Last updated on March 29th, 2025 at 02:14 pm

There’s something deeply nostalgic about soft-boiled eggs with toast soldiers. The crispy, buttery bread dipping into that perfect, golden yolk is a simple pleasure. But if you’ve never tried it with duck eggs, you’re in for a treat. Their richer flavour and creamy texture take dippy eggs to the next level. Paired with crisp, golden sourdough toast soldiers, it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavour—simple, comforting, and just a little indulgent.

Close up of the Best Soft Boiled Duck Eggs with Sourdough Toast Soldiers 8

What Makes Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs Unique (and Why You Should Try Them)

Duck eggs are laid year-round, but they always remind me of spring, when they’d start showing up at the restaurant.

While working for Daniel Boulud for over five years, we always had a soft-boiled duck egg dish on the menu. Unlike the classic dippy egg, these were soft-boiled, peeled, breaded, and fried, then served with roasted mushrooms and bordelaise.

In the spring, we paired them with asparagus, Jambon de Paris, and mustard aioli—simple ingredients that highlighted the richness of the egg.

How to Make the Best Soft Boiled Duck Eggs with Sourdough Toast Soldiers dipping into the yolk

How I Fell in Love with Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs (From Home Cooking to Restaurant Kitchens)

Duck eggs were also a staple in the kitchen for curing—grated over pasta, fish, or vegetables for an extra punch of umami. They have an incredible depth of flavour, and they’re also nutrient-dense, with higher protein, more Omega-3s, and extra vitamins like B12 and A compared to chicken eggs.

That said, duck eggs aren’t necessarily better, just different. They have a richer, jammier yolk and a slightly firmer white, making them perfect for soft-boiling. If you’ve never tried them, they’re worth seeking out—but if duck eggs aren’t available, this method works just as well with chicken eggs.

Why Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs Are Richer and More Flavourful

Duck eggs stand out from chicken eggs in a few key ways, making them perfect for soft-boiling:

Larger yolk = richer, creamier texture. Duck eggs have a higher yolk-to-white ratio, which makes them extra indulgent when soft-boiled.
Higher fat content = more flavour. The extra fat enhances their deep, almost buttery taste, making them ideal for dippy eggs.
Thicker shell = slightly longer cooking time. The sturdy shell helps extend freshness, but it also means they need a minute or two longer to cook than chicken eggs.

Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs – Key Differences

At first glance, duck eggs and chicken eggs look similar, but there are a few key differences that affect texture, flavour, and cooking time. Duck eggs are larger, richer, and have a higher fat content, making them ideal for soft-boiling. However, their thicker shells mean they take slightly longer to cook than chicken eggs. If you’re used to making soft-boiled chicken eggs, you’ll need to adjust your timing slightly when working with duck eggs.

Feature	Duck Eggs	Chicken Eggs
Size	Larger	Smaller
Yolk	Rich & creamy	Light & mild
Cooking Time	6 minutes	5 minutes
Shell Thickness	Thicker	Thinner

How to Make Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs for the Perfect Jammy Yolk

I’ve cooked thousands of soft-boiled duck eggs—both in restaurant kitchens and at home for my kids. While the process is simple, a few small details can make a big difference in getting that perfect jammy yolk and an easy-to-peel shell. Whether you’re making dippy eggs for toast soldiers or just love a good soft-boiled egg, these tips will help you nail it every time.

Soft Boiled Duck Eggs with Sourdough Toast Soldiers

What You’ll Need to Cook Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs

Before you start, having the right tools on hand will make the process easier, especially when handling delicate duck eggs. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread knife – Perfect for cutting sourdough toast soldiers.
Fresh duck eggs – The fresher, the better for flavour and texture.
Saucepan with water – A pot large enough to fully submerge the eggs.
Slotted spoon or spider – Helps lower and remove eggs gently.
Timer – Precision is key for perfect jammy yolks.
Ice water bath – Stops cooking instantly for the right consistency.
Soft-boiled egg holders – Optional, but great for serving dippy eggs.

dipping a sourdough toast soldier into a duck egg

Step-by-Step Recipe for Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs

This recipe makes 6 soft-boiled duck eggs, perfect for serving with crispy sourdough toast soldiers. You can easily scale it up or down depending on how many eggs you need.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Duck eggs	6 large
Water	Enough to fully submerge eggs (about 3.8L)
White vinegar	¼ cup (added to water to prevent cracking)
Ice water bath	For cooling eggs after boiling
Flaky salt	To season
Black pepper (optional)	To taste

duck eggs in a bowl with hay, better, slices of sourdough and flakey salt

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs Perfectly

Cooking soft-boiled duck eggs is simple, but small details can make a big difference. Timing, water temperature, and technique all play a role in getting jammy, easy-to-peel eggs every time.

1. Boil the Water

Fill a 3.8L (1-gallon) pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add ¼ cup vinegar to the water to help prevent the eggs from cracking.

