Classic deviled eggs filled with creamy yolk mixture and lightly dusted with paprika.

Deviled Eggs Recipe

Classic deviled eggs with a creamy mayonnaise, yellow mustard and vinegar filling, finished with a light dusting of paprika.

Prep 15 min
Cook 15 min
Total 35 min
Servings 6 servings
Difficulty Easy
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Contains: Egg · Mustard

This recipe contains egg and mustard. Check the labels of the mayonnaise and mustard you use for any additional allergens because formulations vary.

WHY IT WORKS

Why This Recipe Works

01

Reliable Hard-Cooked Eggs

A covered 15-minute stand after the water reaches a boil cooks large eggs through gently, while an ice bath stops the cooking and makes them easier to handle.

02

Creamy, Tangy Filling

Mayonnaise makes the yolks creamy, while yellow mustard and white vinegar add enough tang to keep the filling bright without overpowering the eggs.

03

Simple Classic Finish

A light dusting of paprika adds color and a mild peppery note without turning the base recipe into one of the stronger flavored deviled egg variations.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Equipment

Medium saucepan

THE RECIPE

Ingredients & Method

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Measurements
Servings

My Notes

Ingredients

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Measurements

Method

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  1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch. Cover the pan and bring the water just to a boil over high heat.
  2. As soon as the water reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat. Keep it covered and let the large eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes.
  3. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water or run them under very cold water. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes, then gently crack and peel them.
  4. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a mixing bowl, arranging the egg-white halves on a serving plate.
  5. Mash the yolks with a fork until fine. Add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, kosher salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spoon or pipe the filling evenly into the 12 egg-white halves. Dust lightly with paprika. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

COOKING GUIDANCE

Practical Cooking Notes

Make Ahead

Hard-cook the eggs up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate them unpeeled. You can also assemble the deviled eggs up to 1 day ahead; cover them and keep them chilled until serving.

Recipe Notes

Ingredient Notes

Regular full-fat mayonnaise gives the smoothest filling, while yellow mustard provides a familiar mild tang. White vinegar sharpens the flavor without adding sweetness, and paprika gives the finished eggs a simple classic look.

Useful Substitutions

Dijon mustard can replace yellow mustard for a sharper flavor. Apple cider vinegar can replace white vinegar for a slightly softer acidity. Make either swap in the same quantity, then taste the filling before adding anything more.

INGREDIENT QUALITY

Quality Note

Eggs that are several days old often peel more cleanly than very fresh eggs. Cool the eggs promptly after cooking, then peel gently to keep the whites intact.

SPEND LESS

Cost-Saving Tip

Store-brand mayonnaise and yellow mustard work well in this simple filling. When egg carton sizes differ, compare the price per egg rather than the pack price.

COOKING TIPS

Tips

Use Eggs That Peel Well

Eggs that are a few days old often peel more cleanly than very fresh eggs. Chill them promptly after cooking and peel gently so the whites stay intact.

Mash the Yolks Fine

Mash the yolks until no obvious lumps remain before adding the mayonnaise and seasonings. A fine, even mash gives the filling a smoother texture.

Keep the Whites Dry

After peeling and halving the eggs, blot any excess water from the whites before filling them. This helps the yolk mixture sit neatly instead of sliding around.

Keep Them Chilled

Deviled eggs are best kept cold until serving. For a buffet or picnic, put out a smaller platter and replenish it from the refrigerator or a well-chilled cooler.

MAKE IT LAST

Storing, Freezing & Serving

Storing

Refrigerate deviled eggs promptly in a covered container and use them within 3 to 4 days. Keep them at 40°F or below.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended. Cooked egg whites can become rubbery after thawing, and the mayonnaise-based filling may separate or become watery.

Serving Safely

Keep deviled eggs refrigerated until serving. Do not leave cooked eggs or egg dishes at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F.

Make Ahead

Hard-cook the eggs up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate them unpeeled. The filled eggs can also be assembled up to 1 day ahead, covered and kept chilled until serving.

ESTIMATED PER SERVING

Nutrition

2 deviled egg halves

120 kcal Calories
10 g Fat 13% DV
2 g Saturated fat 10% DV
1 g Carbohydrate 0% DV
0 g Fiber 0% DV
0 g Sugars
6 g Protein
170 mg Sodium 7% DV
190 mg Cholesterol 63% DV

Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.

QUESTIONS

Deviled Eggs FAQs

How can I make hard-cooked eggs easier to peel?

Eggs that are a few days old often peel more cleanly than very fresh eggs. Chill the cooked eggs promptly, crack the shell all over, and peel gently under cool running water if that helps release stubborn pieces.

Can I make deviled eggs ahead of time?

Yes. Hard-cook the eggs up to 1 day ahead and keep them refrigerated in their shells. You can also assemble the deviled eggs up to 1 day ahead; cover them and keep them chilled until serving.

Can I use Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard?

Yes. Use the same quantity of Dijon mustard if you prefer a sharper, slightly more complex mustard flavor. The filling will be a little less mild than the yellow-mustard version.

How do I make the deviled egg filling smooth?

Mash the yolks thoroughly before adding the mayonnaise and seasonings. Stir until completely smooth, breaking up any remaining yolk pieces against the side of the bowl before filling the egg whites.

How long can deviled eggs sit out?

Do not leave cooked eggs or egg dishes at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, reduce that limit to 1 hour and keep the eggs well chilled until they are served.

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