Classic Deviled Eggs
The Thanksgiving appetizer that disappears first — creamy, tangy deviled eggs with a whisper of mustard and a dusting of paprika. Easy to make ahead and impossible to stop eating.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
15 min
Total time
30 min (plus 1 hr chill)
Yield
Makes 24 halves (12 eggs)
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs, at least a week old (easier to peel)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Paprika, for dusting
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- Optional: 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
About 65 kcal per half
Instructions
- 1
1. Hard-boil the eggs
Place the eggs in a single layer in a pot, cover with cold water by an inch, and bring to a rolling boil. Cover, remove from the heat, and let stand 12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath until completely cool.
- 2
2. Peel
Tap each egg gently on the counter and roll it under your palm to crack the shell all over. Peel under cold running water — older eggs peel more cleanly.
- 3
3. Halve and scoop
Slice each egg lengthwise and gently pop the yolks into a bowl. Set the whites on a serving tray.
- 4
4. Make the filling
Mash the yolks with a fork until fine. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper and stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust — it should be tangy and well seasoned.
- 5
5. Fill and garnish
Spoon or pipe the yolk filling into the egg whites. Dust with paprika and scatter with chives and crumbled bacon if using. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Chef's notes
- ★Make ahead: the filled eggs keep, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- ★For a pretty piped look, spoon the filling into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe it in.
- ★Spicy variation: add 1/4 tsp cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.