stove for soft, medium, or hard-boiled eggs every time. Find the best boiling time for different egg sizes, temperatures, and altitudes. Perfect Timing for Boiled Eggs Now that you have your eggs sorted, let’s discuss precisely how long you should boil them based on the desired outcome. Soft Boiled Eggs For many, a soft-boiled egg is the epitome of breakfast bliss. With a runny yolk and delicately set white, they’re perfect for dipping toast or adding to salads. 4 Minutes: The whites are still mostly liquid, while the yolk ...