Many cooks do not realize that making easy deviled eggs are a great way to go gourmet. The mild flavor of hard boiled eggs blends well with a variety of foods, herbs and spices. Since taste is a matter of preference, the best deviled eggs are usually those that individuals create to please the palates of their family and friends rather than a deviled eggs recipe found in a book or online.
That’s not to say don’t use our recipes – on the contrary, we’ve compiled many recipes to bring you the best “how-to” guide for deviled eggs. Just use our deviled eggs recipes as guidelines and throw in your own creative ideas to develop new creations.
Try Making Substitutions
Timid or inexperienced cooks can try substituting salad dressing for the mayonnaise in a traditional recipe. Ranch dressing works quite well, but it may be necessary to use a smaller amount since most salad dressings are thinner than mayonnaise. Fat-free substitutions are great for those watching calories or cholesterol. Different types of mustard, like Dijon or honey mustard will change the flavor of the basic recipe. Adding a small amount of an herb, like dill weed, is another way to get a new and different flavor when searching for a good deviled eggs recipe.
Substitutions For Mayonnaise: Salad Dressing (Ranch), Mustard (Dijon or Honey), Herbs (Dill Weed)
Add New Ingredients
Finely chopped onion, garlic, celery or peppers can give an interesting texture and fresh flavor to a classic deviled eggs recipe. Some people think the best deviled eggs have the hot and spicy flavor of jalapeno or habanero peppers. Pickle relish, chopped pickles or olives are another way to spice things up. Cooked bacon, always perfect with eggs, can be crumbled and added to the filling with cheddar cheese for a classic people pleaser. Finding the right ingredients depends on the occasion, and the types of foods that are favorites with family and friends.
New Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Celery, Peppers, Jalapeno or Habanero Peppers, Pickle Relish, Chopped Pickles, Olives, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese
Going Gourmet
While easy deviled eggs may seem humble, there are ways to make them fancy enough for any party. Adding smoked salmon, chopped shrimp or lobster to the filling turns hard boiled eggs into a special occasion treat. A garnish of red or black caviar is another way to bring this simple dish to the level of a gourmet hors d’oeuvre. Balsamic or rice vinegar or teriyaki sauce adds an exotic touch to the filling and alternating the eggs with stuffed cherry tomatoes makes for a beautiful presentation.
Gourmet Additions: Smoke Salmon, Chopped Shrimp, Lobster, Crab Meat, Red or Black Caviar, Balsamic or Rice Vinegar, Teriyaki Sauce, Cherry Tomato Fillings
Garnishing and Serving Ideas
Almost anything can be used to garnish deviled eggs, including grated cheese, olives, pickle slices and pimentos. The most traditional garnishes when learning how to make deviled eggs are a dusting of paprika and parsley sprigs. Choose a garnish that hints at the flavor of the eggs, like pepper slices for hot and spicy fillings or olives and feta cheese for balsamic fillings. There are beautiful serving platters for the best deviled egg presentation and these platters will keep the eggs from slipping around on the plate or tipping over on their sides.
Every person has their favorite easy classic deviled eggs recipe, whether it was handed down by mom or found online, in a cookbook or magazine. Adding a new twist to the old recipe and trying new flavors, ingredients and garnishes may surprise family and friends, but a little experimentation could create a new signature dish for the adventurous cook. Tell us about the best deviled eggs recipe you’ve ever cooked or tasted by sending us a message through our “Contact Us” form.