Over Hard Eggs (2024)

Over hard eggs are eggs cooked so the yolk is solid. They are perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a snack on the go. Just fry them in a pan with butter until the whites are set!

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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!

Over Hard Eggs (1)

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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.
  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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Step 4

Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

What is the difference between over hard eggs and hard boiled eggs?

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.

How do I prevent the yolk from breaking when I flip the eggs?

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.

What if I don’t like the taste of over hard eggs?

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.

How can you tell if eggs are fresh?

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.

Should you fry eggs in butter or oil?

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.

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Equipment Needed

Nonstick Skillet: Use a large nonstick spray to cook these eggs over hard.

You May Also Enjoy

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Over Hard Eggs

Over hard eggs are eggs cooked so the yolk is solid. They are perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a snack on the go. Just fry them in a pan with butter until the whites are set!

Prep Time: 1 minute min

Print Recipe

Servings: 2 eggs

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Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

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.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Over Hard Eggs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 113Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 179mg60%

Sodium 107mg5%

Potassium 62mg2%

Carbohydrates 0.3g0%

Sugar 0.2g0%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 413IU8%

Calcium 26mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Over Hard Eggs (2024)

FAQs

What does "eggs over hard" mean? ›

An over-hard egg is a fried egg where the yolk is fully cooked through, leaving no runny or soft center. The yolk may or may not be broken during cooking but will be completely cooked.

How long should you cook over hard eggs? ›

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.

What to say when they ask how you want your eggs? ›

20+ ways to answer 'How do you want your eggs?"
  • Sunny side up. The sunny side up is a classic and one of the easiest to make. ...
  • Hard boiled eggs. Hard boiled eggs are quite versatile and taste great plain or with some sprinkles of salt. ...
  • Soft boiled eggs. ...
  • Scrambled eggs. ...
  • Over hard egg. ...
  • Over easy eggs. ...
  • Poached eggs. ...
  • Baked egg.
Jul 8, 2020

What's the difference between over well and over hard? ›

As the name suggests, the consistency of an over-hard egg is the hardest or firmest of all the other types of fried eggs. Over hard eggs — sometimes referred to as over well — are cooked all the way through on both sides until the yolk is fully solid.

What is the difference between sunny side up and over hard eggs? ›

Sunny side up: The egg is fried with the yolk up and is not flipped. Over easy: The egg is flipped and the yolk is still runny. Over medium: The egg is flipped and the yolk is only slightly runny. Over well: The egg is flipped and the yolk is cooked hard.

Do you beat eggs for scrambled eggs? ›

In a small bowl, beat eggs with salt and milk (if using). In a nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until foamy. Add eggs and cook, stirring and scrambling gently with a silicone spatula, until large, fluffy curds form and eggs are fully cooked through, about 3 minutes. Season with pepper and serve.

What are 2 rules to remember when cooking eggs? ›

Here are some tips for making the most delicious eggs out there — no matter how you like your eggs cooked.
  1. Use water to see if your stainless steel pan is hot enough. ...
  2. Use a sufficient amount of fat to prevent sticking. ...
  3. Allow hard-boiled eggs to cool before removing shells.
Oct 17, 2022

How do you order eggs over hard? ›

An over-hard egg is an over-easy egg whose yolk is completely cooked through. It starts as a fried egg that's cooked on one side, then flipped and cooked yolk-side down until the yolk is no longer runny. You can also order your eggs "over-medium" if you'd like it somewhere in the middle.

Where does the term eggs over easy come from? ›

The term "over easy" describes itself. This is an egg that has been flipped over, but the length of time it spends upside down on its sunny center is incredibly brief, allowing for a still-runny golden center — the "easy" part referencing the doneness of the yolk.

What is sunny side up called in England? ›

They are called 'fried eggs'. In the UK, if someone were to use the phrases: “sunny side up", or 'over easy', that person would be understood to be speaking ironically in that he or she was using an Americanism which a Brit wouldn't normally use.

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