BLT Deviled Eggs: The Perfect Appetizer Recipe
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer, perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays. But why stick to the same old recipe when you can elevate this dish to a whole new level? Enter: BLT Deviled Eggs! These aren’t your grandma’s deviled eggs. We’re talking creamy, tangy filling topped with crispy bacon, juicy tomato, and fresh lettuce. It’s a BLT sandwich in deviled egg form, and it’s absolutely delicious. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guarantees a crowd-pleasing snack that will disappear in minutes.
## Why You’ll Love This BLT Deviled Eggs Recipe
* **Familiar Flavors, Elevated:** Combines the comforting flavors of a BLT with the classic appeal of deviled eggs.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Ideal for parties, potlucks, holidays, or even a quick and satisfying snack.
* **Easy to Make:** Requires minimal cooking and assembly, making it a stress-free recipe.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of the bacon, tomato, and lettuce make these deviled eggs a stunning addition to any table.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients. Quality ingredients will make all the difference in the final flavor of your BLT deviled eggs.
* **Eggs:** 12 large eggs. Choose fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture. Older eggs might be harder to peel.
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices of bacon. Use your favorite type of bacon – thick-cut, hickory-smoked, or even maple-flavored bacon will work great. Cook until crispy!
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup. Full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor and creaminess. You can also use light mayo if you prefer, but the flavor might be slightly different.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor. You can substitute with yellow mustard if needed, but Dijon is recommended for a richer taste.
* **Celery Seed:** 1/4 teaspoon. Celery seed adds a subtle savory note. If you don’t have celery seed, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of celery salt.
* **Hot Sauce:** A few dashes (optional). Hot sauce adds a touch of heat. Use your favorite brand – Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or even sriracha will work well.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 1 cup, halved or quartered. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. Use grape tomatoes as a substitute.
* **Lettuce:** 1/2 cup, shredded. Use crisp lettuce like romaine or iceberg lettuce. Make sure the lettuce is dry before adding it to the eggs to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh chives, paprika, or a sprinkle of bacon bits for extra flair.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect BLT Deviled Eggs
Follow these detailed instructions to create deviled eggs that will impress your guests.
### Step 1: Hard-Boil the Eggs
The foundation of any good deviled egg is perfectly hard-boiled eggs. Here’s how to achieve them every time:
1. **Place the Eggs in a Pot:** Gently place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan. Make sure they are not overcrowded.
2. **Add Cold Water:** Cover the eggs with at least 1 inch of cold water. The cold water helps the eggs cook evenly.
3. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat.
4. **Turn off Heat and Cover:** Once the water reaches a boil, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the eggs sit for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your eggs and your desired level of doneness. 12 minutes for softer yolks and 15 minutes for firmer yolks.
5. **Ice Bath:** After 12-15 minutes, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water). This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.
### Step 2: Peel the Eggs
Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be tricky, but here are a few tips to make it easier:
1. **Tap and Roll:** Gently tap the egg all over on a hard surface to create cracks in the shell. Then, gently roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell.
2. **Peel Under Cold Water:** Peel the egg under cold running water. The water helps to separate the shell from the egg.
3. **Start at the Wider End:** Start peeling from the wider end of the egg, as there is usually an air pocket there.
4. **Rinse and Pat Dry:** Once peeled, rinse the eggs under cold water to remove any remaining shell fragments. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
### Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
Crispy bacon is a key component of BLT deviled eggs. Here’s how to cook it to perfection:
1. **Cook the Bacon:** Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. You can also bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
2. **Drain the Bacon:** Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Excess grease can make the deviled eggs greasy, so draining is important.
3. **Crumble the Bacon:** Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. You can use your hands or a knife to chop the bacon into small pieces. Leave a few larger pieces for garnish, if desired.
### Step 4: Make the Deviled Egg Filling
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps to create a creamy and flavorful filling:
1. **Halve the Eggs:** Carefully slice the peeled eggs in half lengthwise.
2. **Remove the Yolks:** Gently scoop out the yolks and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Place the egg white halves on a serving platter.
3. **Mash the Yolks:** Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the yolks until they are smooth and crumbly.
4. **Add the Ingredients:** Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery seed, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the mashed yolks.
5. **Mix Well:** Mix all the ingredients together until the filling is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
### Step 5: Assemble the Deviled Eggs
Now it’s time to put everything together and create those beautiful BLT deviled eggs:
1. **Fill the Egg Whites:** Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. You can also use a piping bag to pipe the filling into the egg whites for a more elegant presentation.
2. **Top with Bacon:** Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the filled egg halves.
