These little bites are always the first to disappear. Deviled eggs bring creamy, tangy flavor to the table with hardly any work. They feel a little fancy, but all you need are some hard-boiled eggs and a few pantry staples.
Make a classic batch, or split the filling into bowls and try different toppings. From spicy to savory, sweet to smoky, it’s one base that leads to a dozen combinations.
They’re easy to prep, easy to carry, and just about everyone eats them without hesitation.
Why You’ll Want to Make These Over and Over
Deviled eggs never go out of style—and it’s not just nostalgia. They’re fast, flexible, and totally make-ahead friendly.
- Quick and easy – You can make a full batch in under 30 minutes.
- No cooking skills required – If you can boil water, you can make these.
- Budget-friendly – Great for potlucks, parties, holidays, or last-minute snacks.
- Perfect for mixing things up – Use the classic base, then add bacon, sriracha, herbs, or whatever sounds good.
- Naturally low-carb – A great appetizer for nearly every diet.
Once you nail the rhythm, deviled eggs become a recipe you can make with your eyes closed—and a hit at anything from brunch to game day.
What You’ll Need for Classic Deviled Eggs
This is the base you’ll always come back to. Everything else is just a fun extra.
- Eggs – 6 large, hard-boiled and peeled
- Mayonnaise – Makes the filling creamy and smooth
- Dijon Mustard – Adds just enough tang
- White Vinegar – A splash to brighten things up
- Salt and Pepper – Season to taste
- Paprika – Classic garnish with a pop of color
From there, the toppings are wide open. Try fresh chives, pickled jalapeños, bacon bits, sriracha, avocado, sweet relish, or even smoked salmon.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Them from Scratch
It’s a simple method—just boil, scoop, mix, and fill. But a few small details make them shine.
- Boil the Eggs – Place the eggs in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover. Let sit for 10–12 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Peel and Halve – Once fully cool, gently peel the eggs and slice each one in half lengthwise.
- Scoop the Yolks – Use a spoon to pop the yolks into a small mixing bowl.
- Mix the Filling – Add mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth.
- Fill the Whites – Use a spoon or piping bag to add the filling back into each egg half.
- Top and Serve – Sprinkle with paprika or any other toppings. Chill until ready to serve.
They’re best cold and freshly filled—but still taste great straight from the fridge.
Easy Variations to Try
- Bacon + Chive – Stir crispy bacon bits and chopped chives into the yolk mixture
- Sriracha Kick – Add a teaspoon of sriracha for heat and top with an extra dot
- Avocado-Lime – Replace some mayo with mashed avocado and a squeeze of lime
- Pickle Relish – Add sweet or dill relish for extra tang and texture
- Everything Bagel – Swap paprika for everything seasoning and add a chive garnish
Try mixing up half the batch and letting people sample a few versions.
Simple Sides to Serve with Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs make a great appetizer on their own, but they also work surprisingly well as part of a light lunch or casual brunch spread. Add one or two simple sides, and you’ve got a balanced plate that feels fresh and complete without much extra prep.
These sides complement the creamy texture and tangy flavor of deviled eggs. Some bring crunch, others add color, and a few help turn the dish into more of a full meal.
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| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Crackers or Crostini | Adds crunch and gives people a way to scoop up extra filling or toppings |
| Pickles or Olives | Briny and acidic—cuts through the richness of the egg yolks |
| Fruit Skewers | Sweet, juicy, and refreshing next to creamy eggs |
| Roasted Nuts | Adds a salty, crunchy contrast for a snack-style combo |
| Cheese Cubes | Turns deviled eggs into part of a low-effort charcuterie board |
| Green Salad | Brightens the plate with a crisp bite and light dressing |
| Roasted Veggies | Hearty and warm—makes the meal feel more substantial |
| Cherry Tomatoes | Bursts of flavor with a sprinkle of salt—easy and fresh |
Whether you’re serving these for a holiday tray or building a snacky lunch, these sides make deviled eggs feel more put-together without any real work.
How to Store and Reheat Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are meant to be served chilled, but storing them well keeps them tasting just as good later.
How to Store Them
Store deviled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If possible, keep the whites and filling separate until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the texture of the whites intact and the filling smooth and fresh. If they’re already filled, line the container with paper towels to absorb any moisture and prevent soggy bottoms.
Can You Reheat Deviled Eggs?
No need to. Deviled eggs are always served cold or just below room temperature.
Warming them in the microwave is not recommended—it can turn the eggs rubbery and separate the filling. Instead, take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
Tips for Make-Ahead Success
- Prep the filling and whites the day before and store them separately
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill them fresh the day of
- Add toppings like bacon or herbs right before serving so they stay crisp
They’re fridge-friendly and surprisingly forgiving, making them one of the easiest appetizers to prep in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make deviled eggs ahead of time?
Yes. For the best texture and look, store the egg whites and yolk filling separately, then assemble them just before serving.
How do I peel hard-boiled eggs easily?
Cool them fully in an ice bath, then tap and roll each egg on the counter to loosen the shell. Older eggs peel better than fresh ones.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely. Deviled eggs go fast—so doubling up is usually a smart move for parties.
What’s the best way to fill the eggs?
A spoon works, but using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off gives a cleaner, neater look.
How long do they stay fresh in the fridge?
Deviled eggs keep well for 1 to 2 days if stored in a sealed container. Beyond that, the texture starts to change.
Deviled Eggs (Classic & Variations)
Equipment
- Saucepan For boiling the eggs
- Mixing Bowl To mash the yolk filling
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs hard-boiled and peeled
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
- paprika for garnish
- optional toppings bacon bits, chives, sriracha, avocado, relish
Instructions
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice bath and let cool completely. Peel and slice each egg in half lengthwise.
- Scoop yolks into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika and add any toppings. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Prep the eggs and filling ahead of time, then assemble before serving.
- Use a zip-top bag with the corner cut for easy piping.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!