The Secret to Perfectly Peeled Boiled Eggs—No More Peeling Nightmares!
Let’s finally settle the debate about how to boil eggs that peel easily—especially when you’re getting ready for holiday favorites like deviled eggs!
The other day, I tried boiling two batches of eggs. The first batch? I added salt to the water, just like many people suggest. The result? A total disaster. The shells stuck to the eggs, tore up the whites, and I couldn’t even use them for deviled eggs. It was so frustrating!

But the second batch? A complete success. They peeled like a dream. The shells slipped right off with barely any effort. What was the difference? A little trick I learned from world-famous French chef Jacques Pépin.
And trust me, this tip will change your egg-boiling game—especially if you’re making deviled eggs for a holiday like Christmas or Easter, or just want a quick, healthy snack.
Chef Jacques Pépin’s Secret Tip
Chef Pépin recommends doing one small thing before you boil your eggs: poke a tiny hole in the wider end of each egg before boiling.

Sounds strange? Maybe. But it works. That small hole allows air inside the egg to escape during cooking. When that air is released, it stops the egg from sticking to the shell. The result? Perfectly peeled eggs every time.
How to Do It:
- Take a small pin, pushpin, or thumbtack.
- Gently poke a hole in the wide end (the bottom) of the raw egg.
- The hole should be just big enough to release air—not so large that the egg leaks.
- Then boil your eggs as you normally would.
That’s it. No fancy tools. No special equipment. Just a small hole and your regular boiling method.
Why It Works
When eggs boil, the air inside expands and tries to escape. Usually, that air pushes against the shell and creates a space that makes peeling difficult. But if you give the air a way to escape by making a small hole, it won’t fight with the shell. That means the shell won’t stick as much, and you’ll get clean, smooth egg whites when you peel.

This method is perfect for:
- Deviled eggs
- Egg salads
- Breakfasts on the go
- High-protein snacks
- Healthy lunchboxes
From Disaster to Delicious
Going back to my experiment—after trying the salt trick and failing, Chef Pépin’s method saved the day. The eggs were so easy to peel, and the whites looked beautiful. I used them to make deviled eggs for a small gathering, and they were a big hit.

So, if you’re tired of peeling eggs that break apart, give this simple tip a try. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a regular home cook, this is a game-changer.
Quick Recap: Jacques Pépin’s Egg Peeling Trick
- Use a pin to make a tiny hole in the wide end of each raw egg.
- Boil them as usual.
- Cool and peel—easily and mess-free!
Add this trick to your cooking routine and enjoy beautiful, easy-to-peel eggs every time.
If this tip helped you, share it with a friend who’s planning to make deviled eggs this holiday season! You never know—it might save someone from a kitchen disaster, too.
Let us know in the comments: Have you tried this egg trick before? Or do you have another foolproof method to share?
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