Southern-Style Deviled Eggs

These southern-style deviled eggs are a timeless favorite — creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned with a touch of sweet pickle relish. They’re ideal for picnics, brunches, or as part of a charcuterie board.

The filling gets its classic southern flavor from mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet relish. For an extra pop, try spicy chopped sweet pickles like Wickles or Bubbies. Garnish them simply with paprika or pimiento strips for an attractive presentation.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Classic Southern flavor profile. Sweet pickle relish is the signature Southern touch—it adds sweetness, crunch, and that distinct tang many deviled egg lovers look for. Mustard and optional hot sauce round out the flavors, making each bite balanced and satisfying.
• Creamy, customizable texture. The filling uses just enough mayonnaise to become smooth and pipeable without feeling heavy. You can easily adjust the texture to your liking by adding more mayo or mashing the yolks more finely.
• Perfect for any gathering. These deviled eggs work for casual cookouts, holiday spreads, game day parties, and even simple weekday lunches. They’re familiar, comforting, and consistently popular with guests.
• Make-ahead friendly. The eggs can be cooked and peeled in advance, and the filling holds well in the refrigerator. That makes this recipe convenient for hosting or for prepping snacks throughout the week.
• Simple, approachable ingredients. With pantry staples like mustard, relish, and mayonnaise, this recipe doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s reliable and easy to scale for larger groups.

Ingredient Notes

• Eggs – Large eggs work best for consistent cooking and ample yolk volume. Older eggs peel more easily than very fresh ones, making them ideal for deviled eggs.
• Mayonnaise – Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy filling. Duke’s, Hellmann’s, or another full-fat brand gives the most classic flavor.
• Dijon mustard – Provides tang and depth. Yellow mustard can be substituted for a more traditional Southern flavor or a milder taste.
• Sweet pickle relish – Essential for classic Southern deviled eggs. It adds sweetness, acidity, and small bursts of texture.
• Hot sauce or cayenne – Optional, but a tiny dash adds warmth without making the eggs noticeably spicy.
• Paprika – Used mainly for color and a mild smoky sweetness. Regular paprika works well, but you can use smoked paprika if you prefer a deeper aroma.
• Pimiento strips – A traditional garnish in some regions. They add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.

Steps to Make Southern-Style Deviled Eggs

1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water so they cook evenly and don’t crack as the temperature rises.
2. Bring the water to a full boil, then remove the pot from the heat and let the eggs rest in the hot water. This gentle finishing method prevents overcooking and avoids the green ring around the yolks.
3. Transfer the eggs to cold water to stop the cooking and make peeling easier. Peel once they’re cool enough to handle.
4. Halve six eggs lengthwise and place the yolks in a bowl along with one whole egg, which helps stretch the filling and gives it a smoother texture.
5. Mash the yolks until mostly smooth, then add mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and optional hot sauce. Adjust the mayo to achieve your preferred creaminess.
6. Taste and season the filling with salt and pepper, ensuring the flavors are balanced and bright.
7. Use a small scoop or spoon to fill the egg white halves, mounding the mixture slightly so each bite feels generous.
8. Garnish with paprika or pimiento strips for color and a classic finishing touch.

Pro Tips

• Use older eggs for easier peeling; very fresh eggs cling stubbornly to their shells.
• Mash thoroughly so the filling is smooth and pipes cleanly if using a pastry bag or scoop.
• Dry the egg whites lightly with a paper towel before filling so the mixture adheres better.
• Season to taste after adding the relish, as it contributes both sweetness and acidity.
• Chill before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the filling to firm slightly.

Recipe Variations

• traditional Southern flavor with a slightly sweeter, mellower tang.
• Smoky paprika eggs. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling for depth and top with smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Bacon and chive deviled eggs. Fold in finely crumbled cooked bacon and minced chives for a hearty, savory variation that pairs well with grilled meats.
• Spicy deviled eggs. Increase the cayenne or hot sauce, or stir in a drop of sriracha for a spicy twist that still keeps the original flavor profile intact.
• Dill and pickle version. Add chopped dill pickles and a bit of fresh dill for a sharper, herb-forward variation.

How to Serve Deviled Eggs

• Serve on a platter with leafy greens or in a deviled egg tray to keep them stable and visually appealing.
• Add them to a Southern-style spread with ham, potato salad, cornbread, or fried chicken.
• Pair with grilled meats or barbecue, where their creamy texture balances smoky flavors.
• Choose to garnish with extra relish, pimiento strips, or chives for a colorful finishing touch.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftover deviled eggs in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them chilled until serving, as filled eggs are perishable and lose quality if left out too long.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended because egg whites become watery and rubbery when thawed.
• Reheat: Not applicable, as deviled eggs should always be served chilled or at room temperature only briefly.