Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

Full of flavor, these southwest deviled eggs are a fun twist on a favorite. Another bonus: You can add so much variety with the toppings!

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: Deviled eggs are always a hit and these south-of-the-border eggs are unique and tasty.

How long it takes: 30 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, small mixing bowl, piping bag or ziptop bag
Servings: makes 24 appetizers

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (1)

Table of Contents close

  • 1 Recipe Overview
  • 2 About This Recipe
  • 3 What You’ll Need
  • 4 How To Make This Recipe
  • 5 Topping Ideas
  • 6 FAQs
  • 7 Make It Your Own
  • 8 Storage Tips
  • 9 More Appetizer Ideas
  • 10 Get the Recipe: Southwestern Deviled Eggs

Imagine with me. You get invited to a party or barbecue cookout and the host asks you to bring an appetizer. You consider bringing deviled eggs. Everyone loves them but they seem a little dull. The usual. Ho-hum.

(Truthfully, I actually do love good ol’ traditional deviled eggs but sometimes it’s fun to kick things up a notch, right?)

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2)

The solution? Southwest deviled eggs! They’re easy to make, they’re a fun twist on a favorite, and they have toppings! You all know how I love toppings!

Toppings are always the best part, aren’t they? With these deviled eggs, you could easily do the same topping on each deviled egg but I love using a variety of toppings so everyone can grab one with their favorite little nugget of flavor on top.

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (3)

I’m partnering with Nellie’s® Free Range Eggs this year (remember the rhubarb Instant Pot cake?) and their eggs make the perfect deviled eggs.

I eat a lot of eggs (I’d consider myself an egg expert!), so I know there’s nothing better than the beautiful vibrant yellow-orange yolk of a free range egg. That’s important since the yolk plays such a prominent role in a deviled egg. And it’s not just the color, they taste better too!

Eggs play a starring role in lots of favorites, including French toast, quiche, and this yummy California breakfast wrap. What would eggnog be without eggs?

Nellie’s hens are all raised in a certified humane, free range environment. You won’t find any cages and the hens have access to the outdoors so they can peck, roam, and play in green grass. Their food is antibiotic-free and they have fresh water at all times. They’re the perfect eggs for these Southwestern deviled eggs, and everything else.

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (5)

About This Recipe

Traditionally, deviled eggs are made with mayonnaise and mustard. I lighten them up a bit by using a combination of mostly Greek yogurt, only a little mayonnaise, and spicy Dijon mustard.

When I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, I typically leave in a little of the mayonnaise. I find it smooths and mellows the flavor and also adds that familiar mayonnaise flavor that you’d expect. Try making this egg salad, replacing some of the mayo with Greek yogurt. So good and better for you, too!

However, these deviled eggs have a lot of great flavor in them from all the add-ins and spices so if you opt to use all Greek yogurt, they still taste fantastic.

I’ll get you started on the recipe here and give you lots of extra tips and ideas. As always, look for the printable recipe card near the end of the post with complete instructions, measurements, and nutrition information.

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (6)

What You’ll Need

  • Hard Boiled Eggs: Make boiled eggs in the Instant Pot if you have one. They peel so easily every time. It’s the only way I make hard boiled eggs. You’ll need a dozen eggs for this recipe.
  • Greek Yogurt: It doesn’t really matter whether you use nonfat, low fat, or full fat yogurt. Choose what you like best. Make sure it’s plain: unsweetened and unflavored.
  • Mayonnaise: Again, choose your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Salad dressing is not the same thing as mayonnaise and will impart a different flavor.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Finely shredded cheese works best in this recipe. If you’d rather use cotija or a Mexican blend, feel free to substitute it.
  • Cilantro: This fresh herb is ubiquitous in Mexican food. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good trade.
  • Green Onion (Scallion): For a mild onion flavor and a little bit of color.
  • Taco Seasoning: I like to use homemade taco seasoning but use what you like best. Chili powder or southwest spice blend are good substitutes.
  • Dijon Mustard: A good deviled egg always has mustard in it and Dijon gives it plenty of zippy flavor.

How To Make This Recipe

Once you’ve hard-boiled the eggs and peeled them, carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and put them into a medium sized mixing bowl. Lightly mash the egg yolks with a fork to break them up into small pieces.

