Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe (2024)

By Alex Witchel

Updated Nov. 13, 2023

Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe (1)

Total Time
45 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Rating
5(4,470)
Notes
Read community notes

This recipe is adapted from “U.S.A. Cookbook,” written by Sheila Lukins, an author of the “Silver Palate” cookbooks that were popular in the 1980s and ’90s. If you’re looking for an introduction to deviled eggs, this is the place to start: just eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, a dash of Tabasco and a festive sprinkle of paprika (or jazz things up with a garnish of chives). They are a simple and spectacular addition to a holiday table.

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Ingredients

Yield:12 halves

  • 6large eggs
  • 1teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 to 2dashes Tabasco sauce, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¼teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1tablespoon snipped fresh chives
  • 3tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Paprika, for garnish
  • Whole fresh chives, for garnish

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (12 servings)

61 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 0 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 68 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe (2)

Preparation

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  1. Step

    1

    Rinse eggs with warm water, and place in a small saucepan. Cover with cold water, place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Turn off heat, cover and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water or transfer to a bowl of ice and water, then peel. Cool in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for 15 minutes.

    Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe (3)
  2. Step

    2

    Halve eggs lengthwise, and carefully remove yolks. Place yolks in a bowl, and mash with a fork. Stir in mustard, Tabasco, salt, pepper, snipped chives and mayonnaise.

  3. Step

    3

    Fill each egg white with about 1½ teaspoons of the egg-yolk mixture using a spoon or piping bag fitted with a star tip and dust the top with paprika. Arrange on a platter; garnish with whole chives.

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4,470

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Tobey Crockett

I have friends who make these regularly for potluck events and they swear by putting the filling in a small plastic baggie, cutting off the corner and using it as an impromptu pastry bag. This is a much easier way to fill the shells of the whites than using a spoon. They even transport the whites and filling this way and then fill them up at the destination. Yum! (And yes to capers and butter!)

Diane

A bit harsh, no? Zipper bags contain no BPA or dioxins. Many foods touch plastic. If one wants to avoid any contact that’s a personal choice. Sorry you are ‘more than turned off’ by viewing food prep at a potluck, but many consider making dishes together part of the fun. Lastly, the baggie-piping trick is as old as baggies but every technique is a revelation the first time it’s seen. Tobey could be young or just not seen it before, thinks it’s neat and wants to share-no need to be dismissive.

CC

Add a tablespoon of softened butter. Julia Child's trick, makes them just bit more luxurious.

Lumita

I've started pinpricking the eggs prior to boiling and have had gloriously simple peeling ever since. Thanks for sharing all the recipes- I've often made them last minute so great to have some more options. The people complaining about the health issues of piping through the corner of a baggie seriously need to find something real to complain about.

Susan Beals

Since a stroke, I have significant disabilities and am no longer able to cook things requiring boiling water. I put the eggs into a mini muffin tin and bake them at 325 for 30 minutes. Immediately dunk into ice water and crack to make the peeling easy. Works for me and no one-handed handling of boiling water. Also, a little bit of dill added to the yolk mixture is an amazing addition to the taste.

Bob

One of the issues with hard boiled eggs is getting the shells off without damaging the eggs. Somewhere on the internet I discovered a sure fire way to make hard boiled eggs so that there is no issue with removing the shells. Steam the eggs! Use a double boiler and place cold eggs into the steamer basket and steam for 13 minutes. Plunge eggs into cold/ice water.
This method has never failed me in having perfect eggs without having parts of the egg come off with the shell.

Barbara Wheeler

Is this heresy? A couple of teaspoons of sweet pickle juice in lieu of vinegar.

Claire Caterer

Nothing to add here, but just wanted to say I love reading everyone's variations on a classic. I'm taking notes on all of them!

kalpal

Have used horseradish for about 4 decades to perk the eggs up a bit. Like the eggs to bite back.

Teasel

My mother's recipe from Pennsylvania Dutch country uses dry mustard (Coleman's) and a few drops of red wine vinegar in addition to the mayo, salt & pepper. Add mustard and vinegar in small amounts until you get the taste desired - you can always add more, but can't subtract! They are called Deviled Eggs for a reason. Garnish with parsley & paprika. Everyone loves these and one never makes enough to please the crowd.

