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Best Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs with Crispy Bacon

Thanksgiving deviled eggs with crispy bacon - featured image

These aren’t just any deviled eggs. They are the ones people will hover around at the appetizer table, reaching over each other’s shoulders for just one more. This recipe is a love letter to Aunt Jo’s kitchen, combining creamy, tangy filling, salty bacon crunch, and a hint of warmth from smoked paprika.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle brine (from dill pickles)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives for garnish (finely chopped, optional)

Instructions

  1. Hard-boil the eggs: Place eggs in a single layer in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately cover the pot, remove from heat, and let sit for exactly 12 minutes. While they cook, prepare an ice bath. After 12 minutes, transfer eggs to the ice bath and let cool completely—about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the bacon: While eggs cool, cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Lay strips in without overlapping, cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into small pieces. Set aside 2 tablespoons for garnish.
  3. Peel the eggs: Gently tap each egg on the counter to crack the shell all over, then roll between palms to loosen. Start peeling from the wider end. Rinse stubborn shell fragments under cold running water. Pat peeled eggs dry with paper towels.
  4. Halve the eggs: Using a sharp knife, slice each egg lengthwise. Wipe knife clean between cuts. Gently pop out yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Arrange white halves on serving platter, cut-side up.
  5. Make the filling: Using a fork, mash yolks until they resemble fine crumbs. Add mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle brine, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Fill the eggs: Transfer yolk mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe filling into each egg white half, dividing evenly.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon bits over filled eggs. Finish with a light dusting of smoked paprika and a scattering of fresh chives. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.

Notes

For best results, use eggs that are at least a week old for easier peeling. Boil and peel eggs the night before to save time on Thanksgiving. Keep filling and whites separate until just before serving for freshest presentation. Store bacon separately if prepping a day ahead to maintain crunch. Do not freeze deviled eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: deviled eggs, Thanksgiving appetizer, bacon deviled eggs, holiday appetizer, easy deviled eggs, smoked paprika deviled eggs