Don't Make This Common Mistake When Smoking Your Deviled Eggs

When it comes to preparing deviled eggs, smoking them can introduce a delightful depth of flavor that truly elevates this classic dish. However, many home cooks unknowingly stumble into a common pitfall that can leave them with lackluster results. To help steer you in the right direction, we reached out to Nelson Serrano-Bahri, chef and director of innovation at the American Egg Board, for his expert advice on perfecting your deviled eggs. "The biggest mistake people make when smoking deviled eggs is smoking them for too long or at too high of a temperature. The typical temperature for smoking is 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit; however, if you use that temperature with hard-boiled eggs, they will continue to cook after removing and become rubbery," Serrano-Bahri explained. "Instead, I recommend smoking your hard-boiled eggs at low heat, under 120 degrees Fahrenheit."

Taking this guidance into account, aim to smoke your eggs (one of the chef-approved foods to smoke besides meat) for about 30 minutes at this gentler temperature. While some recipes recommend up to 2 hours for the entire process on the grill — boiling, peeling, and then smoking the hard-boiled egg — it's much easier to boil the eggs first and simply place them on the grill for a shorter, more controlled smoke. Keeping the heat low helps the eggs take on a delicate wood-fire infusion and beautiful color without compromising their soft interior or smooth exterior.

For the best results when smoking your deviled eggs, keep a close eye on the process. Start with the recommended smoke time but remember to check in halfway through to see how they're doing. You might find that you need a bit more or less time depending on how they're picking up color. Preheating the smoker is another crucial step — it helps maintain a steady temperature that helps prevent the eggs from cooking further and getting tough. After smoking, letting the eggs chill slightly makes them cooler to touch and easier to handle when you're ready to fill them.

For a fun twist, look to our list of ingredients that can seriously upgrade your deviled eggs. consider blending in some Dijon mustard, horseradish, or finely chopped chives into the yolk mixture for a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the smokiness. To finish things off, top the deviled eggs with cured trout or silky Crown Prince smoked oysters for an extra layer of savory goodness. A drizzle of paprika-infused oil will not only elevate the flavor but also make for an eye-catching presentation! By following these steps you'll be on your way to smoked devil eggs that are a hit at any gathering.