Add the yogurt, mayonnaise, and mustard and gently mix the dressing into the egg yolks until the mixture is fairly smooth. If it’s looking a little dry (maybe your yolks were extra large), add a bit more yogurt or mayo.

Stir in the cheese, green onions, cilantro, and seasoning. You’re ready to fill the eggs!

There are a couple ways to do it. The non-fancy way is to just spoon a tablespoon of filling into each egg. That works but it’s kind of tricky to get it in the holes evenly. Try using a pastry/piping bag or a zip top bag with one corner snipped off. Put the filling in the bag and squeeze out a small amount into each egg. Isn’t that easy?!

Top each egg with the desired topping. Check out the list below for ideas!

Topping Ideas

  • Pickled red onion
  • Red onion, finely diced
  • Fresh jalapeño peppers, sliced
  • Pickledjalapeño
  • Cilantro ( a sprig or leaf)
  • Sliced grape or cherry tomatoes
  • Avocado – a small slice
  • Crisp bacon (make baked bacon)
  • Sliced green onion
  • Diced bell pepper
  • Chili powder (sprinkle a bit on top)
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FAQs

Why is it called deviled eggs?

In the 18th century, foods that were spicy were referred to as “deviled”. Since deviled eggs usually contain mustard or ground black pepper, they were considered spicy (Wikipedia). You may be familiar with deviled ham which is ground up ham mixed with spices like mustard and hot sauce.

What is another name for deviled eggs?

Depending on where you live, they may be called stuffed eggs, salad eggs, Russian eggs, or dressed eggs.

Are deviled eggs served warm or cold?

Deviled eggs should always be served well-chilled. If you are serving them as an appetizer at a party, remember that they shouldn’t sit out at room temperature more than two hours.

Make It Your Own

  • Mayonnaise/yogurt ratio: Use all yogurt or all mayonnaise or any combination for the filling. It’s totally up to you. Any type of plain Greek yogurt can be used, and any kind of mayonnaise.
  • Seasoning ideas: Substitute chili powder or southwest spice blend for the taco seasoning. Heat things up with a bit of hot sauce, if you like. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or mince up a bit of canned chipotle peppers to add.
  • Classic deviled eggs: If you don’t care for south-of-the-border eggs, omit the taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and cilantro. Substitute fresh dill, season with salt and pepper and top with a sprinkle of paprika (deviled eggs recipe).

Storage Tips

Store deviled eggs, ungarnished, in a covered container or wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to four days. They are best used within two days.

Note: If deviled eggs have been sitting out more than two hours, it’s probably best to discard them.

More Appetizer Ideas

English Muffin PizzasAir Fryer Zucchini Fries with Chili RanchThe Best Homemade MeatballsEasy Potato Skins (shortcut no-waste method!)

Browse All

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (12)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Southwestern Deviled Eggs

4.80 from 5 votes

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

24 servings

Print Rate Recipe

Full of flavor, these southwest deviled eggs are a fun twist on a favorite. Another bonus: You can add so much variety with the toppings!

Ingredients

  • 12 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (see note)
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons minced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (see note)

Instructions

  • Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out yolks and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Place whites on a serving platter.

  • Smash yolks with a fork until no large pieces remain. Add yogurt, mayonnaise, and mustard. If it seems very dry, add a little more yogurt and/or mayonnaise.

  • Add cheese, cilantro, green onion, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine. Place yolk mixture either in a piping bag or a zip-top bag and cut off the corner. Squeeze yolk mixture into egg whites.

  • Garnish as desired. Best served immediately. Makes 24 appetizers.

Notes

  • Any type of Greek yogurt may be used: nonfat, 2%, or full fat.
  • If desired, substitute chili powder or southwest spice blend for the taco seasoning.
  • Deviled eggs left out at room temperature more than 2 hours should be discarded.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 53kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 58mg, Potassium: 37mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 142IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 1mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

This content and recipe is in partnership with Nellie’s Free Range Eggs as one of their blogger ambassadors. I was compensated for my time but all opinions are, as always, my own. Thank you for supporting Rachel Cooks by reading about brands we use and love in our own home. Sponsored posts like these help me cover some of the expenses involvedwith keeping this site free for you to use!

