12 Simple Ways to Cook Eggs (Recipes Included!)

There are all kinds of nutritious, affordable, and delicious ingredients around, with the humble eggs sitting at the top. As the most versatile real food, there are tons of different ways to cook eggs. They can be fried, scrambled, boiled, and poached, or be part of any baked good — the list could go on. They are very popular as they are also a great source of protein and other nutrients. And though you can often see them in the dairy aisle, eggs are not a dairy product! So they’re safe for those who are lactose intolerant as well. 

All that is to say, as long as you have eggs sitting around in your pantry, consider your breakfast, lunch, and dinner dilemmas solved! Here are 12 different yet straightforward egg styles to prove our point. 

12 Quick and Delicious Ways to Cook Eggs

We have a few tricks up our sleeves on how to turn eggs into diner-style favorites, all creamy and fluffy. So, bring on the eggs and try these 12 easy ways to prepare them. Soon you will be preparing delicious homemade versions of the best diner-worthy egg dishes without breaking a sweat!

Let’s begin with arguably the simplest way to cook eggs: by immersing them in boiling water (with their shells still intact) until the yolks are perfectly cooked. There are different doneness of boiled eggs, including hard-boiled and soft-boiled. Contrary to popular belief, hard-boiling does not mean overcooking the eggs. Over-cooked eggs have a greenish ring around the yolk and rubbery consistency. Meanwhile, a hard-boiled egg should have tender whites with a bright yellow solidified center.

Sneak hard-boiled eggs into your diet if you need a protein boost. You can enjoy them as snacks, being delicious on their own. Or, slice them so you will have little pieces of boiled eggs for your salad. They also make for a great filling for sandwiches, especially when combined with fresh veggies.

How to cook it: Making hard-boiled eggs is a piece of cake. Simply place your eggs in a pot and cover them with enough water (about an inch or two). Once the water starts to boil, shut off the heat and cook the eggs for 12 to 15 minutes. When cooked, submerge the eggs in an ice-water bath so they will be easy to peel.

Recipe for Inspiration: Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Both hard-boiled and soft-boiled eggs are placed in boiling water until they are cooked. However, from its name, soft-boiled eggs are cooked for a shorter period. While hard-boiling produces solidified yolk, soft-boiling, on the other hand, results in firm, glossy egg whites and gooey, golden yolks. 

Soft-boiled eggs serve as the perfect toppers for ramen, toasts, and salads. Delicious as they are, you can also eat them straight out of their eggshells with a dollop of spicy sauce or a pinch of salt.

How to cook it: Like how you make hard-boiled eggs, you start with bringing water to a boiling temperature. Then, reduce the heat when the water boils. Carefully place the eggs in the pot and simmer for no more than six minutes to achieve the right texture. Again, ready your ice bath straightaway for a hassle-free peeling. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Soft Boiled Eggs

Shell your hard-boiled eggs, slice them in half, and stuff them with various fillings, and you got yourself some yummy deviled eggs. Curious as to why they are called deviled eggs? The “deviled” is a term used to describe a highly-seasoned dish. In a nutshell, deviled eggs are called such because they are stuffed with flavorful seasonings.

Snack time will be so much tastier with these stuffed eggs! Apart from being a healthy snack on regular days, they are also often present at holiday parties and other social gatherings. You can also see these delicious stuffed eggs in potluck and picnic menus. 

How to cook it: Hard boil your eggs, peel the shell off, and cut them in half lengthwise. Next, scoop out the egg yolks and mix with your preferred fillings. We also use mustard and some exciting add-ins for the filling, including crispy bacon slices, garlic, and onion flakes. Finally, spoon the mixture back into your egg whites and serve!

Recipe for Inspiration: Deviled Eggs

Sunny-side-up eggs are fried on one side with a golden yolk shining at the center. This egg dish has tender egg whites and runny yolks. Not only is it nutritious, but this protein-rich food is guaranteed yummy no matter how you serve it. Make every breakfast worthwhile and pair sunny-side-up eggs with avocado slices. Or, make your lunch plate extra delicious with fried eggs and sautéd mushrooms on the side.