2. Lower the Duck Eggs Gently

Once the water is boiling hard, slowly lower the eggs in using a slotted spoon or spider.
Lowering them gently prevents sudden temperature shocks that can cause cracking.

3. Set the Timer for the Perfect Yolk

5.5 – 6 minutes → Jammy yolks with a runny centre (timing may vary slightly).
6.5 – 7 minutes → Slightly firmer, but still soft.
If making in advance, see storage tips below.

4. Ice Bath to Stop Cooking

If eating immediately: Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for 1–2 minutes, just enough to handle them.
If not eating right away: Plunge the eggs into a large bowl of ice water and leave them for at least 10 minutes to completely stop the cooking process.

5. Place in Egg Holders & Serve

Remove eggs from the ice bath and place them upright in egg cups (or an espresso cup, shot glass, or small ramekin).

6. Cut & Season the Eggs

Place the fat side up and use a serrated knife to slice off the top.
Season with flaky salt and black pepper to taste.

How to Make the Best Soft Boiled Duck Eggs with Sourdough Toast Soldiers 124

Peeling Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs (If Not Eating Immediately)

If you need to peel the eggs for storage or another dish, follow these extra steps:

After cooling in ice water, soak the eggs in vinegar for 10–15 minutes.
- This helps weaken the shell and makes peeling much easier.
Gently crack the shell and roll the egg under your palm to loosen it.
Peel under running water to help separate the membrane from the egg.

Pro Tips for Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs with Jammy Yolks

Have everything ready before you start. Once the timer goes off, you don’t want to be scrambling for a spoon or egg holder. Have your mise en place set—egg cups, serrated knife, spoon, and seasoning within reach.
Make the toast soldiers first. Soft-boiled eggs are best served piping hot, so having your toast soldiers ready beforehand ensures everything comes together perfectly. (Recipe below.)
Use vinegar for easier peeling. If peeling the eggs, soak them in vinegar for 10–15 minutes after cooling. This helps weaken the shell, making it easier to remove.
Keep an eye on the timer. Even 30 extra seconds can take an egg from jammy to firm. If unsure, test one first before cutting them all open.

How to Make the Best Soft Boiled Duck Eggs with Sourdough Toast Soldiers

How to Make the Best Sourdough Toast Soldiers for Dipping

There’s something nostalgic about toast soldiers. I loved eating them as a kid, and now it’s one of my favourite things to make for my girls. Dipping the crisp toast into soft-boiled eggs and watching the yolk explode—it’s simple, fun, and satisfying.

Growing up, I definitely wasn’t eating toast soldiers made with sourdough. It was probably some packaged bread, but today, I love making buttery, deeply toasted sourdough soldiers to go with jammy eggs.

Why Sourdough Is the Best Bread for Toast Soldiers

Sourdough has the best texture and crumb-to-crust ratio for dippy eggs. The crisp edges contrast perfectly with the soft, jammy yolk, and a slightly open crumb structure allows the yolk to soak in for extra flavour.

I like to toast sourdough dark and dripping in good-quality butter. The slight tang and deep, complex flavours from whole grains create the perfect contrast to the richness of the egg yolk.

Here are some of my favourite sourdough breads to use for toast soldiers:

For a hearty, flavour-packed toast: 100% Whole Wheat Sourdough
For an easy, beginner-friendly option: Beginner Sourdough Recipe
For perfectly shaped toast soldiers: Basic & Simple Sourdough Tin Loaf
For a nutty, whole-grain twist: Multigrain Sourdough

a loaf of classic sourdough bread on the cutting board with the end sliced off.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Sourdough Toast Soldiers

The key to great toast soldiers is the right thickness, the right toast level, and plenty of butter. Everyone has their own preference for toast doneness, so adjust based on what works for you.

1. Slice the Sourdough

Cut thick slices, but not so thick that they won’t fit in your toaster.
About 1.5–2 cm thick works well for a good balance of crispness and chew.

2. Toast to Your Liking

Every toaster is different, so toast according to your setup—whether it’s a toaster, toaster oven, or stovetop.
Some like it lightly golden and still soft, while others (like me) prefer it dark and extra crispy.

toasting the sourdough bread for the toast soldiers

3. Butter While Warm

As soon as the toast comes out, spread butter while it’s hot, so it melts into the bread.
Use good-quality butter for the best flavour.

4. Slice into Soldiers

Cut the toast into long, dippable strips, about 1 cm wide.
Adjust the size to your preference—thinner strips mean more crunch, while thicker ones hold more yolk.

Sourdough Toast Soldiers on a cutting board

How to Eat Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs with Sourdough Toast Soldiers

There’s no wrong way to eat a soft-boiled duck egg, but for the best experience, it’s all about the right technique and the right seasonings. The combination of crisp sourdough toast soldiers, silky yolk, and a touch of seasoning makes for the perfect bite.

