Craving a satisfying and healthy afternoon snack? These Hard-Boiled Eggs with Everything Seasoning are simple to make and packed with flavor, offering a perfect protein boost to keep you going. You’ll love how quickly you can prepare this nutritious bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Eggs: Choose large eggs for best results. No direct substitution, as eggs are the star!
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you don’t have this, you can make your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of salt.
- Ice: Essential for stopping the cooking process.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- Everything bagel seasoning, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Servings: 3 servings (2 eggs per serving)
- Calories per serving: Approximately 140 calories
- Tools Needed: Saucepan, slotted spoon, small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place Eggs in a Saucepan
Carefully place your eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a saucepan. You want to avoid crowding them so they cook evenly. This is the first step to your healthy afternoon snack.
2. Cover with Cold Water
Pour cold water into the saucepan until it covers the eggs by about an inch. Adding eggs to cold water prevents them from cracking.
3. Bring to a Boil
Place the saucepan on high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat immediately.
4. Let Them Sit
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the eggs sit in the hot water for exactly 10 minutes. This method ensures perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time.
5. Prepare an Ice Bath
While the eggs are sitting, fill a small bowl with ice and cold water. This ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process and making the eggs easier to peel.
6. Transfer to Ice Bath
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked eggs from the hot water into the ice bath. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes. This step helps achieve that smooth peel.
7. Peel and Season
Once cool, gently tap and roll each egg to crack the shell, then peel it under cool running water. Cut each egg in half and generously sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning for a delicious healthy afternoon snack.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your seasoning.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with finely chopped chives or dill for extra flavor.
- Avocado Toast Partner: Serve sliced hard-boiled eggs on whole-wheat toast with a mashed avocado for a more substantial healthy afternoon snack.
Storage Instructions:
Store peeled hard-boiled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can prepare a batch in advance for easy healthy afternoon snacks throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: How do I prevent my eggs from cracking during boiling?
A: Start with cold water and bring them to a boil slowly, or add a pinch of salt to the water.
Q: Can I use older eggs for hard boiling?
A: Yes, older eggs (about a week old) tend to peel more easily than very fresh eggs.
Q: What if I don’t have Everything Bagel Seasoning?
A: You can use a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a little salt.
Q: How do I know if an egg is hard-boiled without peeling it?
A: Spin the egg on a flat surface. A hard-boiled egg will spin rapidly and steadily, while a raw egg will wobble.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time for healthy afternoon snacks?
A: Absolutely! Hard-boiled eggs are excellent for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge.
Q: Why is an ice bath important?
A: The ice bath stops the cooking process immediately and causes the egg to contract, making it much easier to peel.