How to cook it: Cooking eggs has never been this simple! Bring out your eggs, olive oil, and a skillet, and you’re good to go! Typically, using a good nonstick skillet prevents mashed eggs and a messy pan. Don’t have a nonstick skillet on hand? No worries! You can make do with a cast-iron skillet. Just make sure to use more oil when coating the pan.

Recipe for Inspiration: The Perfectly Cooked Sunny Side Up Eggs

Over-easy eggs are similar to sunny-side-up eggs, perfectly fried with runny yolks. However, you should know that sunny-side-up eggs are fried on one side only, and over-easy eggs are flipped over so both sides are cooked through. The term “easy” describes the doneness of the yolk, while “over easy” refers to the flipping of the egg. Here, the yolk is supposed to ooze out deliciously when you slice the egg in the middle. Serve this breakfast food alongside some buttermilk french toast if you wish to try its dipping quality.

How to cook it: To make over-easy eggs, all you need is a nonstick frying pan, butter or oil, and salt and pepper. Fry the eggs as you would sunny-side-up eggs. But remember to flip the eggs when the edge is already browned and heat the second side for a few more seconds. This way, you will end up with syrupy yolks and solid egg whites.

It’s easy to get confused about the over-easy vs. over medium matter. But get this: when making over medium eggs, fry the eggs, flip them, and cook the second side longer than you would over-easy eggs. Here, the yolk is slightly runny, but the egg whites are fully cooked, and the edge is browner. 

This cooked egg is a constant element in breakfast sandwiches. Not to mention, it livens up the mornings, most especially when coupled with toasts. Given the state of yolks, this fried egg makes for a yummy and not overly watery dipping sauce for bread. 

How to cook it: How to make over-medium eggs, you ask? It’s easy! First, heat some butter over medium-low heat. If you’re in a pinch, you can always go with regular oil. After adding the egg to the pan, follow it with your preferred seasonings. Cook for two to three minutes then flip it and cook the second side for one more minute until the egg whites are firm enough. 

Unlike the other types of fried eggs, both the egg white and the yolk in over-hard eggs (or over-well eggs) are thoroughly cooked. It only means one thing: there will be no more messy spilling all over your breakfast plate! This type of fried egg is a palatable match for your sandwiches and avocado toasts. It’s also often seen atop sesame noodles or roasted veggies.

How to cook it: When making over hard eggs, you need butter or oil, eggs (preferably fresh ones for better results), and a nonstick pan or skillet. Like how you cook over medium eggs, you also flip the egg once the whites are firm enough (about two to three minutes). Although, this time, you fry the second side much longer, for about four to five minutes. Feel free to break apart the yolks or press with a spatula before flipping the egg.

There is surprisingly more than one way to prepare scrambled eggs. A hard scrambled egg is when the yolk and the egg whites are whisked together, yielding fluffy curds. Here, the cooked eggs are fully cooked and usually dry. Try pairing these fluff fried eggs with bacon, sausage, and hash browns for a filling breakfast.

How to cook it: Easy as it is, you are only a few steps away from enjoying a fluffy hard scrambled egg. Crack the eggs in a bowl, add a sprinkle of seasonings, and whisk in a bowl. Then, cook the beaten eggs in the skillet until completely set and dry.

Recipe for Inspiration: Easy Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

As opposed to the hard scrambled, soft scrambled eggs are moist and light. The eggs are cooked on medium heat and for only a short period. Hence, the outcome is slightly damp cooked eggs. Soft scrambled eggs, in a nutshell, are softer and creamier than the hard scrambled ones. You can enjoy them with bacon or on toast. Either way, they are exceptionally delicious! Although, it is best to eat them right away as reheating them is out of the question.

How to cook it: On medium-low heat, pour the whisked egg mixture into your pan. Just when the edges are starting to set, push the eggs around the pan until you get soft curds. Do this for two to three minutes and you’ll achieve a soft and creamy consistency that soft scrambled eggs are famous for! 

