If I had to pick a favorite BBQ appetizer, it would probably be deviled eggs. They are savory, the perfect size, and have a decidedly retro feel that I find incredibly charming. They’re also an incredibly easy dish, but one that is riddled with pitfalls, especially if you’ve never been “in charge” of the deviled eggs before. Here are a few of my favorite deviled egg strategies, from how to cook them (so they’ll actually peel) to flourishing final touches.
Going overboard with the mayo. But when you’re heavy-handed with this ingredient, not only will it overpower the taste of the filling, but it can also make for a loose, runny filling that’s tough to pipe into the egg white.
Make the filling extra creamy with a bit of butter
If creaminess is what you’re after, you cannot go wrong with butter. Butter and eggs are a natural combination—frying them in butter is obviously good, but try spreading a bit on your next hard-boiled egg, and you’ll see what I mean. You don’t need a lot. Just a tablespoon per dozen yolks is enough add a creamy, fatty mouthfeel without obscuring the yolk.
Poke a hole to make them pretty
Poking a hole in the fat bottom—not the more slender top—of your egg before plunging it into boiling water can keep the shell from cracking and the whites from spilling out into the bubbling water, but it also results in eggs with beautifully smooth bottoms.
Big Mistakes Everyone Makes With Deviled Eggs
FAQ
How do you fix too much mayonnaise in deviled eggs?
What do you do if your deviled eggs are too runny?
Can you mess up deviled eggs?
Why are my deviled eggs not creamy?