The Classic Dippy Egg Method

The classic way to enjoy a dippy egg with duck eggs is with toast soldiers and a spoon.

Place the egg in an egg cup (or an espresso cup, shot glass, or small ramekin).
Crack the top with a spoon or serrated knife and remove the cap.
Dip the sourdough toast soldiers into the warm, runny yolk.
Use a spoon to scoop out the remaining yolk and egg white so you don’t waste any of that rich, creamy flavour.
Season to taste with flaky salt, cracked black pepper, and your favourite finishing touches.

Best Seasonings for Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs

A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the rich, savoury flavour of duck eggs. Here are my favourites:

Seaweed salt – Adds a briny, umami depth that works beautifully with eggs.
Flaky salt – Enhances the egg’s natural umami.
Espelette pepper – This mild Basque pepper was a staple in the restaurant kitchens I worked in. I used it all the time because it adds just the right amount of warmth and a beautiful pop of red that makes any dish look finished. It’s subtle but brings a depth of flavour that works especially well with eggs.
Freshly cracked black pepper – Classic and always good.

Other Delicious Ways to Eat Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs

Looking for something beyond toast soldiers? Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Finish with truffle salt for an extra layer of depth.
Serve with avocado & smoked salmon for a more decadent pairing.

Common Mistakes When Making Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs & How to Fix Them

Even though soft-boiled duck eggs are simple to make, small missteps can affect texture, ease of peeling, or even cause shells to crack. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common problems.

Egg Yolks Too Hard or Too Runny?

The fix: Adjust your cooking time slightly.

Yolks too firm? The eggs were boiled too long. Try reducing the time to 6 minutes for a runnier yolk.
Yolks too runny? The eggs may need a bit longer. Increase to 6.5 or 7 minutes if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
Test one egg first. If you’re unsure, crack one open before cutting them all. You can always let the others sit for 30 extra seconds if needed.

Duck Egg Shells Cracking in Water?

Duck eggs have thicker shells than chicken eggs, but they can still crack if they experience a sudden temperature change.

The fix:

Add vinegar to the boiling water. This helps strengthen the eggshell and prevent cracking.
Lower eggs gently with a slotted spoon. Dropping them in too quickly can cause impact cracks.
Use fresh eggs. Older eggs are more prone to cracking due to weakened shells.

Hard to Peel Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs?

Peeling soft-boiled eggs can be tricky, especially with duck eggs, which have a thicker shell and stronger inner membrane.

The fix:

Use slightly older eggs. Fresh eggs cling more to the membrane, making peeling harder.
Ice bath immediately after boiling. This shocks the eggs and helps separate the membrane from the egg white.
Soak in vinegar before peeling. If you’re peeling the eggs later, let them sit in vinegar for 10–15 minutes to soften the shell and make peeling easier.
Peel under running water. The water helps lift the membrane and prevents the egg from tearing.

FAQs About Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs

How long should you soft-boil duck eggs for the perfect jammy yolk?

Cooking time depends on how runny or firm you like your yolk:

6 minutes – Very runny yolk, soft whites.
6.5–7 minutes – Jammy yolk, slightly set but still soft.
7.5–8 minutes – Firmer yolk, but still soft in the centre.

If unsure, test one egg first before cutting them all open.

Can you eat soft-boiled duck eggs like chicken eggs?

Yes! Soft-boiled duck eggs are just as safe as chicken eggs when cooked properly. Their richer yolk and slightly firmer white make them great for dippy eggs, ramen, or salads.

If eating them soft-boiled, always use fresh, high-quality eggs from a trusted source.

Are duck eggs healthier than chicken eggs?

Duck eggs are often said to have a higher nutrient density than chicken eggs, including:

More protein – About 9g per egg vs. 6g in chicken eggs.
Higher Omega-3s – Supports brain and heart health.
More vitamins – Higher levels of B12, A, and D, plus more antioxidants.

While I’m a chef, not a nutritionist, this is what I’ve read—and from experience, duck eggs do feel more satiating and nutrient-dense when compared to chicken eggs. If nutrition is a concern, it’s always best to check with a dietitian or health professional for specific dietary needs.

Final Thoughts: Soft-Boiled Duck Eggs & Sourdough Done Right

Soft-boiled duck eggs with sourdough toast soldiers are a simple yet luxurious way to elevate breakfast. Their rich, jammy yolks and crispy toast make for the perfect bite. Whether you’re making them for a quick breakfast or a relaxed weekend brunch, they’re an easy way to turn a classic into something special.

Want more sourdough recipes, breakfast ideas, and cooking tips?
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Try These Next:

Naturally Fermented Sourdough Bagels – Perfect for a breakfast sandwich or served alongside soft-boiled eggs.
Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes – A sweet contrast to savoury eggs.
Crispy Sourdough Waffles – Ideal for a weekend brunch spread.

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how you like your eggs!