How to Dye Easter Eggs with Food Coloring

If you want to know how to dye Easter eggs with food coloring, then you've come to the right place. Rather than buying an egg-dying kit, simply raid your food coloring section. You'll be dying Easter eggs with food coloring in no time!

Have you ever gotten ready to dye eggs with your family and then suddenly realized that you do not have an egg-dying kit on hand? I've been there and done that.

I remember that panic of not wanting to disappoint the kids, but not being able to go to the store.

Now, there's no need to worry if you are in this situation. I have got you covered with some pantry staples and some easy to follow instructions.

For more Easter treats, you can make Easter hot cocoa bombs, these mini Easter cheesecakes, and this beautiful swirled Easter fudge.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• All you need are ingredients that are probably in your kitchen right now.
• It's cheaper than buying an egg-dying kit. Those egg-dying kits can be so pricey. There is no need to spend money on one of these kits when you can use an item that you already have on hand.
• You can pick and choose your favorite colors!

Ingredients

You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make homemade easter egg dye with food coloring. You probably have all of them in your kitchen already. That's the beauty of this recipe!

• White vinegar: This helps activate the food coloring and creates a more intense color.
• Eggs: Use large or medium eggs depending on your preference.
• Gel food coloring: Choose any Easter colors you want to make for your Easter celebration. For best results, I personally find that using gel food coloring works better than liquid food coloring. You can use either, but the food coloring gel will work best if you want a more vibrant color.

For another cute, Easter egg-related recipe, check out these Easter cookie cups.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

How to Boil Easter Eggs

Before you can make beautifully dyed colored eggs, first you will need to boil eggs.

1. Fill a pot large enough to submerge all the eggs and fill it with water.
2. Bring your pot of water to boil. I always look for a rolling boil so that I can ensure that my eggs cook all the way through. Add baking soda or vinegar if you're using it to your water -- it's said these may make peeling easier.
3. Once your water has reached a boil, gently and slowly place your eggs into the boiling water.

TOP TIP: I use a large wooden or plastic spoon to lower my eggs into the boiling water. This helps to prevent them from hitting the bottom so hard that they crack.  

4. Once you have placed your eggs into the boiling water, allow them to boil for about 12 minutes. After the 12 minutes is up, remove your eggs and allow them to cool.
5. Place them on a towel or paper towels to dry and cool naturally. Or, you can place them directly into an ice bath to stop the eggs from overcooking.

IMPORTANT: Be sure before you start to dye your Easter eggs that they are completely dry.

How to Dye Easter Eggs With Gel Food Coloring

This is a super-easy recipe to make. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps. The highlights are below, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Before you get started dyeing, you will need to cook your boiled eggs for Easter eggs and allow them to fully cool.

1. Place hot water in bowls or cups and add white vinegar.
2. Add the gel food coloring to the cups.

3. Use tongs or a spoon to gently place an egg in each bowl.
4. Let them sit to absorb the color. The longer they sit the darker and more intense of color on the eggs.

4. Remove the eggs and place them on paper towels to dry.
5. Continue with the remaining eggs until they are all colored.

How can I make vibrant colored Easter eggs with food coloring?

There are a couple different techniques you can use to make the most vibrant colored eggs.

1. Soak your hard-boiled eggs in white vinegar for 5 minutes before coloring. The vinegar will help your colors stick to the eggshell.
2. Use more white vinegar with the hot water.
3. Let the eggs sit for a longer period of time.

Equipment

• Large pot: For boiling the eggs.
• Small bowls or cups for each color. Make sure your bowl or cup is tall enough to completely submerge the egg. 
• Paper towel to drain the eggs and for cleanup.
• Tongs: Or a spoon to place the egg in the glass and to remove it.
• Toothpicks: Makes adding the coloring a bit more precise.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in the colored Easter eggs in the refrigerator for up to 7 days in a container. Unfortunately, you can't freeze boiled eggs.

Make Ahead: Make these eggs a couple of days in advance, then use them when ready.

What to Serve with Easter Eggs

Easter eggs are just really pretty hard-boiled eggs, so anything you'd serve with them will work with these dyed Easter eggs.

Add them to a plate and serve them with your favorite Easter dinner recipes as a fun, colorful Easter splash. Some of our favorite Easter side dishes include:

• Sauteed Spinach and Carrots
• Sauteed Cauliflower
• Cream Cheese Biscuits
• Bacon Wrapped Cheese Biscuits

If you have a bunch of leftover Easter eggs, use them up in a variety of other recipes such as making deviled eggs, egg salad, or this tuna egg salad.

Tips

• Want pastel-colored eggs? Omit the vinegar.
• For vibrant eggs, make sure to use the vinegar, add more color, and let them sit for a longer period of time.
• Gel food coloring works best.
• Make sure the eggs are fully dry before dyeing.

FAQ

More Easter Recipes

How to Dye Easter Eggs Without a Kit Video

This post was originally published May 2021. It has been updated with new content.