3. **Add Tomatoes:** Top each deviled egg with a few pieces of halved or quartered cherry tomatoes.
4. **Add Lettuce:** Add a small amount of shredded lettuce to each deviled egg.
5. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or extra bacon bits, if desired.
### Step 6: Chill and Serve
Chilling the deviled eggs before serving allows the flavors to meld together and makes them even more refreshing.
1. **Chill:** Cover the deviled eggs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can chill them for up to 2 hours.
2. **Serve:** Arrange the BLT deviled eggs on a serving platter and serve chilled. These are best enjoyed fresh, so try to serve them within a few hours of assembly.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Deviled Eggs
* **Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs:** For easy peeling, add a tablespoon of vinegar or baking soda to the water when boiling the eggs. This can help loosen the shell.
* **Creamy Filling:** Use high-quality mayonnaise for the creamiest and most flavorful filling.
* **Crispy Bacon:** Cook the bacon until it is extra crispy to provide a satisfying crunch.
* **Fresh Ingredients:** Use fresh, high-quality tomatoes and lettuce for the best flavor.
* **Make Ahead:** You can hard-boil the eggs and cook the bacon a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
* **Presentation Matters:** Use a piping bag to fill the egg whites for a more polished look.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
* **Prevent Soggy Lettuce:** Pat the shredded lettuce dry with a paper towel before adding it to the deviled eggs to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the egg whites, as this can make the deviled eggs difficult to handle.
* **Storage:** Store leftover deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt slightly over time.
## Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas:
* **Avocado BLT Deviled Eggs:** Add mashed avocado to the yolk mixture for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Spicy BLT Deviled Eggs:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the yolk mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Chipotle BLT Deviled Eggs:** Add a tablespoon of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped) to the yolk mixture for a smoky and spicy flavor.
* **Turkey Bacon:** Substitute pork bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
* **Different Lettuce:** Use different types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or spinach, for variety.
* **Different Tomatoes:** Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
* **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese or crumbled blue cheese on top of the deviled eggs for added flavor.
* **Vegan BLT Deviled Eggs:** Use vegan mayonnaise and vegan bacon alternatives to make a vegan version of this recipe.
## Serving Suggestions
BLT deviled eggs are a versatile appetizer that can be served in many ways:
* **Party Appetizer:** Serve them on a platter at your next party or gathering.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring them to a potluck and watch them disappear quickly.
* **Holiday Appetizer:** Include them in your holiday appetizer spread.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a satisfying and flavorful snack.
* **Picnic:** Pack them in a cooler for a picnic in the park.
* **Brunch:** Serve them as part of a brunch spread.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** Approximately 80-100 calories per deviled egg (depending on ingredients used).
* **Fat:** 6-8 grams
* **Protein:** 4-5 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 1-2 grams
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Q: How long do deviled eggs last in the refrigerator?**
* A: Deviled eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the lettuce may wilt slightly over time.
* **Q: Can I make deviled eggs ahead of time?**
* A: Yes, you can hard-boil the eggs and cook the bacon a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the deviled eggs a few hours before serving for the best results.
* **Q: How can I prevent the deviled eggs from sliding on the platter?**
* A: Place a small piece of lettuce or a thin slice of cucumber under each deviled egg to prevent them from sliding.
* **Q: Can I freeze deviled eggs?**
* A: Freezing deviled eggs is not recommended, as the texture of the filling and egg whites can change and become watery.
* **Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the filling?**
* A: You can use Greek yogurt or avocado as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, but the flavor will be different.
* **Q: How can I make the filling smoother?**
* A: Use a food processor or an immersion blender to blend the yolk mixture until it is completely smooth.
## BLT Deviled Eggs Recipe
Here is the complete recipe card for these delicious BLT deviled eggs:
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 10 minutes
**Servings:** 24 deviled eggs (12 servings)
**Ingredients:**
* 12 large eggs
* 6-8 slices of bacon
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
* A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
* Optional garnishes: fresh chives, paprika, or bacon bits
**Instructions:**
1. **Hard-Boil the Eggs:** Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 12-15 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath.
2. **Peel the Eggs:** Peel eggs under cold running water, starting at the wider end.
3. **Cook the Bacon:** Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
4. **Make the Filling:** Slice eggs in half lengthwise, remove yolks, and place in a bowl. Mash yolks with a fork. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery seed, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. **Assemble the Deviled Eggs:** Spoon yolk mixture into egg white halves. Top with crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Garnish if desired.
6. **Chill and Serve:** Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious BLT deviled eggs! They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!