Over Hard Eggs

Over hard eggs are a delicious and protein packed breakfast. Fried eggs with a yolk that is cooked all the way through is perfect for an egg sandwich, salads, or as the star next to sausage and bacon.

Recently, I was at a breakfast restaurant and noticed that they had over hard eggs on the menu. This was a new term to me, and I even had to google what it was. It ended up becoming a favorite way of mine to prepare eggs and makes the most delicious breakfast.

Eggs are a staple in this house with the 35+ layers we have on the homestead, and fresh ones are available most of the year (or I preserve them by water glassing or freeze drying). I prepare some type of egg dish just about every day for breakfast. 

In order to reduce monotony, I try to prepare them in a variety of ways. 

This is an introduction to a series on preparing eggs. Over the next few weeks, I will share with you different ways to prepare them, like over-easy eggs, over-medium, hard-boiled eggs, and sunny-side-up eggs.

I love eggs so much because they are healthy, protein rich, and abundant on the homestead. They are an easy way to get a healthy breakfast on the table fast.

They are also a decently cheap protein source, especially for those that don’t have laying hens (insert laugh when you see feed costs these days).

Over-Hard Eggs Definition:

Over hard eggs have egg yolks that are cooked all the way through so there is a hard yolk. Unlike over-easy eggs that have a soft yolk.

Why you will love this recipe:

Simple: Heat up a skillet and cook. Super simple to whip up even on a busy morning.

Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and more. They are a rich nutrition wrapped in a tiny package.

Delicious: Rich, yummy, salty goodness. The completely cooked yolk offers a different texture and flavor compared to some other variations.

Tips:

• For best results, keep the skillet on a lower heat. Cooking too high will cook the white too quickly and while not cooking the yolks enough. And potentially burning the recipe.
• Use a healthy neutral oil like butter, avocado oil, lard, etc.
• Make sure to choose a non-stick skillet so there is no sticking. I prefer my cast iron skillet or a ceramic coated pan for a healthy non-stick option.

Ingredients:

Eggs: Fresh eggs work best. To make the best dish, it is best to use high quality pastured eggs. They give the most beautiful bright yellow yolk. Older eggs tend to separate and not stay together well.

Fat: Perfect eggs start with fat. I prefer butter, but they also do well in lard. A neutral oil works also, but not near as effective as an animal fat.

Salt and black pepper: This adds a ton of flavor. You can also add your favorite fresh or dried herbs, if desired.

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Tools:

Skillet : Well-seasoned cast iron pan or a nonstick skillet like this pan.

Thin spatula: I prefer this small spatula that I have from Rada cutlery because it is so much easier to flip eggs without breaking the yolk, since it is so small and wieldy.

FAQ:

What to serve over hard eggs with?

• Breakfast sandwich made with homemade sourdough bread or biscuits.
• On top of a breakfast pizza
• Avocado toast
• Bacon or sausage
• On top of a salad
• With a sourdough cheddar waffle or potato waffle
• With biscuits or better yet, biscuits and gravy.

Are over hard eggs the same as fried eggs?

Technically, no. A fried egg is fried in a skillet, whereas an over hard egg has been cooked until the yolk is completely cooked through. So, an over hard egg can be a fried egg, but not all fried eggs are over hard.

The whole every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square type of deal.

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

Over easy have been cooked on one side and then flipped and cooked briefly on the other side. The egg yolk is still a little runny. Compare this to over hard, which is cooked longer to cook the yolk all the way through.

What’s the difference between over medium and over hard eggs?

Over medium eggs are fried on one side, then flipped over and cooked briefly on the other side (longer than over easy), to cook the yolk slightly runny.

Are over hard eggs healthy?

Yes. It is full of protein, healthy fats like omega 3’s, folate, vitamin D and more. Want them to be even healthier? Choose pastured eggs. One study showed that pasture raised eggs have three times the amount of vitamin D, twice as much omega-3, four times the amount of vitamin E and a ton more antioxidants compared to conventional. (source)

Which type of fat should you cook over hard eggs in?

I prefer butter, but they also do well in lard, tallow, or even bacon grease. A neutral oil (like avocado or olive oil) works also, but not near as effective as an animal fat.

Skip highly processed seed oils, canola, soy, or corn oil as these are unhealthy.

How To Make Over Hard Eggs:

Heat a non-stick pan to medium low heat.

Add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter and allow to melt.

Crack raw eggs into a preheated cast iron skillet, then break the yolk.

Cook the first side until the egg is almost cooked through.

Turn off the skillet and flip the egg so the yolk can finish cooking all the way through the second side. About 1-2 more minutes. You will know it’s ready when the whites of the eggs are cooked through and it has a hard yolk.

Top with a little bit of salt and pepper.

Add herbs like parsley or thyme (optional).

Find More Farmhouse Breakfast Ideas:

• Sourdough Breakfast Strata
• Einkorn Puff Pancakes
• Sourdough Waffles Recipe
• Brioche French Toast Recipe
• Mascarpone Stuffed Sourdough French Toast Casserole

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back and give it 5 stars! 

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