Eggs win breakfast every single time. From scrambled to poached to sunny side up and soft-boiled, you really can’t go wrong. Here are all the ins and outs of the different ways to cook eggs.

collage on how to cook eggs

Think you know how to cook an egg? Think again. Eggs are one of those ingredients that are super simple to cook once you know the technique but quick to mess up. Even simple scrambled eggs can go wrong in a flash. Luckily, we’re here to break down the best way to cook eggs. After you master these techniques, you can say goodbye to your days of quickly scrambling eggs in the pan for a fast meal.

–> 60 Recipes For Any Amount of Eggs

THE BEST WAY TO COOK EGGS

Cracked eggs in a glass bowl and ingredients for a pie on kitchen table

No matter which way you choose to cook an egg, you’ll need similar ingredients. Eggs, salt, pepper, butter, or oil will pretty much be the staple list no matter which method you choose. Non-stick pans will also be your best friend when it comes to cooking eggs.

SCRAMBLED EGGS

scrambled eggs on toast

Scrambled eggs are one of the most versatile meals you can make. You can eat them plain, load them up with cheese, go the protein route, or make them super savory. The classic breakfast dish also tastes great any time of the day. While many people think they know all the ins and outs of scrambling eggs, they are probably missing out on a few major steps. These secrets will take your average scrambled eggs to restaurant-quality in a flash.

The most important part of getting super fluffy scrambled eggs happens even before the eggs hit the pan. Beating the eggs thoroughly will ensure that your eggs are incredibly fluffy. You can use a fork, but if you want the eggs to be next-level, use a whisk to beat in loads of air.

Once your eggs are prepared, heat a non-stick skillet with a little coating of spray or butter over medium heat. When the pan is hot, dump the eggs in and let them sit in the pan for about 30 seconds. After that, gently push them around using a spatula or a wooden spoon. When the eggs are done, remove them from the pan right away, as they will be quick to overcook. Once you nail the technique, start to up your culinary game and add all the cheese and veggies into your scrambled eggs for a full-blown meal.

scraping the scrambled eggs with a spatula
Scrambled Eggs
Learn to make fluffy, moist, flavorful and evenly cooked scrambled eggs with great results every time.  With these simple tips, you can scramble eggs with ease!
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SOFT-BOILED EGGS

Breakfast with soft boiled eggs and toast soldiers

Soft-boiled eggs are probably the most underrated method on this list. If you love over easy eggs but could live without the fried egg whites, go for a soft-boiled egg. Soft-boiled eggs have a tender white flesh and a jammy yolk. Traditionally, they are served with a hearty piece of toast to dip in the creamy yolk. Soft-boiled eggs are not just breakfast food. They go great in a grain bowl or on top of a big pile of roasted vegetables.

So, how do you get a soft-boiled egg to have that perfect consistency? It’s all in the timing and the ice bath. Set a pot of water over medium heat and let it come to a rolling boil. When the water is ready, let the eggs cook for six minutes. As soon as the six minutes is over, take the eggs out of the boiling water and immerse them in an ice bath. This will immediately stop the cooking process and give the eggs a tender and creamy texture. After three minutes in the ice bath, take out the eggs and gently peel away the shell.

The best part about soft-boiled eggs is that will they hold up in the fridge for about three days. Make a big batch and add them into your salads, grain bowls, or keep them ready for a snack.

Breakfast with soft boiled eggs and toast soldiers
Soft Boiled Eggs
Soft-boiled eggs are an incredibly underrated breakfast. Slice into the tender white flesh to find a perfectly jammy yolk on the inside.
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POACHED EGGS

poached egg cut open with a fork served on a plate

Poached eggs definitely fall into the category of things that look ways harder to make than they actually are. Sure, they are more complicated to make than scrambled eggs, but if you can boil a pot of water and have some patience, you will be able to nail the technique to make poached eggs.

Fill a large, wide saucepan with water and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat, add a splash of vinegar into the pan, and slowly add your egg into the water. Let the egg cook for about three minutes in the water bath. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel to help drain any excess water.

Poached eggs are a staple in recipes like eggs benedict, but they are also great additions to many savory meals. Add them to your grain bowls or over a bed of fresh greens. The creamy yolk will make everything taste ten times better.

poached egg cut open with a fork served on a plate
Poached Eggs
Here’s how to poach eggs so they turn out perfect. Use them to make Eggs Benedict or just eat them as-is for an easy breakfast!
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OVER EASY EGGS

over easy eggs on an english muffin

Over easy eggs are a breakfast classic. They have a creamy yolk and a firm white flesh that will make your tastebuds sing. Just like their name, over easy eggs are actually quite easy to cook. That is, once you nail the timing. This technique of cooking eggs is all about timing. If you leave them on just a few seconds too long, you can say goodbye to your over easy egg and hello to an over medium or over hard yolk.

Using a non-stick pan will also make nailing this cooking technique even easier. The non-stick pan, along with a simple pat of melted butter, will ensure that your egg does not stick to the pan and will let you flip the egg when it is ready to go. For a creamy, runny yolk, cook the egg for about 2-3 minutes in the pan. When the egg is ready, flip it and let it cook for no longer than 30 seconds.

Serve the egg immediately alongside your favorite stack of pancakes, or place it on top of your favorite sandwich. The creamy egg yolk will easily enhance any dish.

