Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe
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This Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe is loaded with flavor from fresh dill, sweet onion and a dash of hot sauce. Add a touch of cream cheese, mayonnaise and two types of mustard for the best deviled eggs you've ever tasted!
Why This Recipe is Best
- Great way to use leftovers: use leftover Easter eggs or make hard boil eggs (below)
- Easy recipe: this classic appetizer is easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes
- Party pleaser: folks love to serve southern deviled eggs at parties and barbecues
- Versatile: it's fun to change the filling to match your holiday or party theme
- Delicious: the flavor in this easy deviled egg recipe is hard to resist!
Highlights
Our family fights over the deviled egg platter at barbecue picnics and Easter brunch every year. Who's gonna get the last deviled egg? I sure hope it's me!
There's really nothing more delicious than this southern deviled eggs recipe with a creamy filling. Eggs are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Plus, they make the best hand-held appetizers for parties and holidays. I also like to eat them as a low-carb snack because they're loaded with protein!
Some folks use fresh herbs to garnish deviled eggs, but you can use paprika, pickles, capers, or olives as well. Some of the fanciest restaurants serve their version topped with crab meat, smoked ham, or caviar. There's really no wrong way to eat them!
Ingredients
This classic recipe is made with natural ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store, or could already be in your refrigerator and pantry!
- large eggs - large or extra large eggs work best
- light cream cheese - the secret ingredient that helps eggs set perfectly
- mayonnaise - use Duke's or Hellman's for best taste
- yellow mustard - adds the 'tang' but you can substitute vinegar if desired
- spicy brown mustard - adds plenty of 'zip'
- fresh dill - the perfect herb to pair with eggs
- sweet onion - mince it very fine in a food processor or blender
- garlic salt - adds a layer of flavor
- black pepper - a great flavor enhancer
- hot sauce - optional, but highly recommended for the best deviled eggs ever!
How to Boil Eggs on the Stovetop
You can boil eggs on the stovetop the old fashioned way and everything will turn out great if you follow these directions.
Remember that a perfect hard boiled egg doesn't have a green ring around the yolk. Here's how to prevent that from happening:
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cool water. Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute.
- Turn off the heat and cover the saucepan. Let eggs sit for 15 minutes, then drain and replace hot water with ice water. Chill eggs for 10 more minutes.
- Peel the eggs, slice them lengthwise, and place the yolks in a separate dish.
How to Boil Eggs in an Instant Pot
Peeling eggs has never been top on my list of fun things to do. But recently, I learned how to cook them in an Instant Pot. (ad) Now, I love making easy hard-boiled eggs!
So, if you have one, get out your Instant Pot pressure cooker and use the 5 x 5 x 5 rule. Or just do what I do and push the egg button. 🙂 Easy peasy.
- Place 12 eggs in the pot, add a cup of water and cook the eggs for 5 minutes on HIGH. Next, let the pot release naturally for 5 minutes, then push the VENT button.
- Open the lid, and gently transfer the eggs to a bath of ice cold water for 5 minutes. That's it! 5 x 5 x 5. The peelings just fall off!
Helpful Tips
By following these tips, your eggs will turn out perfectly every time.
- Make sure you choose large eggs instead of medium.
- Use older eggs since fresh ones don't peel as well.
- Dry white halves with paper towels so they don't slip off your platter.
- Wipe your knife off between each slicing.
- Use a piping bag to dress up your deviled eggs for a special occasion.
- Don't add big chunks of onion or dill if you're piping or it will get stuck in the tip.
- The longer the eggs chill, the better the filling sets up.
How to Make Deviled Eggs
The real secret to making southern deviled eggs is in the filling. It doesn't matter about anything else if the filling is too thin and can't stand up to the egg white. You gotta give that filling some flavor and substance.
The best way to do this is to start with cream cheese. It stands up to whatever you add, and doesn't turn into a runny mess.
1 - Add eggs to a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Turn off heat and cover pot. Let eggs sit in hot water for 12 to 15 minutes.
2 - Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let sit in ice water for 10 minutes.
3 - Peel eggs under running water and discard shells. Slice in half lengthwise. Pop out the yolks and place them on a small plate. Mash yolks with a fork until crumbly.
4 - In a medium mixing bowl, beat a package of light cream cheese with a mixer until it's creamy, then add mayo, two kinds of mustard, and minced onions to the mix.
5- Toss yolks into the mixing bowl with a dash of garlic salt and black pepper. Next, add the fresh dill or use dried dill weed. Add a teaspoon of hot sauce for a little bit of spice, or substitute a teaspoon of vinegar for 'tang.'
6 - Mix everything together until creamy. Pipe yolk mixture into the egg whites and you're done! The taste of the yolk filling is delicious and definitely addictive. I bet you can't eat just one!
Piping the Eggs
Place the filling inside a pastry bag and pipe into the egg whites. Use a large tip that allows any lumps to pass through.
Here's a quick video that shows you how to pipe the eggs easily with a pastry bag.
Recipe FAQS
The filling ingredients are how deviled eggs got their name. Mixing the filling with zesty or hot spices is where the word 'deviled' comes from.
Yes, you can boil them several days in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Go ahead and peel them before refrigeration and store in an air tight container.
