Best Soft-Boiled Jammy Eggs (and How to Peel)

Jammy eggs make a perfect addition to breakfast or are great when you need a protein-packed snack that is both filling and nutritious! 

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So what are jammy eggs? 

Jammy eggs are the perfect blend between a soft boiled egg and hard boiled egg. I consider them similar to soft-boiled eggs since the egg yolk is still partially runny. In the end, you have jammy yolks (the consistency of jam). 

While I love all types of boiled eggs, jammy egg yolks have pretty much no downsides. They are moist and easy to chew–whereas the egg yolk in hard boiled eggs has a chalky texture. They stay put together–less mess than your typical runny yolk. The partially raw yolk maintains more of the vitamins and minerals already present in eggs. With less mess and because they are easier to chew, jammy eggs are my kids’ favorite way to enjoy boiled eggs.

Health Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are known for being an excellent source of protein, but there is so much more to the benefits. Eggs are a good source of iron, zinc, vitamin A and all the B vitamins (1). Furthermore, pasture-raised eggs are even more nutrient dense than average grocery-store eggs. This is because pasture-raised hens enjoy a wider range of nutrients and sunshine, and so their high quality eggs are packed with vitamins. Among other things, pasture-raised eggs have 3x the vitamin D and 2x the vitamin E as conventional eggs (2)(3). They also have a better fat content, including more than 2x the omega-3 fats (3)(4). 

How to Peel Jammy Eggs

The best way to peel soft-boiled, jammy eggs is by placing the hot eggs into an ice bath immediately after cooking, and then peeling after it sits for at least 5 minutes. The stark contrast in temperatures helps the shell separate slightly from the egg, making it easier to peel. 

Crack eggs on the long side, and gently roll forward with your hand until it is cracked around the edge. Place your thumb underneath the membrane of the shell, and slowly peel the shell away. Although they have set whites, the soft eggs will be slippery and easily squished, so handle them carefully. Continue until the entire shell is removed. I like to peel eggs under cool water to rinse off any small pieces of shell or remaining membrane.

Peeling Farm-Fresh Eggs

The membrane of farm-fresh eggs has a better hold on the egg, making it challenging to peel. In this post by Deanna Dames, she tested several different methods to boil and peel farm-fresh eggs, and actually found a method that works for these stubborn eggs. 

1. Begin with the farm-fresh eggs at room temperature (or set them on the counter until they come to room temperature).
2. Place the eggs into a medium pot and cover with cool water, or fill the water part-way and cover with a lid. Bring the water to a full boil.
3. Continue with the instructions for boiling any eggs (step 4). 

That’s it! All you need is a slightly different start, and the farm-fresh eggs should peel much easier. 

Best Soft-Boiled Jammy Eggs Recipe

What You Need:

Medium or Large Saucepan with lid: large enough to hold your eggs in a single layer

Eggs: however many you want (as long as they fit in a single layer in your pan)

Water: 1-2 inches in the pan

Ice: 1-3 cups

Pin the basic Jammy Yolks Recipe to save for later!

Full Directions:

Note: the amount of time may vary depending on altitude and size of eggs. This recipe is based on cooking large eggs.

1) Fill a medium pot with 1-2 inches of water, and bring the water to a full boil on medium-high heat. The water will not need to cover the eggs if you use a lid.

2) Gently lower the eggs with a spoon into the boiling water. The eggs should lie in a single layer on the bottom of the pan to minimize cracking.

3) Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to maintain a steady boil. You do not want a rapid boil, or the eggs may bump together and crack.

4) Boil for 8 minutes. While it is boiling, measure out 2 cups of ice chunks, and set near the sink. 

5) Remove the lid and carefully drain the hot water as you replace it with cool running water over the eggs. Add the ice chunks to the cool water, and turn off the running water once it is cold to the touch. Alternatively, carefully move the eggs from the pot directly into a bowl of ice water.

6) Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling. Continue adding more ice chunks to the water if they melt before the timer is up. Note: the eggs continue cooking internally in the ice bath, so waiting 5 minutes helps the runny yolk set, and waiting longer may set the yolk more. 

7) Peel and Enjoy!

Jammy eggs are such a simple, nutrition-packed powerhouse for any time of day! They lend themselves to practically every meal, and it’s easy to make several at once. Switch up the cooked egg by adding a sprinkle of salt and fresh herbs. Or spice it up with red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce! 

Make it a Meal! Try Easy Soft-boiled Jammy Eggs with these other recipes!

Power-up your grain bowl or use it as a salad topping

Add protein to your avocado toast

Serve the eggs with baked sweet potato fries

Storing Soft-Boiled Jammy Eggs

Store soft-boiled eggs in the fridge for no more than 2 days. With the shell still on, they can go directly back into the egg carton (with a label!), or in an airtight container for already-peeled eggs. 

Reheat eggs: Pour boiling water over cold, eggs in a bowl. Let them sit in the water for just 30 seconds and then strain it off. Peel them under cool running water so you do not burn yourself. I would not recommend this method for eggs that have already been peeled.