Learn more about Nellie’s Free Range Eggs and get more recipes on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Southwestern Deviled Eggs Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

FAQs

Why do you add vinegar to deviled eggs? ›

A light-colored vinegar, like the white-wine vinegar we use in these creamy deviled eggs, brings a touch of acidity to the filling and balances the richness of the yolks and the mayonnaise.

What are deviled eggs called in the South? ›

At church functions in parts of the Southern and Midwestern United States, the terms "stuffed eggs", "salad eggs", and "dressed eggs" occur instead, to avoid reference to the word "devil". For this reason, the term "angel eggs" is also occasionally used.

Why do people put paprika on deviled eggs? ›

The paprika will determine the depth of flavor of each bite. You can garnish with any kind (hot or sweet Hungarian, or hot or sweet smoked), but the better the quality, the more complex the flavor.

What is the difference between angel eggs and deviled eggs? ›

A simple and delicious appetizer, this angel eggs recipe is everything you love from the classic with a nicer name. The only difference between angel eggs and deviled eggs is the name! The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, making it the perfect finger food option for parties, potlucks, and BBQs.

How do you make Paula Deen deviled eggs? ›

Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles and pimentos.

How do you get lumps out of deviled eggs? ›

The best part of deviled eggs is the creamy filling. And it's at its best when it's super smooth and free of lumps of whole egg yolk. Follow this tip: For a smooth, lump-free filling, use a fork or a potato masher to thoroughly break up the egg yolks before adding the other filling ingredients to the bowl.

What is a substitute for white vinegar in deviled eggs? ›

Dijon Mustard - Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute. Salt - Be sure to taste the yolk mixture to see if you need any additional salt before filling the eggs. Sweet Pickle Relish Juice- Relish juice is a good substitute for vinegar that many people use when making deviled eggs.

What do Christians call deviled eggs? ›

In some regions of the South and the Midwest, deviled eggs are also called salad or dressed eggs when they are served at a church function, to avoid the term "deviled." Deviled eggs have been a popular picnic offering as well as being a standard item in what has become known, especially in the South, as "funeral food."

What is a true deviled egg? ›

Deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs that have been peeled, cut in half, then stuffed with a paste made from the yolk and other ingredients. Basic deviled egg filling is made with egg yolks, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper. The eggs are often seasoned with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.

What are the funny names for deviled eggs? ›

One person explained that alternate names for deviled eggs are used in other parts of the U.S., including “stuffed eggs,” “salad eggs,” “dressed eggs,” and “angel eggs” for eggs with less fat and cholesterol.

What happens if you put too much mayo in deviled eggs? ›

One of the biggest mistakes you can make, according to Kitchn, is using too much mayonnaise. Too much mayo will seriously overpower the taste of the yolk and, at the same time, it'll also ruin the texture. Remember, the filling gets piped on, and if it's runny it'll be a lot harder to work with.

Why do my deviled eggs get watery after? ›

When eggs are cooked too quickly, over high heat, the protein seizes as it cools and water leeches out. To prevent this error, it is best to allow the eggs to cook slowly, shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process abruptly, and then allow them to cool completely before moving on to the next preparation step.

What seasoning does Gordon Ramsay use for eggs? ›

Remove from heat when eggs are clumpy, but soft. Season with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped chives.

What is deviled egg filling made of? ›

Deviled eggs are hard boiled eggs where the yolk is mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. The little sprinkle of paprika on top is the perfect finishing touch.

What makes a deviled egg a deviled egg? ›

What Are Deviled Eggs? Deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs that have been peeled, cut in half, then stuffed with a paste made from the yolk and other ingredients. Basic deviled egg filling is made with egg yolks, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper.

How do you boil eggs so they peel easily for deviled eggs? ›

Don't overcook eggs. I normally put them in cold water, bring them up to a boil, then pull them off the range, cover them with a lid, and let them sit for 15 minutes. Then, plunge them in cold water until they are cooled, and peel them immediately.

What is the best method for boiling eggs for deviled eggs? ›

Instructions
  1. Place your eggs in a single layer on the bottom of your pot and cover with cold water. ...
  2. Over high heat, bring your eggs to a rolling boil.
  3. Remove from heat and let stand in water for 10-12 minutes for large eggs. ...
  4. Drain water and immediately run cold water over eggs until cooled.

References

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