The sky's the limit on what type of fresh or dried herbs you can use in this recipe. Try curry powder, fresh chives, oregano, rosemary or thyme for a unique combination. Or, add spicy pickles, cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or horseradish for an extra kick!
You don't have to pipe this recipe if you don't have a kit. Simply spoon the yolk mixture into each half and sprinkle with paprika or dill weed. Add pickle slices, or serve them plain like Grandma used to do!
Variations
This classic southern deviled eggs recipe is made even better by adding a festive twist for holidays and gatherings. Try these fun ideas to create a theme for your party:
- Barbecue: mix in chopped million dollar bacon and bbq seasoning, then top filling with a slice of bacon
- Baby Shower: add drops of food coloring to the egg whites to match your baby shower or bridal brunch theme
- New Years: add smoked salmon or crab meat on the top of the egg halves and serve with a glass of champagne or raspberry mimosa
- Easter: dye the egg whites pastel colors and you'll have colorful deviled eggs for your Easter dinner buffet
- July 4th Picnic: add diced red pimento for a patriotic egg
- Halloween: dye the egg whites orange and black and put creepy olive 'eyes' in the egg filling
- Thanksgiving: toss in a little dried sage and crumble leftover dressing on top of each egg
- Christmas: mix chopped green and red pepper in with the yolk mixture for a festive touch
How to Serve Deviled Eggs
- My favorite way to serve deviled eggs is to arrange them in a single layer on a large platter that has been lined with lettuce leaves and fresh parsley stems. The green color is a vibrant contrast to the yellow yolk filling, and the lettuce keeps the eggs from sliding around.
- You can also stuff southern deviled eggs into a lettuce wrap or on top of a rainbow salad.
- They go great on a charcuterie board or in a grazing box. They're a nice little treat for lunch with other sides.
- Other spreads such as pimento cheese, olives, pickles and fruit tastes amazing with deviled eggs. Some folks even serve them with a Bloody Mary! Or, add them to a cheese plate and watch them disappear.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container or egg tray for up to 3 days, or mash them up and make Egg Salad with Pickles!
Unfortunately, deviled eggs do not freeze well, so freezing is not an option. But, I doubt you will have many leftovers if your family is anything like mine!
Related Recipes
- Spinach Dip Frittata
- Corned Beef Hash with Eggs
- Egg Salad with Pickles
- Air Fryer Quiche
- Egg Salad Toast with Asparagus
Recipe Card
Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- 12 eggs (boiled, sliced and yolks removed)
- 8 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise (I use Duke's) ad
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
- 2 Tbsp. onion (finely minced)
- ¼ tsp. garlic salt
- dash of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped (can substitute 1 teaspoon dried dill weed)
- dash or two of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Add eggs to a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a rolling boil. Turn off heat and cover pot. Let eggs sit in hot water for 12 to 15 minutes.12 eggs
- Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let eggs sit in ice water for 10 minutes.
- Peel eggs under running water and discard shells. Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Pop out the yolks and place them in a small bowl. Mash yolks with a fork until crumbly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat a package of light cream cheese with a mixer until it's creamy, then add mayo, two kinds of mustard, and minced onions to the mix.8 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard, 1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard, 2 Tbsp. onion
- Toss yolks into the mixing bowl with a dash of garlic salt and black pepper. Next, add the fresh dill. Add a teaspoon of hot sauce for a little bit of spice. or substitute a teaspoon of vinegar for 'tang.'¼ tsp. garlic salt, dash of black pepper, 1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped, dash or two of hot sauce
- Mix ingredients together until creamy. Add egg mixture to a piping bag with a large tip. Pipe yolk mixture into the egg whites. Refrigerate eggs until time to serve.
Notes
-
- Make sure you choose large eggs instead of medium.
- Use day-old eggs since fresh don't peel as well.
- Dry egg white halves with paper towels so they don't slip off your platter.
- Wipe your knife off between each egg slicing.
- Use a piping bag to dress up your deviled eggs for a special occasion.
- Don't add big chunks of onion or dill if you're piping eggs or it will get stuck in the tip.
- The longer the eggs chill, the better the filling sets up.
- View the Google Web Story for Southern Deviled Eggs!
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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I can’t wait to add in the creamy cream cheese!!! Oh & eating these eggs will be even better!! This family will need a “Debi day” to experiment with some of your great recipes!
Thank you Amy! You are the sweetest! I'd love to be in on that 'Debi Day!' 🙂
These are so delicious-best deviled eggs ever, Debi!
Thanks, Carol! I could eat about a dozen right now! 🙂
I love this recipe. It sounds so good with the cream cheese added. Thanks for the great tips!
Oh good! After lots of trial and error, I discovered the secret is adding cream cheese. 🙂
I have never tried cream cheese either, these sound delicious! Can’t wait to try these.
Thanks, Sharon. It helps the egg filling stay firm so it holds up better, especially if you're piping it from a bag. I used to only use mayo, and it would melt all over the place before we could eat them. 🙂
Been on vacation. I love deviled eggs but haven't ever tried cream cheese in them. Looking forward to trying it for the next picnic.
Missed you, Dorris! You'll love the addition of cream cheese! 🙂