Over hard eggs are a delicious and protein-packed breakfast option! They are made by frying an egg until the whites are set and the yolk is cooked through. This recipe yields the most perfectly cooked-through yolks and crispy egg whites!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These over hard eggs are quick and easy to make.
- They are a good source of protein.
- These are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal.
- Add them to breakfast sandwiches, salads, or breakfast tacos.
- The yolk is fully cooked through and creamy.
- The egg whites are crispy along the edges.
- They are a classic breakfast dish. So are these Biscuits and Gravy!
- These eggs are great for many different diets and lifestyles. Check out these different Types of Eggs.
- This recipe is Paleo, Keto, low-carb, vegetarian, grain-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and sugar-free.
- Check out these Scrambled Eggs for another easy healthy breakfast recipe!
Types of Fried Eggs
There are four basic types of fried eggs, distinguished by how much the yolk is cooked.
- Sunny-side up: The egg is fried with the yolk, but not flipped. The yolk is completely runny and the whites are just set.
- Over easy: The egg is flipped once so that the yolk is cooked slightly on the bottom. The yolk is still runny and the whites are mostly set.
- Over medium: The egg is flipped once and cooked until the yolk is just slightly runny in the center. The whites are fully set.
- Over hard: The egg is flipped once and cooked until the yolk is completely solid. Both the yolk and the whites are fully set.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full over-hard eggs recipe.
Use fresh, organic eggs when possible. They have a brighter yolk and taste better!
A little butter makes the egg whites crispy around the edges. In addition, it adds a classic buttery flavor. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or avocado oil.
Add in salt and pepper to taste.
Taste & Texture
Over hard eggs have a rich flavor.
The whites are firm and set. The yolk is cooked through but still slightly soft and creamy.
Overall, they have a buttery flavor with a hint of sea salt and pepper. The cooked yolks make them taste like hard-boiled eggs.
How to Make
Step 1
First, place a non-stick skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Heat it up for a minute or two.
Step 2
Add the butter to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Use enough to lightly cover the pan.
Step 3
Once the butter is hot and shimmering, carefully crack the eggs and gently slide them into the pan one at a time, ensuring you keep the yolks intact.
Step 4
Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Step 5
Let the eggs cook without moving them for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the egg whites are mostly set, and the edges start to turn crispy. The yolks should still be runny at this point.
Step 6
Carefully flip each egg using a spatula. If you want your yolks fully set (over hard), you can break the yolks at this stage by pressing down on them gently with the spatula. If you prefer the yolks slightly runny (over medium), be very gentle when flipping to avoid breaking the yolks.
Step 7
Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the yolks are fully set. If you prefer your yolks over medium, cook for a shorter time, about 1 to 2 minutes on the second side.
Step 8
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully slide a spatula under each egg. Transfer them to a plate.
Step 9
Lastly, serve these eggs!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips and tricks to make the perfect over-hard eggs.
Use a non-stick pan. This will help prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan and making them difficult to flip.
Heat the pan over medium heat. This will ensure that the eggs cook evenly.
Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. This will help prevent the eggs from sticking and will also add flavor.
Crack the eggs into the pan carefully. This will help prevent the yolks from breaking.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Over hard eggs can be customized to your liking. Here are a few ideas for flavor variations and add-ins.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the eggs before cooking.
Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese to the eggs before cooking.
Top the eggs with your favorite hot sauce or salsa.
Serve the eggs on a whole wheat bagel or whole wheat English muffin with your favorite breakfast meat!
We make these into breakfast sandwiches! Toast some whole wheat bread, top with eggs, avocado, and crispy bacon.
Add the eggs to a salad or wrap. Try our whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas.
How to Serve & Store
Over hard eggs are best served immediately. Serve with Air Fryer Hash Browns for breakfast.
However, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat the eggs, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1 minute, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference between over hard eggs and hard boiled eggs is that over hard eggs are fried, while hard boiled eggs are boiled. This results in a different texture and flavor for each type of egg. Over hard have a firm, cooked yolk, while hard boiled have a firmer, cooked yolk that is easier to peel.
To prevent the yolk from breaking when you flip the eggs, use a spatula to gently slide the eggs around in the pan before flipping them. You can also try using a non-stick pan, which will help prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan.
If you don't like the taste of over hard eggs, you can try cooking them to a different degree of doneness. For example, you could try cooking them sunny side up, over easy, or over medium.
Fill a bowl or glass with cold water and gently place the egg inside. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lies on its side, it is fresh. If the egg stays at the bottom but stands on its small end, it is still edible but not as fresh. If the egg floats to the top, it is old and should be discarded.
If you are looking for a richer flavor and a more non-stick cooking surface, butter is a good choice. If you are looking for a more neutral flavor and a higher smoke point, oil is a good choice.
Equipment Needed
Nonstick Skillet: Use a large nonstick spray to cook these eggs over hard.
You May Also Enjoy
- Deviled Eggs
- Egg Soufflé
- Make-Ahead Egg Biscuit Bites
- Kale Egg Frittata
- Breakfast Casserole Bites
- Frittata
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Over Hard Eggs
Instructions
- First, place a non-stick skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two.
- Add the butter to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Use enough to lightly cover the pan.
- Once the butter is hot and shimmering, carefully crack the eggs and gently slide them into the pan one at a time, ensuring you keep the yolks intact.
- Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Let the eggs cook without moving them for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the egg whites are mostly set, and the edges start to turn crispy. The yolks should still be runny at this point.
- Carefully flip each egg using a spatula. If you want your yolks fully set (over hard), you can break the yolks at this stage by pressing down on them gently with the spatula. If you prefer the yolks slightly runny (over medium), be very gentle when flipping to avoid breaking the yolks.
- Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the yolks are fully set. If you prefer your yolks over medium, cook for a shorter time, about 1 to 2 minutes on the second side.
- Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully slide a spatula under each egg. Transfer them to a plate.
- Finally, serve these over hard eggs!
Notes
- Use fresh eggs.
- Use enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. We love the buttery flavor but feel free to use olive oil if desired.
- Be patient as the eggs cook. Handle carefully.
- If needed, store for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- These over hard eggs are best eaten soon after frying.
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