Over Easy Eggs
It doesn't get more classic than over easy eggs for breakfast. The traditional dish is a staple for a reason, with its firm egg white and creamy, runny yolk. Here's how to get a perfect over easy egg every single time.
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HARD BOILED EGGS IN AN INSTANT POT

instant pot hard boiled eggs

Instant Pots are a game-changer in cooking — especially when it comes to hard boiled eggs. Thanks to the nifty device, you can say goodbye to half-cooked hard boiled eggs. The Instant Pot ensures all of your hard boiled eggs are perfectly cooked every single time.

Making hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is just like making them on the stove. However, with this method, you can ensure the even cooking time and temperature to guarantee each egg is perfectly hard boiled. Simply add one cup of water to your Instant Pot and add in the eggs so they are sitting on top of the trivet or rack. Then set the timer and let them cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, release the vent and allow all of the pressure to be released. Open the pot and carefully take out the eggs and place them in an ice bath right away. This will stop the cooking process and make the eggs much easier to peel.

It truly couldn’t be easier. Use this method to hard boil a bunch of eggs and keep them ready to use in your fridge. If you make them ahead of time, they will last about a week.

instant pot hard boiled eggs
How To Make Hard Boiled Eggs In The Instant Pot
You'll love the simplicity of making hard-boiled eggs in your Instant Pot!
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BAKED EGGS

baked eggs in a ramekin

When you think of cooking eggs, baking them probably isn’t high on the list. However, this method is here to change that. Baked eggs could not be easier to make. You could go the traditional way and bake them in ramekins with a touch of cream, or make it even easier and bake them up in a muffin tin. You could even add in toppings to load the eggs up with veggies, cheese, or protein.

To make baked eggs, all you will need is eggs, butter, salt, pepper, and any additions you want to add to the eggs. Crack one egg into each muffin tin or two into ramekins with the additional ingredients and bake for 12-15 minutes. When finished, the eggs whites will be fully cooked and the yolks will still be a little runny. If you want your yolks to be hard, simply let them cook longer in the oven.

What I love about baked eggs is they make a great breakfast on the go. I know what you are thinking, most egg dishes don’t travel well. However, with baked eggs, it is quite the opposite. Bake a batch of eggs in a muffin tin and save them in the fridge for a quick breakfast. If you’re not rushing, save the baked eggs for the weekend and break out the ramekins to make a lavish egg dish.

baked eggs in a ramekin
Baked Eggs
Learn how to bake eggs in the oven with this 15 minute recipe! All you need are eggs and your favorite toppings to get started!
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FRIED EGGS

Homemade Sunnyside Eggs Breakfast with Toast and Bacon

A fried egg is always a good idea. While great on its own, a good fried egg can elevate any dish. Think about it, a burger with a fried egg? Instantly better. How about a large serving of pancakes topped with a fried egg. Absolutely delicious! And to the top of a sandwich? A real mouthwatering dish.

The key to getting a fried egg cooked just right is all in the timing and the type of pan you use. Go with non-stick to create a surface that won’t destroy the egg. Grease the pan with a small coating of butter and set the heat to medium. Let the egg cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You’ll know the egg is ready to flip when the white looks firm but not completely set near the yolk. Gently flip the egg and let it cook to your liking. For over easy, cook the egg for 30 seconds. For over medium, 30 seconds to 1 minute and 1-2 minutes for an over hard yolk.

Stay patient when cooking your fried egg. If you flip it too soon, everything will fall apart in the pan. If you force it from the pan, the yolk is likely to break, and you can say goodbye to the runny yolk on toast. Set a timer if you are not sure to ensure your fried egg comes out perfectly each and every time.

Fried Eggs
You can never go wrong with a fried egg. The golden, crispy edges combined with the creamy, runny yolk makes for the ultimate bite.
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OMELET

ham and cheese omelet on a plate

If the omelet bar is your favorite place to stop at the breakfast buffet, it’s time you learn to make one on your own. Omelets are the kind of breakfast that seem intimidating to make but are actually super simple once you nail the technique. The best part about omelets is that they are super customizable. Add tons of veggies, protein, or cheese into the eggs to turn the omelet into a full-blown meal.

When cooking your omelet, there are a few tips you’ll want to use. Only use two eggs and start small on the additional ingredients. This will make it way easier for you to flip your omelet, and that way, it won’t be in pieces once it leaves the pan. Also, use with a non-stick pan. It will make it much easier for you to flip your omelet since it won’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

If you want to make your omelet extra fluffy, make sure you whip your eggs up real well. You’ll want to use the same technique you use when you scramble eggs. The longer you whip them up, the fluffier they will be.

Omelet Recipe
Do you know how to cook a perfect omelet? Here's a simple guide that helps anyone make a delicious omelet every time!
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Stove-Top Hard Boiled Eggs

hard boiled eggs in a pot on the stove

If you ask five people how to boil an egg, you are bound to get five different answers. (We like using the instant pot to hard boil eggs too!) Everyone says they have the best method, the one that works perfectly every time. Some people use just a little bit of water and steamer baskets. Some say to boil the water first. Cook times can vary from seven minutes to fifteen minutes, too! Not to fret, though! This is the easiest and simplest method for perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.

The egg white and egg yolk cook at very different temperatures and times. Starting with cold water ensures that both the white and the yolk comes up to temp at the same time. Coupled with a small amount of carry-over cooking, using the 9-minutes-from-the-boil method will always ensure perfect hard-boiled eggs.

Hard boiled eggs sliced in half ready to eat.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Here's the best way to make hard-boiled eggs! You'll need less than 10 minutes and minimal ingredients to achieve perfectly boiled eggs every time.
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TRY THESE SIMPLE EGG RECIPES NEXT!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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