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Classic Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe Easy Creamy Paprika Filling Guide

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A quick and easy Southern deviled eggs recipe featuring a creamy, smoky paprika filling that is perfect for gatherings and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs, hard-boiled (room temperature for easier peeling)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred, Hellmann’s works too)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place 6 large eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let sit for 12 minutes.
  2. Transfer eggs immediately to a bowl of ice water and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Gently tap each egg on the counter, then peel under running water to remove shells cleanly.
  3. Slice each egg in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the yolks into a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to crumble the yolks finely.
  4. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the yolks. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Add a small splash of milk or more mayo if mixture is too thick.
  5. Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
  6. Sprinkle extra smoked paprika over the filled eggs and add chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish.
  7. Refrigerate deviled eggs for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and filling firm up slightly.

Notes

Use eggs that are 5-7 days old for easier peeling. Peeling under running water helps remove shell bits. Chilling the eggs before serving improves flavor and texture. Deviled eggs are best eaten within 1-2 days and should not be frozen. For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Variations include adding cayenne for spice, fresh herbs for flavor, or swapping mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado for different textures.

Nutrition

Keywords: deviled eggs, Southern recipe, creamy filling, smoked paprika, appetizer, party snack, easy recipe