Introduction
You know the classic deviled egg, but this version with creamy avocado and smoky bacon takes it to a whole new level. It’s a perfect blend of rich, tangy, and savory flavors that makes it an irresistible party appetizer or snack. The simple addition of smoked paprika on top adds the final, beautiful touch.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes boiling & cooling eggs)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 deviled egg halves
Ingredients
- 6 eggs ((hard-boiled and peeled))
- 1 avocado ((cut in half and pitted))
- 1 tablespoon lime juice ((fresh squeezed))
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ((or to taste))
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ((or to taste))
- 3 slices bacon ((cooked, 2 finely chopped, 1 roughly chopped))
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Slice your hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Arrange the empty egg white halves on a serving plate.
- To the bowl with the yolks, add the avocado, lime juice, dried cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until completely combined and smooth.
- Stir in the 2 slices of finely chopped bacon until evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Spoon or pipe the avocado-egg yolk mixture back into the cavities of the egg white halves, dividing it evenly.
- Garnish each deviled egg with a light sprinkle of smoked paprika and a few pieces of the roughly chopped bacon slice. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling and store it separately in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface. Fill the whites just before serving.
- Smooth Filling: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend the yolk-avocado mixture in a small food processor.
- Presentation Twist: Use a piping bag with a star tip for a fancy, restaurant-style look.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mix before piping.
Tips for Success
- For easy-to-peel eggs, use eggs that are a week or two old and shock them in an ice bath immediately after boiling.
- To prevent the avocado from browning, ensure the lime juice is thoroughly mixed in and assemble close to serving time.
- Cook your bacon until very crisp so it stays crunchy and provides good texture in the filling and garnish.
- Taste the filling before piping and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The avocado will oxidize and darken over time, so these are best enjoyed fresh. Deviled eggs are not meant to be reheated and should be served chilled.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro for the dried.
How do I get perfectly hard-boiled eggs?
Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan, cover with an inch of cold water, bring to a rolling boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes before transferring to an ice bath.
Why is my filling turning brown?
This is the avocado oxidizing. Using fresh lime juice helps slow it, but it’s the main reason this recipe is best made and served the same day.
Can I make these completely ahead of time?
It’s not recommended due to the avocado. For best results, prepare components (cooked bacon, boiled eggs, mixed filling) separately and assemble within an hour of serving.
What if my filling is too runny?
This can happen if the avocado is very ripe. You can thicken it by adding an extra mashed egg yolk or a small sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?
Regular sweet paprika will work for color, but you’ll lose the distinctive smoky flavor that complements the bacon so well.
