How do you keep hard boil eggs from cracking?

1. Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs have stronger shells, making them less prone to cracking.

2. Start with room-temperature eggs: Putting cold eggs directly into boiling water can cause the shells to crack due to the sudden change in temperature. Allow eggs to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before boiling.

3. Use enough water: Ensure that the water level in the pot is at least one inch above the eggs to prevent them from bumping against the bottom and cracking.

4. Add salt to the water: Adding about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water can help prevent the shells from cracking by strengthening them slightly.

5. Bring water to a gentle boil: Avoid a rapid boil as it can cause the eggs to crack due to vigorous bubbling. Bring the water to a simmer or a gentle boil instead.

6. Use a slotted spoon: When transferring the eggs from the boiling water to an ice bath, use a slotted spoon to avoid hitting or dropping the eggs, which can cause them to crack.

7. Immerse the eggs in an ice bath: After boiling, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice water. This sudden temperature change helps stop the cooking process and makes the shells easier to peel. The ice water also prevents the eggs from overcooking.

8. Don't boil eggs for too long: Overcooking eggs can make the shells more fragile and prone to cracking. Here are the general guidelines for boiling times based on the desired firmness:

- 6-7 minutes for soft-boiled eggs

- 8-10 minutes for medium-boiled eggs

- 12-13 minutes for hard-boiled eggs

9. Peel eggs under cold running water: Peeling eggs under cold running water makes it easier to remove the shells without damaging the whites.

By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of hard-boiled eggs cracking during the boiling process.