Charles Michener

To make peeling much easier, start with eggs at least a week old and use a push-pin to puncture the round bottoms. Then drop them into gently boiling water for 40 seconds or so. Turn heat down to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 10 minutes. Drain and rattle eggs around the pan to crack the shells. Immerse in ice water and let them get totally cold. Peel under cold tap water. To end up with centered yolks, store carton on its side in the fridge.

Ginger

Wonderful recipe and very adaptable. For a dozen eggs I added 2 tablespoons softened butter (my grandmother used to add melted butter), about 1 tablespoon chopped capers and about 1/8 teaspoon red wine vinegar to the recipe. I also sprinkled each egg white half with a tiny pinch of kosher salt. Superb!

Nora

YAY! A recipe I recognize, and which doesn't add weird additional ingredients. This is THE gold standard for deviled eggs. ALWAYS use Coleman's dry mustard (the deviling factor) - Dijon isn't the same at all - and a tiny pinch of curry powder is optional. My mother made them as part of our ritual picnic lunch for the beach in the 60's and 70's...fill the halves, pair them back together and wrap each egg in a small bit of plastic wrap; all tucked in a Tupperware.

Jennifer

Might help to sprinkle a little salt on the egg white before filling it too.

Theresa SF Bay Area

I like to include sweet pickle relish!

Janice A

For easy peeling after shocking the eggs in the ice bath, peel them under warm running water. For some reason this works, even with fresh eggs. I’m guessing the 2 changes in temperature loosen up the shells.

JanetR

The classic Deviled Eggs were so well received at the bridge luncheon, the little extra chives mixed with the dill, is a perfect match. I will definitely make these little Devils for any gathering, so classic and delicious.

Jamie Campbell

Instead of tabasco sauce, I use the liquid from Trappey peppers in vinegar. I also use a lot of mustard. I like my deviled eggs a little spicy. I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise for a little creaminess.

Michael O'Hare

The filling isn't complete if you don't stir in some capers after you moosh it up.

Fred Nuh

We’ve always made sweet “deviled” eggs. Mayo, sweet pickle relish, mustard powder, and pickle relish syrup or agave. We also color the egg whites with food coloring.

DRW from Hamburg

Whip the yolks with some water in a Cuisinart. This produces a mouse-like texture that everyone loves. Yes pipe from a baggie.

Patrick Files

I often garnish with Cayenne pepper instead of paprika.

Barbara Massey Goglia

For the filling, mix Kraft Sandwich Spread, some yellow mustard, and a touch of mayonnaise to the yolks. Sprinkle with smoked paprika.(I steam my eggs from a recipe I found in the NYT several years ago. Pour one inch of water in a pot. When it comes to a boil, carefully lower your eggs into the water. Place the lid on the pot. Boil gently for exactly 11 minutes! Remove eggs and cool on the counter. DO NOT SUBMERGE INTO COLD WATER. These eggs peel effortlessly without that step.)

jp inframan

Good recipe similar to one I've used for many years except I like to add a bit of sweet relish (to taste).

Bob

A full proof way to hard boil eggs is to steam them. Use a double boiler and steam the eggs for 13 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath. This method has worked for us for several years and keeps the membrane from adhering to the shell and the egg. Give it a try.

Nancy

My understanding is the reason they are called "Deviled Eggs" is because they have "deviled ham" in them. That is how my mother made them. You can buy a little can of deviled ham in the grocery store-the perfect amount for a dozen eggs.

Claudia

Instantpot your eggs for 5 minutes. Start with an inch of hot tap h2o and instant release.

Jimmy J.

What “classic” American cook would use dijon? I agree with the others on the change of mustard—use the Coleman’s powdered mustard and some vinegar, or just use classic yellow mustard.

Batya

Perfecto!

Kim B

Made these for our party yesterday. I only got a chance to have one before they were all gone. I did add a little extra mustard and a little garlic powder. Definitely keeping this recipe for other events

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Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is deviled egg filling made of? ›

Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter. Make the filling: Using a fork, mash up the yolks and add mustard, mayonnaise, onion, tabasco, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Add more mayonnaise as necessary to get to the creamy consistency you want.

Why put white vinegar in deviled eggs? ›

A light-colored vinegar, like the white-wine vinegar we use in these creamy deviled eggs, brings a touch of acidity to the filling and balances the richness of the yolks and the mayonnaise.

Should you make deviled eggs the night before or the day of? ›

I like these deviled eggs best on the day they're made. If you're making them for a party or gathering, I don't recommend assembling them more than a few hours in advance. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to eat, and wait to add the garnishes until right before serving.

