Can you still eat a boiled egg if it cracks?

Yes, you can still eat a boiled egg if it cracks, but there are a few things to consider:

Is it Safe to Eat a Cracked Boiled Egg?

• Safety: If the egg is properly cooked, cracked or not, it’s still safe to eat. The cracks in the shell happen during cooking, often due to a sudden temperature change (e.g., putting a cold egg into boiling water or too rapid a temperature change during cooling). This doesn’t affect the egg's safety as long as it’s been fully cooked.

Things to Check for Before Eating a Cracked Boiled Egg:

1. Inspect the Crack: Ensure the crack doesn’t cause the egg white or yolk to leak out. If any part of the egg is exposed or leaking, it could indicate that the egg was overcooked or mishandled.
2. Smell Test: Always check for any off or sour smells. If the egg smells bad or off in any way, discard it. A cracked shell is still safe as long as the egg hasn't gone bad.
3. Egg Quality: If the crack is minor, and the egg still looks and smells fresh, it’s fine to eat. The crack might only affect the presentation but won’t affect the taste.

How to Prevent Cracked Eggs in the Future:

• Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: Try to avoid placing cold eggs directly into boiling water. Instead, place eggs in cold water, bring it to a boil slowly, and then lower the heat to a simmer once it reaches the boil.
• Use a Pin or Tool to Pierce the Egg: Some people pierce the larger end of the egg with a small pin to help prevent cracking by allowing air to escape during cooking.
• Gentle Boiling: Try not to let the eggs roll around too much while they’re cooking. Gentle simmering can help prevent cracking, especially if you’re boiling more than one egg at a time.

Final Tip:

If you don't mind the appearance, cracking doesn't make the egg unsafe, but if you're using the eggs for presentation (e.g., deviled eggs), you may want to be more cautious with how you cook and handle them.