The Spicy Ingredient That Gives Deviled Eggs 10x The Flavor

Deviled eggs are a consistent favorite side for parties and cookouts, but that familiarity can make it feel like this classic appetizer needs a little excitement or a shake-up. A simple addition can bring delicious heat and texture to deviled eggs, and it might already be in your fridge or vegetable garden. That flavor upgrade is jalapeño peppers, which can be integrated into the dish in a number of ways.

Flavor and versatility are the two reasons jalapeños earn their spot on our list of the best ingredients to use in deviled eggs besides mayo. One of the easiest ways to introduce the pepper to your usual recipe is with pickled jalapeños (either homemade or store-bought). Mince them finely and add them to the yolk-and-mayo filling before piping or spooning the mixture into the hard-boiled whites. Juice from pickled peppers can also be added, either in addition to or as an alternative to the pepper pieces, for those who prefer a smoother deviled egg filling. 

Another option is to top each deviled egg with jalapeño for a simple yet impactful garnish. This goes for both tangy pickled jalapeños and crunchy, fresh ones. Either variety can be diced and sprinkled on top or added as thinly sliced rings, serving as equal parts flavor and visual appeal.

This flavor-boosting principle doesn't just apply to jalapeños. In fact, jalapeños have a milder heat than a lot of other peppers, measuring between 2,000 and 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the unit of measure that quantifies the heat of peppers. Those looking for deviled eggs with extra spice can add serrano chili (10,000 to 25,000 SHU) or even a touch of the mighty habanero (100,000 to 350,000 SHU). On the flip side, subbing in poblanos (1,000 to 2,000 SHU) or Anaheim chiles (1,000 to 5,000 SHU) tones down the heat while providing an earthy, slightly smoky flavor.

The endlessly customizable nature of deviled eggs means you don't need to stop at adding heat with jalapeños or other peppers. Bacon jalapeño deviled eggs bring a savory, meaty crunch to the mix. Other creative toppings range from caviar or blue cheese to sliced avocado. There are also more ways to spice up your eggs besides fresh or pickled peppers. Wasabi, horseradish, and powdered cayenne are a few good candidates.

A bit of care is required to avoid the big mistakes everyone makes with deviled eggs. Be sure to cook them at the right temperature and for the appropriate length of time (bring the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and cover for 10 to 12 minutes). Then, cool them in ice water before peeling. Once you have the technique down, adding flavor and heat is one of the easier parts of the process.