Recipe for Inspiration: Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

A poached egg is a nutritious result when you cook the eggs minus the shell in boiling water. Poached eggs should have firm, cloudy whites and a runny yolk. Now, there are varying ways to poach eggs. You can either use a deep pot of water, a ramekin, or a microwave. Poached eggs are often seen atop avocado toast and can even be a great crepe filling.

How to cook it: Making perfectly round-shaped poached eggs with runny yolks and opaque whites can be a little tricky. First off, it’s important to use fresh eggs since they have firmer whites than older ones. Fill your best non-stick saucepan with one-and-a-half inches (or a few more) of water, then bring to a gentle boil. If you want the whites to be firmer, try adding vinegar and salt to the water. Once the water starts creating a few bubbles, crack the egg into a small bowl. Then, carefully pour your eggs into the saucepan and cook for about five minutes. Best of all, you can poach eggs ahead of time. Also, they can last for up to two days in the fridge! If you want a quicker method, there’s a way to poach eggs using your handy microwave as well.

Recipe for Inspiration: Poached Eggs with Sautéed Spinach and Yogurt Sauce

The sous vide method takes various dishes to the next level. Case in point: sous vide eggs have rich and runny yolks and fully set egg whites. Think of poached eggs, but even more tender. Sous vide egg will be nice to pair with toast or crispy potatoes with a tasty hollandaise sauce on the side. 

How to cook it: When making sous vide eggs, you have to take note of three crucial variables: temperature, cooking duration, and finishing of the eggs. The key to having perfectly cooked sous vide eggs is dependent on the heat. If you want thicker and creamier yolk and egg whites, cook the eggs longer at a higher temperature.

Recipe for Inspiration: Sous Vide Eggs

Baked eggs (or shirred eggs), as the name suggests, are eggs that are cooked in the oven. This dish is one of the best egg recipes for breakfast that you can prepare ahead of time. The fun starts when you top your baked eggs with various toppings, including bacon and cheese. 

How to cook it: Baking eggs is a breeze as they take only less than 30 minutes to make. Although, the cooking time may vary depending on your preferred level of doneness. If you want a runny yolk, 15 minutes will suffice. Cook it longer if you want a fully cooked egg yolk.

Recipe for Inspiration: Baked Eggs with Leeks and Smoked Salmon

More Egg Recipes The Whole Family Will Love

No matter which egg cooking style you like, this yummy healthy food always hits the spot. So, we bring you more egg recipes that are sure to tickle your palate, whether in the morning or during brunch, lunch, or dinner.

• Homemade Eggs Benedict – Eggs Benedict is just the right combo of poached egg, English muffin, and hollandaise. The good news is you no longer have to visit your favorite diner to savor its creaminess. You can whip up this breakfast-brunch classic right in your kitchen in just 35 minutes.
• Creamy Egg Salad with Fresh Herbs – Start your day right with this creamy egg salad recipe! The blending of perfectly boiled eggs, creamy ranch dressing, fresh herbs, and lettuce results in one tasty and nutritious breakfast dish. Take it up a notch and add sage or scallions into the mix. 
• Microwave 3-Minute Omelette in a Mug – There are different ways to cook eggs in the microwave, and this recipe is among our favorites. Microwave omelette is downright delicious, not to mention a breeze to prepare! Incorporate ham or bacon and some spices for added flavor. 
• Easy Breakfast Frittata – This easy recipe combines four tasty ingredients in one meal: eggs, bacon, cheese, and veggies. Add some green onions and fresh herbs before popping the egg mixture into the oven. In less than an hour, you can already enjoy an excellent low-carb meal that brims with exciting flavors!
• Basted Eggs – Start by frying the eggs (sunny-side-up style). Once the whites begin to set, add hot tap water and cover the pan right away. This way, the steam will be enough to cook the top layer of the egg. Basted eggs, like the other egg dishes, are best paired with toasts.