Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are chilled hard-boiled egg halves filled with a creamy, tangy yolk mixture. This quick American-style snack is easy to prepare ahead and works well for parties, picnics or a simple savoury bite.
Ingredients
- 12eggs
- 60 ml (1/4 cup)mayonnaise
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon)mustard
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon)black pepper
- a pinchsalt
- optional, to tastepaprika or chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Boil the eggs
Put the eggs in a medium-sized pan and add enough water to cover them. Bring to the boil over a medium-high heat and boil for 3 minutes. Cover the pan, take it off the heat and leave the eggs covered for 15 minutes.
- 2
Cool and peel
Transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water and leave them for at least 5 minutes. Peel the eggs and set them aside.
- 3
Mix the filling
Cut the eggs in half and transfer the yolks to a separate bowl. Mash them until crumbly, then add the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- 4
Fill and garnish
Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture into the egg halves. Finish with paprika or chopped parsley, if using.
What are deviled eggs?
Deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs split in half, with the yolks mashed into a seasoned filling and returned to the whites. They are a familiar American party and picnic dish, and the name refers to the filling’s savoury seasoning rather than to a particular cooking method.
Here, mayonnaise gives the yolks a creamy texture, while mustard adds a sharp note. The short ingredient list keeps the flavour classic and lets the egg remain the focus.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 48 calories, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 4g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less mayonnaise | 34 kcal | 2g | 0g | 3g |
| This serving | As written | 48 kcal | 3g | 0g | 4g |
| Hungry | Serve a larger portion | 72 kcal | 5g | 0g | 6g |
The egg yolks and mayonnaise provide most of the fat, while the eggs contribute most of the protein; the recipe contains very little carbohydrate. Pair a serving with crunchy vegetables or a salad to add freshness and make a more balanced plate.
Getting tender, easy-to-peel eggs
Gentle timing: the eggs boil for 3 minutes, then cook in the covered pan off the heat for 15 minutes. Follow those resting times so the whites set and the yolks cook through.
Cool promptly: an ice-water bath for at least 5 minutes cools the eggs before peeling. This also makes them easier to handle when you cut them.
Making a smooth filling
Mash first: break the cooked yolks down until crumbly before stirring in the mayonnaise and mustard. This helps the seasonings combine without leaving large yolk pieces.
Adjust the texture: stir until smooth, as directed. If you prefer a more rustic filling, stop mixing while a few small yolk pieces remain.
Filling the egg whites
Piping: transfer the mixture to a piping bag for a neat, even finish. A spoon works just as well and keeps preparation simple.
Garnish: add paprika or chopped parsley just before serving for a little colour and a final savoury or fresh note.
Serving and timing
The recipe makes 24 filled halves from 12 eggs, so it suits a sharing platter. The stated total time is 35 minutes, including the covered rest and chilling time.
Serve the eggs chilled alongside crisp vegetables, a green salad or other picnic dishes. Keep them cool while serving, particularly if they will be out for a while.
Choosing the seasoning
Mustard: use the tablespoon specified for a noticeable tang that balances the rich yolks and mayonnaise. Stir it in with the other seasonings so it is distributed evenly.
Pepper and salt: black pepper adds gentle warmth, while a pinch of salt seasons the filling. Taste before filling and adjust only if needed.
Recipe notes & tips
- Use a pan large enough to hold the eggs in a single layer.
- Keep the eggs covered during their 15-minute rest off the heat.
- Leave the eggs in iced water for at least 5 minutes before peeling.
- Mash the yolks before adding the mayonnaise and mustard.
- Use a small spoon to fill the halves neatly if you do not have a piping bag.
- Add the garnish shortly before serving for the best appearance.
Variations
- Paprika finish: dust the filled eggs lightly with paprika for a warm, savoury accent.
- Parsley topping: use chopped parsley instead of paprika for a fresh herbal finish.
- More mustard: add a little extra mustard for a sharper filling.
- Coarser filling: mash the yolks less thoroughly for a more textured centre.
- Spoon-filled: use a teaspoon for a simple, rustic presentation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Uncovered resting: keep the pan covered for the full 15 minutes after taking it off the heat.
- Skipping the ice bath: chill the eggs for at least 5 minutes before peeling.
- Rough cutting: use a steady cut through each egg so the halves stay intact.
- Lumpy filling: mash the yolks until crumbly before adding the other ingredients.
- Overfilling: divide the mixture among the halves so each one is easy to pick up.
How to store
Refrigerate the deviled eggs in a covered container and eat within 2 days. Serve them chilled; avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make deviled eggs ahead?
Yes. Prepare them ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. For the neatest finish, add the garnish shortly before serving.
How long should I leave the eggs in the ice bath?
Leave them in iced water for at least 5 minutes, as the method specifies. This cools them before peeling.
Can I spoon in the filling instead of piping it?
Yes. Spoon the mixture into the egg whites for an easy finish, or pipe it if you would like a more even presentation.
What can I use instead of paprika?
The recipe suggests chopped parsley as an alternative garnish. You can also leave the garnish off.
How many pieces does the recipe make?
Twelve eggs make 24 halves, with one filled half per serving when divided into 24 servings.
Can I use a different mustard?
The recipe does not specify a type, so use the mustard you have available. Its flavour will affect how sharp the filling tastes.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from cookathomemom.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on cookathomemom.com