Southern Deviled Eggs

Name: Southern Deviled Eggs
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 12 large hard-boiled eggs; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon vinegar-based hot sauce (such as Louisiana or Crystal); 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon celery salt; Salt (to taste); Cracked black pepper (to taste); Smoked paprika and freshly chopped chives (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Southern deviled eggs are a classic appetizer with a creamy, tangy filling you will want to make for every holiday and potluck. This easy-to-make recipe is a crowd favorite and the flavors are fantastic!

Growing up, deviled eggs and banana pudding were the two dishes I looked forward to most every Easter. My Grandma made some dang good deviled eggs with lots of sweet relish, just how I like them.

Deviled eggs are a staple here in the south. Every cook will tell you their recipe is the best, and yes, I'm one of those cooks. These savory, creamy deviled eggs with the perfect touch of sweetness really are the best - trust me!

For more tasty Easter recipes, check out our Carrot Cake Loaf and Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipes next!

Southern deviled eggs arranged on a silver platter.

What Are Deviled Eggs?

Deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs that are peeled, sliced in half, and stuffed with a creamy filling made with the removed egg yolks and other ingredients like mayonnaise and relish.

Deviled eggs have been particularly popular in the southern US since the early 1900s and are a go-to appetizer for holiday parties and gatherings.

Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe

Measurements and detailed instructions are in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Boiled eggs. A must-have ingredient for deviled eggs! Make sure you do not overcook your eggs. See the FAQs for my tips!
Mayonnaise. To create the creamy filling. Any southerner will tell you Duke's mayonnaise is a must and they aren't lying! Duke's has a delicious balance of creaminess and tanginess that is unmatched.
Sweet pickle relish. For the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch.
Yellow mustard. For acidity and a peppery bite.
Dijon mustard. For added tanginess and spice.
Hot sauce. For a hint of vinegar-based heat that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Worcestershire sauce. For a hint of delicious savory umami flavor.
Onion powder, celery salt, salt, and black pepper. To season the filling.
Smoked paprika and chopped chives. For garnish.

Ingredients for making southern deviled eggs arranged on a wooden cutting board.

How To Make This Recipe

Run hard-boiled eggs under cold water, carefully remove the peels, and rinse them under cold water once more to remove any bits of shell. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.
Scoop the egg yolks out of each egg into a medium mixing bowl. Place the egg whites on a plate or serving platter.
Add the mayonnaise, sweet relish, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, celery salt, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the egg yolks. Mix the ingredients with a fork, smashing the yolks while mixing, until creamy and mostly smooth.
Fill each egg white with the egg yolk mixture using a spoon. Chill the deviled eggs in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Sprinkle smoked paprika and fresh chopped chives on top before serving.

Hard boiled eggs sliced in half sitting on a white surface. — sliced hard-boiled eggs

Ingredients for deviled egg filling in a glass bowl. — sliced hard-boiled eggs

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to make this deviled egg recipe your own by trying out some of the following ingredients in the filling:

Dill pickle relish or cubes
Fresh dill
Jalapenos
Bacon
Shredded cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Avocado
Ranch dressing
Shrimp
Smoked salmon
Crab

Can I Make Deviled Eggs Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Deviled eggs can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Leftover deviled eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Southern deviled eggs on a silver serving platter.

More FAQs

How long do I boil eggs for deviled eggs?

To get perfect hard-boiled eggs, place cold eggs in a pot in a single layer and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring the eggs to a rolling boil, remove the pot from the heat, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.

Do boiled eggs need to cool before making deviled eggs?

Yes. Allow the boiled eggs to cool completely before slicing and scooping out the yolks.

What is the easiest way to peel boiled eggs?

To easily peel boiled eggs, place the boiled eggs in an ice water bath and start peeling at the large end. Crack the shell at the large end and gently peel away the shell. You can also use a spoon to help remove the shell.