Southern Bacon Deviled Eggs

Elevate southern deviled eggs with crispy bacon to make these tasty bites the star of any show! Southern bacon deviled eggs are filled with a delicious creamy filling, topped with crisp bacon, drizzled in a "secret" sauce!

If you love deviled eggs as much as I do, you certainly have to try these other deviled egg recipes next: bacon jalapeño deviled eggs, smoked salmon deviled eggs, cajun shrimp deviled eggs and crab deviled eggs.

It is no secret I love putting a fun (and tasty) twist on traditional recipes. This bacon deviled egg recipe does not fall far from this notion. With that said, I am always eager to find new pairings and toppings to elevate the ever-so-popular, deviled eggs!

If you love deviled eggs and a lover of crispy, salty and smoky flavors? This recipe is for you and will be perfect to share at an event or for entertaining guests at home. These bacon deviled eggs provide a breakfast and brunch feel and can be prepared in well under thirty minutes.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BACON DEVILED EGGS RECIPE

• Quick, easy and looks fancy. As mentioned, this recipe can be prepared in under thirty minutes. Not only is this recipe beginner friendly, once plated, it looks fancy and impressive!
• Can be prepared ahead of time. These tasty apps are perfect to prepare ahead of time. Simply prepare the deviled egg recipe and garnish when you are ready to serve.
• Appetizer for potlucks and parties. It is no secret, most of your guests (especially southerners) will expect deviled eggs. Not only are these delicious, but they are also a great conversation piece since there's a new and improved ingredient (and secret topping).
• Perfect pairing for any cuisine. This recipe pairs well with just about anything. Breakfast, brunch, tailgates, baby showers, BBQ's, cocktail parties, and more!

WHY IS IT CALLED A DEVILED EGG?

This popular bite has deep southern roots in the US and has held its popular name for years. The "deviled" portion of deviled eggs is the creamy egg mixture.

The "deviled" mixture normally consists of mayonnaise, paprika and some form of of a spicy element hence the term deviled. This phrase dates back to the 18th century Oxford English which references a boiled dish that is highly seasoned. And trust me, this dish does not skip out on flavor.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

As mentioned earlier, this recipe is beginner friendly with approachable, household ingredients.

1. Eggs. The recipe calls for a half dozen that will make 12 deviled eggs.
2. Mayonnaise. Provides the creamy element we all know. Blue Plate, Duke's or Hellman's is my favorite and well known in the southern community.
3. Sweet Cubes or Sweet Relish. Depending on what I can get access to, I prefer sweet cubes now in deviled egg recipes as it's easier to drain the access liquid. Use what you have on hand as sweet relish works fine too.
4. Lemon Juice. This ingredient is optional but I find that adding just a dash of lemon juice helps to marry the flavors.
5. Yellow Mustard. Provided a slight tartness that pairs well with the bacon.
6. Salt and Pepper. To taste of course, it is important to note since this recipe has bacon that produces quite a bit of salt, be mindful to start with just a dash and season to taste!
7. Paprika. Provides the perfect amount of smokiness to accompany the bacon!
8. Sugar. Hear me out, just a dash. My Grandma always added a dash of sugar to most of her dishes, similar to the lemon juice, this secret ingredient helps to bring the flavors together and balances the sweet and savory flavors.
9. Hot Sauce. As you know, southerners put this on everything!
10. Chives. Fresh is best and will be used as a garnish and topping.
11. Bacon. You will need bacon bits and "real" bacon. I will discuss why further below but after testing this recipe, trust me on this note.
12. Balsamic Glaze. This ingredient is optional but highly encouraged. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the bacon and additional ingredients.

HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN BACON DEVILED EGGS

Here's how to prepare southern bacon deviled eggs.

PERFECT HARD-BOILED EGGS

Gently place your eggs in a shallow pot and fill it with water just covering the eggs. Turn heat on medium/high heat and once the eggs begin to boil, turn off heat and cover for 15-20 minutes.

Peel the eggs and slice them in half horizontal and in a medium sized bowl, add egg yolks. Place halved egg whites on paper towels to dry.

PREPARE THE BACON

While the eggs are cooking, now is a good time to prepare the bacon. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and place the sliced bacon on a lined baking sheet. Bake the bacon for 12 minutes until cooked through and crispy.

When the bacon is cooked through and crispy, slice or tear into pieces small enough to use for the topping of the bacon deviled eggs as shown in the picture below.

BACON DEVILED EGG MIXTURE

While the bacon is baking, prepare the remaining ingredients by adding the yolks to a bowl. Next, add the mayo, sweet cubes or relish, lemon juice, salt and pepper, sugar and bacon bits.

Stir the ingredients until combined and check for desired consistency. For a stiff filling, add less mayonnaise, for a "runny" filling, add more mayo or lemon juice. Taste test and adjust seasonings to taste. Set aside.

SCOOP AND SERVE

Scoop egg mixture evenly into the halved egg white cups. Garnish the bacon deviled eggs with bacon bits, drizzled balsamic glaze and one bacon piece per egg cup. Finally, garnish with fresh chives, and enjoy!

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Purchase store bought balsamic glaze to cute time in half. You can also read how easily it is to prepare in this recipe post here.
• For easier peeling, place boiled eggs in an ice bath for five minutes before removing the shells.
• You can slice the hard-boiled eggs in half horizontally instead of the typical vertical for an elevated presentation. Be sure to slightly trim the bottom of the eggs so that they stand firm (and will not wobble).
• If serving for an event or party, garnish with balsamic glaze right before serving. If done any sooner, the sauce will begin to bleed.

CAN I MAKE DEVILED EGGS THE NIGHT BEFORE?

Yes. You can boil the eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will save you some prep time.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

If you plan to have leftovers, you should reserve the egg yolk filling and egg whites separately in the fridge. Wrap the egg whites in plastic wrap and place the filling in an air-tight container. This will keep the deviled eggs moist. Leftovers will last up to 2 days in the fridge.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SOUTHERN BACON DEVILED EGGS RECIPE!

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