The Secret Ingredient for Best-Ever Deviled Eggs
Updated: Dec. 05, 2018
You won't believe how this kitchen staple takes your deviled eggs from nothing-new to velvety-smooth!
I have a confession: I’ve never liked deviled eggs. There was something about the smell or the texture that was never quite right to me. That is, until I discovered this secret ingredient. Ready for it?
It’s butter.
I know how that sounds. Butter has already tried to replace your coffee creamer, and now it’s after your deviled eggs. Can’t imagine straying from your standard mayo, mustard and paprika combo? You can still keep your signature ingredients, but adding butter gives your eggs a smoother texture and a slightly sweet bite. You’ll be hooked!
Why butter makes all the difference
Adding a few tablespoons of butter to your favorite deviled eggs recipe will give them a creamy texture while helping the structure hold up. Just like with a nice stiff buttercream frosting, using room temperature butter in your filling will help your eggs hold their shape as they sit out at your next party. (You can store butter on the counter if you follow this rule.)
Don’t try this with margarine or any other butter substitute. You may still get the creaminess, but the filling may look a little melted and sad.
And if you’re feeling guilty, don’t. A recent study found that not only is butter not as bad as we once thought, consuming it can even lower your risk for chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. We wouldn’t recommend eating it with a spoon just yet, but mixing some in with your deviled eggs is definitely worth it.
How to get velvety-smooth deviled eggs
While you prepare your eggs by hard boiling them, allow about two tablespoons of butter to sit out at room temperature. It’s important to use softened butter for your eggs. Cold butter won’t blend in with the yolks and other ingredients, leaving you with curdled-looking deviled eggs. No, thank you.
Once you’re ready to prepare your filling, remove the yolks and set aside your egg whites. For that extra creamy texture we’re after, combine your egg yolks, mayo, mustard, softened butter, and seasonings and place them in the food processor (if you need one of those, here’s our pick). Once your filling looks light and creamy, spoon it into the egg whites or if you’re feeling fancy, spoon it into a Ziploc or piping bag and carefully pipe it into your egg whites. This is perfect for a holiday or special gathering.
Pickled Pepperoncini Deviled Eggs
As far as deviled eggs variations go, it's hard to resist these adorable deviled trees on our buffet table. The avocado filling has pepperoncini and cilantro for extra zip. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
Sweet and Savory Deviled Eggs
My Grandma Phyllis' sweet and savory deviled eggs are unrivaled by any of the ones I've tried. The sweetness of the cherries balances the heat of the jalapeno; celery and pickles give a nice crunch. These snacks are always a party pleaser. —Adrienne Vradenburg, Bakersfield, California You need to try this secret ingredient for amazing deviled eggs.
Slim Southwest Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for an easy finger food, try this variation of deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Easy Deviled Eggs
After wondering how to make deviled eggs for years, I stumbled across this recipe. It comes from the Durbin Inn, which was a well-known restaurant in Rushville, Indiana, from the 1920s until it closed in the late '70s. These easy deviled eggs are delicious, and they're perfect to make for larger gatherings. —Margaret Sanders, Indianapolis, Indiana
Slim Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
When you need a finger food ASAP, try this delicious deviled eggs variation. An incorporation of a classic brunch drink, it's perfect for any brunch party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Prepping deviled eggs for a party? Don't make these egg mistakes!
Sweet Onion Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs
For my mother's 92nd birthday, we had pimiento cheese deviled eggs as part of the spread. They’re timeless and always in good taste. —Linda Foreman, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Give all those leftover Easter eggs a flavor upgrade. Grilling these smoked deviled eggs gives them a distinctive taste that will have everyone talking. —Catherine Woods, Lexington, Missouri By the way, these are the best ways to boil eggs.
Pressure-Cooker Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs
Easter isn't complete without deviled eggs. I like to experiment with my recipes, and was pleasantly surprised with how the fresh dill really perked up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers. —Kami Horch, Frankfort, Maine
Skull Deviled Eggs
Thrill partygoers with these bone-chilling deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a Halloween version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slim Asian Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Best Deviled Eggs
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Bourbon Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs
At our house, it doesn’t get any better than deviled eggs with bacon—bourbon candied bacon, that is. See if you can resist them. We can’t. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia Have you ever seen bumps on your eggs? Here's what it means.
Slim Buffalo Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Roasted Garlic Deviled Eggs
I love incorporating new flavors into old classics, and these garlic deviled eggs were a big hit! The garlic can be roasted and the eggs can be hard-boiled up to three days in advance. The egg yolk filling can be made the night before. —Ellen Weaver, Denver, Colorado
Spinach Deviled Eggs
Spinach adds unexpected color and flavor to this tasty variation on deviled eggs. They're easy to make and are an attractive addition to a party spread. —Dorothy Sander of Evansville, Indiana
Slim Guacamole Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
People say, "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful, tangy horseradish deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied whenever I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
Santa Deviled Eggs
I love creating special deviled eggs for parties. These little Santas are easier to make than they look, and everyone raves over them. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Slim Italian Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for a cold finger food, try these deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and are an easy contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Greek Deviled Eggs
Want a zippy update on the classic deviled egg? Tomatoes, olives and a dash of yogurt turn this Greek version into a party favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slim Curried Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Makeover Deviled Eggs
This updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen ]
Slim Crab Cake Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
Flaky salmon and creamy sauce go so well over hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the sauce or serve it on the side; it's great either way. —Marinela Dragan, Portland, Oregon
Creamy Herb Deviled Eggs
This variation of deviled eggs incorporates ranch dressing and Greek-style yogurt. The eggs fly from the serving dish at work. —Jenni Dise, Lakeside, Arizona
Deviled Eggs with Bacon
These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for holiday dinners, too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma
Slim Deviled Eggs with Herbs
If you need to make an appetizer in a cinch, try this easy finger food recipe. These deviled eggs are simple and easy to make, so they're perfect for any gathering or party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs
In my family, Easter isn't complete without deviled eggs. Fresh dill and garlic perk up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers you'll want to eat on every occasion. —Kami Horch, Calais, Maine
Slim Chutney Deviled Eggs
A fun twist on a classic finger food, these chutney deviled eggs are easy, delicious, and make a popular contribution to any gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Slim Greek Deviled Eggs
When you're in the mood for some good finger food, try this sinfully delicious variation on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to make and a popular contribution to any potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mexican Deviled Eggs
With two young children, my husband and I live on a beautiful lake and host lots of summer picnics and cookouts. I adapted this recipe to suit our tastes. Folks who are expecting the same old deviled eggs are surprised when they try this delightful tangy variation. —Susan Klemm, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Bacon-Cheddar Deviled Eggs
I created this recipe a few years ago when I was craving something different to do with hard-boiled eggs. Three of my favorite foods—bacon, eggs and cheese—come together in these deviled eggs. They're my go-to party snack. —Laura LeMay, Deerfield Beach, Florida
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
