Classic Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs keep the filling firmly in old-fashioned territory: creamy, tangy, and easy to eat in one bite. A chill firms the yolks before the final dusting of paprika.

Recipe link
Prep time15 min
Cook time20 min
Total time1 hr 15 min
- Course
- Appetizer
- Cuisine
- Granny's Recipes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Est. calories / serving
- 130
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Garnish
- As needed paprika — ground
Instructions
- Cook and Cool the Eggs: Place the eggs in a medium saucepan large enough to hold them in a single layer and add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Cover and bring just to a boil over high heat. At lower elevations, remove the pan from the heat and let the eggs stand, covered, for 12 minutes. At elevations above 5,000 feet, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and let the eggs stand, covered, for 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a large bowl of ice water and cool for 10 minutes, or until completely cold.6 large eggs
- Prepare the Eggs: Peel the cooled eggs and pat them dry. On a cutting board, use a sharp paring knife to slice each egg lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter.12 egg white halves, 6 egg yolks
- Make the Filling: Using a fork, mash the yolks into a fine, even crumble with no large pieces remaining. Add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 1 minute, or until the filling is smooth and creamy with no dry yolk pockets. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1 pinch black pepper
- Fill the Eggs: Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling into each egg white half, dividing it evenly so all 12 halves are filled.
- Finish and Chill: Sprinkle the eggs lightly with paprika. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the filling is chilled and slightly firm. Serve cold.paprika
Notes
- Eggs: Older eggs usually peel more easily than very fresh eggs, which helps keep the whites smooth for serving.
- Cooling: Cool the eggs completely in ice water before peeling. Warm eggs are softer and more likely to tear.
- Filling Texture: Mash the yolks well before adding the mayonnaise and mustard so the filling turns smooth instead of lumpy.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard keeps these classic and mild. Add a little more if you like a tangier filling.
- Make Ahead: The eggs can be hard-cooked, cooled, peeled, and refrigerated a day ahead. For the best presentation, prepare the filling and fill the egg whites the same day you plan to serve them.
- Storage: Keep deviled eggs covered and refrigerated until serving. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and eat them within 2 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with Potato Salad, Classic Macaroni Salad, German Cole Slaw, or Three Bean Salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Yield
12 deviled egg halves — Serving size: 2 deviled egg halves
- Calories
- 130
- Carbohydrates
- 0.5 g
- Protein
- 6.5 g
- Fat
- 11.5 g
- Saturated Fat
- 2.5 g
- Cholesterol
- 190 mg
- Sodium
- 200 mg
- Fiber
- 0.1 g
- Total Sugars
- 0.3 g
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid (Large enough to hold 6 eggs in a single layer.)
- Slotted spoon
- Large bowl (For the ice-water bath.)
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Spoon or piping bag
- Serving platter or deviled egg tray