Soft Boiled Eggs

Soft Boiled Eggs are a staple in many households. They are a favorite because of the soft and supple whites and that delicious runny yolk. Great for breakfast or brunch or serving for your Easter holiday feast.

There’s a reason why soft-boiled eggs are a breakfast favorite. There’s something about the soft, creamy center that just makes them irresistible. And they’re so easy to make!

I know that our family LOVES that gooey yolk. It’s perfect when paired with so many things for breakfast. You’ll love how easy these are to make.

While these eggs are more commonly made in the spring because people associate having eggs with Easter – you can enjoy these soft-boiled eggs all year long.

Eggs are actually quite good for you – which is why we like to make so many different varieties to keep our mornings interesting.

making soft boiled eggs

Here are some commonly asked questions

What is the difference between a hard boiled egg and a soft boiled egg?

While the two are similar – there are some distinct differences – the yolk and how they are served.

If you want to make soft-boiled eggs, you can follow the same process as you would when making hard-boiled eggs, but remove the eggs after only 4-6 minutes. (see my recipe here for Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs)

Be sure to follow the same steps of setting your eggs in water on the stove and then boiling them for several minutes. If you’re not sure whether an egg is ready to remove or not, you can take one out, crack it, peel it, and slice it to check the center.

Once you’ve checked the center, if it still looks soft like how you want it, you can remove the rest of the eggs from the pot full of water.

How to serve soft boiled eggs

Serving soft-boiled eggs while they are still warm is best so you can maintain that deliciously runny yolk, however, you still want to add them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and make them easier to handle.

After they are done, you can use a cutter or knife to crack the shell. We like serving the soft boiled eggs in an egg cup with a small spoon or dipping toast.

how to make perfect soft boiled eggs

How Long do Soft Boiled Eggs Last?

Keep the soft-boiled eggs in the shell, as they will last for approximately two days in the refrigerator. To reheat refrigerated soft-boiled eggs, simply do the same process with half the time.

Ingredients Needed for Soft Boiled Eggs

• eggs
• salt & pepper to taste

Can this recipe be doubled?

You can, and we do it often for the stovetop method. When we are feeding the whole family we will double, triple, or quadruple the recipe so that we have enough for everyone. It is simple to do, as long as you work quickly once it is time to move the eggs to the water bath.

Is a soft-boiled egg raw?

Soft-boiled eggs are an egg that has been cooked in their shell until the whites have a custardy texture and the yolks are creamy, with a runny (uncooked) to jam-like (half-set) consistency.

soft boiled eggs recipe

How to Make Soft Boiled Eggs

1. Fill a medium-sized pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring to a simmer.
2. Carefully add the eggs to the simmering water with a slotted spoon.
3. Allow to simmer for 4-6 minutes.
4. While the eggs are simmering, get an ice bath ready.
5. When eggs are done remove them from the pot and add them directly to the ice bath.
6. Let the eggs sit int he ice bath for 2-3 minutes. Just until they can be comfortably handled.
7. Crack the end of the egg and remove the shell. Use a small spoon to scoop out the egg.
8. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, if desired.

Best ways to tell if eggs are fresh

We have a habit of stocking up on eggs and then forgetting about them because they are out in the garage fridge.

While eggs will keep (if refrigerated properly) for up to 6 weeks beyond the date on the package – I always like to do this nifty little test if I know they have been in there for a while. The date isn’t always accurate.

When eggs go bad – they create an air bubble inside the shell. So if you place an egg in a few inches of water – watch what it does.

• If it stays at the bottom – it is good.
• If it sort of hovers halfway between the bottom and the top of the water – it’s on the way to going bad and should be used immediately.
• NOW – if the egg floats – that means the air bubble has formed and the egg is no longer safe to eat and should be tossed out.

how to soft boil an egg

How do I know when they’re done?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to know without cracking one open. However – if you follow the time guidelines here in this recipe you should end up with perfectly soft-boiled eggs. Over time you might find you have a preference and like to cook them a little less or a little bit longer for the desired doneness. But this recipe here should give you the perfect result.

Can soft boiled eggs be made ahead of time?

Soft-boiled eggs can be kept for up to three days if refrigerated. If desired, heat the eggs in simmering water for 1 minute before serving.

how many minutes for a soft boiled egg

Products I love when making soft boiled eggs…

This easy breakfast recipe is SUPER delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made soft-boiled eggs before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love them. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this breakfast recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)

• Elegant Egg Cups & Cracker Set
• stockpot
• spider strainer
• prep bowls

how long do you cook a soft boiled egg

If you love this easy recipe for soft-boiled eggs, you’re going to love these other breakfast recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Other Egg Recipes

Scrambled Eggs

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Easy Poached Eggs

Fried Eggs

Sunny Side Eggs

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Steamed Eggs

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