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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.

Classic Deviled Eggs — a complete Thanksgiving recipe

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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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.