Julia Child’s Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs (Recipe and Secret)

Julia Child’s perfect hard-boiled eggs are more than just a breakfast staple—they’re a masterclass in simple, foolproof cooking. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or making deviled eggs for a party, this method ensures smooth, easy-to-peel eggs every time. And it all comes down to timing, temperature, and one secret splash of cold water.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Reliable results: Say goodbye to rubbery whites or gray-green yolks.
• Easy peeling: The shock of cold water makes shells slide right off.
• Perfect for any occasion: From egg salad sandwiches to elegant hors d'oeuvres.
• No fancy equipment needed: Just a saucepan and a timer.

What Are Julia Child’s Hard-Boiled Eggs?

Julia Child, the culinary icon who brought French cooking to American kitchens, wasn’t just about soufflés and boeuf bourguignon. She believed in nailing the basics—and her method for boiling eggs is a prime example. This technique involves gently boiling eggs, resting them off-heat, and giving them a “thermal shock” in cold water. The result? Perfect texture, bright yellow yolks, and effortless peeling. It’s become a kitchen standard for home cooks and chefs alike.

Pro Tips for the Best Hard-Boiled Eggs

• Use week-old eggs for easier peeling—super fresh eggs tend to cling to their shells.
• Avoid overcooking by setting a timer exactly when the pot is covered and removed from heat.
• Crack before chilling (Julia’s trick): After cooking, gently crack the shells before plunging into cold water to loosen the membrane.
• Let them sit in cold water for at least 15 minutes before peeling.
• Use an ice bath if you want to speed up the cooling process even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Leave the Eggs Off the Heat?

After boiling, cover the pot and let the eggs sit off the heat for exactly 17 minutes for large eggs. This timing gives you fully set whites and creamy yolks without any green ring.

Should I Start Eggs in Cold or Hot Water?

Julia’s method starts with already boiling water. This helps cook the eggs more evenly and makes peeling easier—especially with older eggs.

What’s the Best Way to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs?

After chilling, roll the egg gently on the counter to create fine cracks, then peel under running water. The shell should come off easily in large pieces.

Can I Cook Different Sizes of Eggs?

Yes, but adjust the rest time:

• Medium eggs: 15 minutes
• Large eggs: 17 minutes (standard)
• Extra-large eggs: 19 minutes

Why Do My Yolks Turn Green?

This happens when eggs are overcooked. The gray-green ring around the yolk is harmless but a sign you've gone too long. Julia's timing avoids this completely.

Can I Make a Large Batch?

Absolutely! Just make sure the eggs sit in a single layer in the pot, and adjust the size of your pan and water accordingly.

How to Store

Once cooked and cooled, keep unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days. If peeled, store them in a bowl of water (change daily) or in a damp paper towel inside a container for up to 5 days.

How to Freeze

Hard-boiled eggs don’t freeze well whole—the whites become rubbery. However, you can freeze the yolks separately. Simply remove them, place on a tray, and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a container and store for up to 3 months. Thawed yolks are best used in sauces or mashed into fillings like deviled eggs.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs (preferably at least 1 week old)
• Water (enough to cover eggs by 1 inch)
• Ice cubes (for chilling)

How to Make Julia Child’s Hard-Boiled Eggs