Name: Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs, cold from the fridge; As needed; Pinch

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If you’ve ever admired those golden, jammy-centered beauties perched atop avocado toast or nestled into noodle bowls, Soft-Boiled Eggs are your gateway to elegance on a plate without any fuss. With gently set whites and a yolk that’s silkier than custard, these little gems are the embodiment of simple kitchen magic. Soft-Boiled Eggs are surprisingly easy to master with just a bit of care and timing, and their irresistible texture elevates any meal from breakfast to dinner. If you’re craving creamy bites or looking for a protein-rich snack, this classic preparation will become your new favorite way to enjoy eggs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Soft-Boiled Eggs is in their simplicity: just a handful of basic ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes far more impressive than the effort required. Each element here plays an important role, from providing flavor to ensuring that signature, custardy texture.

4 large eggs, cold from the fridge: Starting with cold eggs helps ensure even cooking and that signature jammy center.
Water for boiling: Plenty of water allows the eggs to cook consistently and float freely for perfect results.
Pinch of salt (optional): Adding a pinch of salt can help prevent minor egg cracks and seasons them ever, so slightly.

How to Make Soft-Boiled Eggs

Step 1: Prepare Your Pot

Begin by filling a medium saucepan with enough water to cover your eggs by about an inch. Using plenty of water helps the heat circulate, ensuring all the Soft-Boiled Eggs cook evenly for that gorgeous, just-set consistency.

Step 2: Bring Water to a Boil

Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a gentle boil. Patience here is key—wait for a gentle rolling boil to develop (not a wild, bubbling frenzy), as this prevents your eggs from bouncing around and cracking.

Step 3: Lower Eggs In Carefully

Using a spoon, gently lower each cold egg into the boiling water. This gentle approach helps avoid cracks and keeps the Soft-Boiled Eggs whole and lovely.

Step 4: Adjust Heat and Set Timer

Turn the heat down just a touch to maintain a gentle boil. Set your timer for 6 to 7 minutes—6 minutes yields a slightly runnier yolk, while 7 minutes gives you that coveted jammy, golden center. This timing is the magic that defines Soft-Boiled Eggs!

Step 5: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are on the stove, fill a bowl with cold water and plenty of ice. This quick ice bath instantly stops the cooking, preserving the tender yolk and ensuring your Soft-Boiled Eggs remain silky instead of edging toward hard-boiled.

Step 6: Plunge and Peel

When your timer dings, carefully scoop the eggs out with a slotted spoon and transfer them into the ice bath for 1 to 2 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, tap the shells gently against a hard surface and peel under running cold water. The water helps slide the shell off neat as can be!

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Serve your Soft-Boiled Eggs right away, whether sprinkled with a pinch of salt and pepper or nestled onto buttered toast. Their warm, melty yolks are at their absolute best fresh from the bath.

How to Serve Soft-Boiled Eggs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a shower of fresh herbs like chives or parsley instantly brightens your Soft-Boiled Eggs. Even a dusting of smoked paprika or a tiny dash of chili flakes can kick things up a notch, delivering both visual flair and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Soft-Boiled Eggs are born to be friends with buttery toast soldiers for dipping, classic avocado toast, or even a simple steamed asparagus spear. You can pair them with sautéed greens or nestle them into a grain bowl for a wholesome, filling meal. Their versatility speaks for itself!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing Soft-Boiled Eggs in half and fanning them atop ramen, grain bowls, or salads for a show-stopping finish. Nest them inside breakfast sandwiches, or serve them upright in an egg cup with the cap lopped off—perfect for dipping with crispy spears of sourdough.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Soft-Boiled Eggs, let them cool completely, then store them in their shells in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to two days, though they’re at their silkiest closest to freshly made.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Soft-Boiled Eggs don’t freeze well—the delicate yolk and whites can take on an odd texture once thawed. For best flavor and that unmistakable jammy center, make them fresh.

Reheating

To gently reheat Soft-Boiled Eggs, place the unpeeled eggs in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for about a minute. This brings back the warmth without overcooking the yolk. Avoid microwaving, as it may cook the eggs further and alter the luscious, runny yolk.

FAQs

How do I make Soft-Boiled Eggs easier to peel?

Slightly older eggs tend to peel more easily than super fresh ones. Cooling them quickly in an ice bath and peeling under running water really helps lift the shell away without tearing into the white.

Can I use this method for more or fewer eggs?

Absolutely! Just ensure your pan is large enough for the eggs to sit in a single layer and the water covers them by about an inch. The timing remains the same for up to six eggs.

What’s the best way to season Soft-Boiled Eggs?

A pinch of flaky sea salt and a twist of black pepper are classics, but don’t hesitate to experiment—try a sprinkle of everything-bagel seasoning, chili flakes, or even fresh herbs for endless variety.

Can I make Soft-Boiled Eggs ahead for meal prep?

You can definitely make them a day or two in advance and store them unpeeled in the fridge. Just know that the yolk is at its gooey, glorious best right after cooking, so time your prep to enjoy them fresh when possible.

Why did my eggs crack in the water?

Cracks usually happen if the eggs are lowered in too quickly or if there’s a rapid change in temperature. Lower them gently with a spoon and make sure the water is at a controlled, gentle boil rather than a vigorous one.

Final Thoughts

There’s a quiet magic in mastering Soft-Boiled Eggs—once you do, they’ll become a delightful staple in your kitchen. With their luscious yolks and tender whites, these eggs turn even the simplest meal into a little celebration. So grab a pot, set your timer, and let yourself fall in love with this timeless kitchen comfort.

Soft-Boiled Eggs Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make perfect soft-boiled eggs with this simple and quick recipe. These soft-boiled eggs have jammy yolks and are a delightful addition to your breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggs:

4 large eggs, cold from the fridge

Water for boiling:

As needed

Salt (optional):

Pinch

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Instructions

Prepare the Water: Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Eggs: Carefully lower the cold eggs into the boiling water using a spoon. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes for soft, jammy yolks.
Ice Bath: Prepare a bowl of ice water. Transfer the eggs to the ice water bath using a slotted spoon after cooking. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes.
Peel and Serve: Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface, peel under cold running water, and serve immediately seasoned with salt and pepper or on toast.