How do you make deviled eggs creamy and not lumpy? ›

The best part of deviled eggs is the creamy filling. And it's at its best when it's super smooth and free of lumps of whole egg yolk. Follow this tip: For a smooth, lump-free filling, use a fork or a potato masher to thoroughly break up the egg yolks before adding the other filling ingredients to the bowl.

What is a true deviled egg? ›

Deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs that have been peeled, cut in half, then stuffed with a paste made from the yolk and other ingredients. Basic deviled egg filling is made with egg yolks, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper. The eggs are often seasoned with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.

Why are deviled eggs called angel eggs? ›

At church functions in parts of the Southern and Midwestern United States, the terms "stuffed eggs", "salad eggs", and "dressed eggs" occur instead, to avoid reference to the word "devil". For this reason, the term "angel eggs" is also occasionally used.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for eggs? ›

For pickled eggs, swapping white vinegar for apple cider vinegar is a no-brainer. While white vinegar has a pretty even taste and doesn't affect the eggs much in terms of color, apple cider vinegar brings a complexity of flavors and provides the eggs with a unique hue.

How to fix too much mayo in deviled eggs vinegar? ›

One way to ensure you get a good yolk-to-mayo ratio is to cook a few extra eggs. That way, you'll have extra yolks to balance a filling that has too much mayonnaise, and the extra yolks also make the filling creamier.

How to thicken deviled egg filling? ›

To thicken up runny deviled egg filling, adding in some extra egg yolks is the first easy fix to try. This method thickens up the base of the filling without altering the taste. Now for a more out-of-the-box (literally) fix, try mixing some instant mashed potatoes into your filling instead.

How many deviled eggs per person? ›

How many deviled eggs do you need per person? Plan 2 to 3 deviled eggs per person for your get-together. A dozen eggs will make 24 deviled eggs, and that will be enough for 8 to 12 people. If you have leftovers you can store them in the fridge for 24 hours and snack on them the next day.

What to use instead of mustard in deviled eggs? ›

This recipe for Deviled Eggs Without Mustard tastes just like classic deviled eggs but with apple cider vinegar in place of dijon mustard. They're a creamy, delicious appetizer everyone should try!

Is it better to make deviled eggs when they are warm or cold? ›

Be sure to transfer them to an ice bath right away to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly, which makes the eggs easier to peel and ensures that the yolk isn't too warm when mixed with the mayonnaise and mustard (which risks creating a runny filling).

What are church lady deviled eggs? ›

Disney Springs' Chef Art Smith's Homecoming Church Lady Deviled Eggs are a Southern-inspired delight, boasting creamy yolks blended with tangy mustard, mayo, and a sprinkle of paprika, offering a nostalgic and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer.

Why are my deviled eggs rubbery? ›

If you keep the heat turned up too high or too long when you cook an egg, the proteins in the egg white form more and more bonds, squeezing some of the water out of the protein network and making the egg white rubbery.

What's the trick to peeling deviled eggs? ›

#2: Making easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs requires shocking them in cold water. After 13 minutes at a low simmer (not a boil—see full method below & read the tips to prevent cracking), immediately put the eggs in ice water to make them easy to peel. Shocking them in ice-cold water stops the cooking process.

What do you put in the middle of a deviled egg tray? ›

Well, deviled egg trays aren't just for deviled (or soft-boiled) eggs. The little oval depressions are perfect for holding any small, roundish finger foods that could benefit from some stability or separation on the platter. I've used mine for stuffed dates, stuffed mushrooms, and meatballs.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in deviled eggs? ›

Richer than Greek yogurt, but still nice and thick, sour cream is another good mayonnaise alternative in deviled egg filling. As with Greek yogurt, opt for full-fat sour cream and add mustard gradually to avoid making the filling too tangy.

What is the difference between stuffed eggs and deviled eggs? ›

Deviled eggs are the same thing as stuffed eggs or dressed eggs. It's essentially eggs that have been hard-boiled, peeled, cut in half, and stuffed with a classic mixture of the cooked yolks mashed together with mayo, mustard, and spices (typically paprika).

What can I use to thicken deviled egg filling? ›

To thicken up runny deviled egg filling, adding in some extra egg yolks is the first easy fix to try. This method thickens up the base of the filling without altering the taste. Now for a more out-of-the-box (literally) fix, try mixing some instant mashed potatoes into your filling instead.

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