Is it better to make deviled eggs the day before or day of?

Deviled eggs can be prepared ahead, with the egg whites and egg yolk filling stored separately, but are best assembled on the day of serving.

How many deviled eggs should I make per person?

If you're serving deviled eggs as an appetizer, aim for two to three per person. If serving as one component of a light meal, you may need more.

How do you prevent hard-cooked eggs from having a yolk with a greenish tint?

For perfectly hard-cooked eggs (without that greenish hue), use fresh eggs, cook for 11 minutes, and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs Recipe

Name: Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened; 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise; 1 tsp. Dijon mustard; 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish; 1 cornichon, finely chopped (about 1 tsp.), plus 1 tsp. cornichon juice from jar; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika, plus more for garnish; 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

6

We love deviled eggs of all sorts, but if you promised you had a way to make them even better, we'd be all ears. That's precisely what this recipe for million dollar deviled eggs delivers: a creamy, rich filling that is above and beyond any typical deviled egg.

That comes largely from butter, which is not traditionally used in filling. But the briny cornichons cut that richness, as does the punchy Dijon mustard. Tangy, buttery, and smoky, these deviled eggs have a bit of crunch, too, so it's an all-around new experience.

Learn how to make million dollar deviled eggs. We suspect this will be your new go-to. It certainly is our favorite now.

Why Are They Called Million Dollar Deviled Eggs?

Deviled eggs are rich and creamy to begin with, but with the addition of softened butter in the filling, that luscious texture reaches new heights. Super indulgent and luxurious, they rightly earned the moniker "million dollar deviled eggs". We're not sorry.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs are made with all of the standard ingredients you'd expect, including mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika, with fresh chives for a pop of color and oniony flavor, and cornichons for a briny addition. But it's the butter that takes them over the top. To make million dollar deviled eggs, you'll need:

Large eggs: Hard-cooked to create the base and filling of the deviled eggs.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor and texture to the filling.
Mayonnaise: A classic creamy addition to the egg yolks to create a smooth filling.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor the filling.
Fresh chives: A mild onion flavor and pop of freshness and color.
Cornichon and juice: Adds a tangy, briny flavor that contrasts the richness of the filling.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and color to these bites.

Southern Living Million Dollar Deviled Eggs ingredients — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

How To Make Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

This recipe should seem familiar—it may be similar to your usual batch of deviled eggs, except of course for the addition of butter when mashing the yolks. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Cook eggs: Cook eggs in boiling water. Fill a large bowl halfway with ice, and cover with water. Transfer cooked eggs to the ice bath. Let stand until cooled.
Step 2. Peel: Peel eggs under cold running water.
Step 3. Prepare filling: Cut eggs in half lengthwise, and remove yolks. Mash yolks and butter in a bowl until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, chives, cornichon, cornichon juice, salt, paprika, and pepper.
Step 4. Fill and garnish: Spoon yolk mixture into egg whites. Garnish with paprika and chives.

Our Tips for the Best Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

For the million dollar deviled eggs that are worthy of the name, keep these tips in mind:

Perfectly cooked eggs: To avoid ending up with yolks with a greenish tint, cook the eggs for exactly 11 minutes for the perfect texture. Have your ice bath ready to stop the cooking process.
Use a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife for the cleanest egg whites, wiping off the knife between cuts.
Season as desired: Taste and season the filling as needed to suit your preferences.
Room temperature butter: To make sure the filling is smooth as can be, be sure to use room temperature butter.
Pipe the filling: A piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped off can make filling the egg white cups a breeze.
Chill: Keep deviled eggs cold until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

Can I Make Million Dollar Deviled Eggs Ahead?

Deviled eggs can be prepared ahead, so you're not in a rush to assemble when it's time to serve your guests. Cook the eggs and prepare the filling up to two days ahead. Store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. On the day of the party, assemble as directed, and keep cold until ready to serve.

How To Store Leftover Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

When serving deviled eggs, be mindful of how long they've been left sitting out. If longer than two hours, or one hour outdoors on a hot day, it's best to discard them. If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

What To Serve With Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer to serve alongside crudité and dip, a cheese board, charcuterie board, and other favorite party starters. You can also pair with a seasonal salad for a light lunch, or serve as a side dish to fried chicken, barbecue, seafood dishes, or as part of a brunch spread.

More Unique Deviled Egg Recipes You'll Love

No matter how you like to jazz up your deviled eggs, we can pretty much guarantee we have a recipe to cover it:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Southern Living Million Dollar Deviled Eggs on a platter to serve — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients

6 large eggs
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
1 cornichon, finely chopped (about 1 tsp.), plus 1 tsp. cornichon juice from jar
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Directions

Add eggs to boiling water:

Fill a medium pot with water, and bring to a boil over high. Carefully lower eggs into boiling water; cook, undisturbed, for 11 minutes.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Make ice bath:

Meanwhile, fill a large bowl halfway with ice, and add enough water to cover ice; set aside.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Cool eggs after cooking:

Using a spider or slotted spoon, immediately transfer cooked eggs from boiling water to ice bath. Let stand until completely cooled, at least 5 minutes or up to 30 minutes.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Remove egg shells:

Working with 1 egg at a time, firmly tap eggs on countertop or a flat work surface until cracks form all over the shells. Peel eggs under cold running water.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Mix deviled egg filling:

Cut eggs in half lengthwise, and carefully remove yolks. Using a fork, mash together yolks and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Add mayonnaise, mustard, chives, cornichon, cornichon juice, salt, paprika, and pepper. Stir until combined.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Add filling to egg whites:

Spoon yolk mixture evenly into egg whites (about 1 tablespoon each).

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Garnish with smoked paprika and additional chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to make deviled eggs the day before or day of?

Deviled eggs can be prepared ahead, with the egg whites and egg yolk filling stored separately, but are best assembled on the day of serving.
How many deviled eggs should I make per person?

If you're serving deviled eggs as an appetizer, aim for two to three per person. If serving as one component of a light meal, you may need more.
How do you prevent hard-cooked eggs from having a yolk with a greenish tint?

For perfectly hard-cooked eggs (without that greenish hue), use fresh eggs, cook for 11 minutes, and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.