Follow these simple instructions to create perfect, creamy, and flavorful Southern-Style Deviled Eggs every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs for Boiling

Gently place the large eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan. Ensure the eggs are not cracked before you begin. Cover the eggs completely with cold water – the water level should be about an inch above the eggs. Adding a teaspoon of salt to the water is optional but can help prevent cracking and make peeling easier.

Step 2: Boil the Eggs to Perfection

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the pan from the heat, cover it tightly with a lid, and let it sit for exactly 12-14 minutes for perfectly hard-boiled eggs. This “hot start” method helps prevent rubbery egg whites and overcooked yolks. The timing is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. For softer yolks, reduce the time slightly, for firmer yolks, increase slightly, but 12-14 minutes is generally perfect.

Step 3: Ice Bath Shock for Easy Peeling

While the eggs are sitting in the hot water, prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the 12-14 minutes are up, carefully transfer the hot eggs from the saucepan to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. Let the eggs cool completely in the ice bath for at least 15-20 minutes. This rapid cooling process helps to shrink the egg whites slightly, making the shells much easier to peel.

Step 4: Peel the Eggs with Ease

Once the eggs are thoroughly chilled, gently tap each egg all over on a hard surface to crack the shell. Start peeling under cool running water. The water helps to get under the shell and separate it from the egg white. Peel carefully, trying to remove the shell in large pieces if possible. If you find a stubborn spot, gently work around it with your fingers. Perfectly peeled eggs are essential for beautiful deviled eggs.

Step 5: Slice and Separate the Yolks

After peeling all the eggs, pat them dry with a paper towel. Carefully slice each egg lengthwise in half. Gently remove the yolks from each egg half using a small spoon or your fingers, and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves neatly on a serving platter or a plate.

Step 6: Mash and Cream the Yolks

Using a fork, mash the egg yolks in the mixing bowl until they are completely smooth and crumb-free. This is an important step for a creamy filling. Ensure there are no large lumps of yolk remaining.

Step 7: Add the Flavorful Ingredients

To the mashed yolks, add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Start with the amounts listed in the ingredient section and adjust to your taste later.

Step 8: Mix Until Creamy and Smooth

Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until the yolk mixture is perfectly smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more mayonnaise for creaminess, mustard for tang, relish for sweetness, or salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9: Fill the Egg White Halves

There are several ways to fill the egg white halves. The simplest method is to use a spoon to scoop the yolk mixture and fill each egg white cavity generously. For a more elegant presentation, you can transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (like a star tip). Pipe the filling into each egg white half for a professional look. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once all the egg white halves are filled, garnish each deviled egg with a sprinkle of paprika. This adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky flavor. You can also get creative with garnishes! A tiny sprig of fresh parsley, a thinly sliced green onion, or a small piece of pimiento pepper can add visual appeal. Arrange the finished Southern-Style Deviled Eggs on a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the eggs to firm up slightly. Serve chilled and enjoy!