- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
- 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (adds tang + creaminess)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2–4 drops hot sauce (like Tabasco or Cholula)—start low, go slow
- Optional garnishes:
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Chopped chives or dill
- Crumbled bacon
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Dill pickle relish or capers
💡 Pro Tips from the Stewart Method:
- Use eggs that are 7–10 days old—they peel more easily than super-fresh ones.
- Shock in ice water after boiling—stops cooking and prevents gray yolks.
- Pipe or spoon gently—texture matters as much as taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Silky, Spicy, Foolproof)
1. Boil & Peel Perfect Eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with 1 inch cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit 10–12 minutes.
- Transfer to ice water bath for 15 minutes. Peel under cool running water.
2. Halve & Yolk Prep
- Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Pop yolks into a bowl; place whites on a serving tray.
3. Make the Filling
- Mash yolks with a fork until fine.
- Add mayo, yogurt, Dijon, vinegar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Mix until completely smooth—no lumps! (A hand mixer or food processor works wonders.)
4. Fill & Garnish
- Spoon or pipe filling into egg whites.
- Dust with paprika and top with fresh herbs or your favorite garnish.
5. Chill (If You Can Wait!)
- Refrigerate 15–30 minutes to firm up—but honestly? They’re amazing warm or cold.
Martha’s Secret (and How to Make It Yours)
Martha’s magic lies in balance:
- Acid (vinegar) cuts richness
- Fat (mayo + yogurt) creates silkiness
- Heat (hot sauce) wakes up the palate
- Salt ties it all together
🌟 Want to level up? Add ½ tsp horseradish for a sinus-clearing zing, or a pinch of celery seed for old-school deli flair.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Boil eggs up to 3 days ahead—store unpeeled in fridge.
- Filling keeps 2 days in an airtight container.
- Assemble day-of for best texture.
- Freezing? No—deviled eggs don’t freeze well.
Kid-Approved Variations (Because Tiny Dreamers Demand Options)
- “Cheesy”: Mix in 1 tbsp grated sharp cheddar
- “Sweet & Spicy”: Add a drop of honey + extra hot sauce
- “Ranch Style”: Swap Dijon for ranch seasoning
- “Pizza Eggs”: Top with mini pepperoni and mozzarella
The Bottom Line
Deviled eggs may seem simple—but great ones are an act of care. And Martha’s version? It’s the gold standard for a reason: creamy without being gloppy, spicy without overwhelming, rich without guilt.
So boil those eggs, whip that filling, and watch your kids’ faces light up all over again. Because in a world full of snacks, a perfect deviled egg still feels like a little miracle.
“Happiness is a tray of deviled eggs—and knowing there’s more in the fridge.” 🥚✨