I Learned the Best Tip for Deviled Eggs From a Professional Chef

Deviled eggs are like those family friends you're obligated to invite to the party, though you're never sure how they will be received. They could be the hit of the night, or they could be the thing everyone is trying to avoid (strictly talking about the eggs here). But what if you could turn them into a no-fail signature dish everyone begs you to bring? According to a professional chef, you can—and it's as easy as following this one simple tip.

Not surprisingly, it has to do with salt.

Upgrade Your Deviled Eggs by Salting the White

I recently met Nelson Serrano-Bahri, chef and Director of Innovation at the American Egg Board, at a dinner all about eggs. And while there were many more impressive concoctions during the event, an off-the-cuff comment he made during a demo on his deviled eggs with elote salad garnish was a lightbulb moment for me. When I heard this tip, I was mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner. I followed up with him so he could elaborate:

“When making deviled eggs, a lot of people don't know that the egg whites should also be sprinkled with a little salt! This helps balance the flavors and prevents the egg yolk mix from being over-seasoned. I recommend using a coarse finishing salt like Maldon, but you can also use kosher. A fun tip for your egg whites is to also try using seasoned or flavored salts for a welcomed surprise and to enhance the experience, creating layers of flavor for your egg whites and deviled eggs.”

Serrano-Bahri had more insightful advice to share regarding the yolk component as well. “When it comes to making your deviled egg filling... I also recommend salting your yolks. Try using different seasoned or flavored salts to level up your deviled egg yolk filling."

Think chipotle-lime salt added alongside japaleño heat, a smokey salt with a bacon filling, some Lawry's for a crab-stuffed version, or just go ahead and add "everything."

Other Ways to Upgrade Your Deviled Eggs

He didn't stop there, "You can also play with the final garnishes and toppings for more unique ways to customize your deviled eggs and enhance flavor profiles. For instance, I used pork rind and potato chip crumbles on the Elote-Corn Shooter Deviled Eggs, which added some additional flavor and texture for a delicious summer deviled eggs bite.”

He also served another twist on the classic appetizer, complete with lobster on top.

Of course, we have plenty of fun and unique variations you can try right here, too, from our Allrecipes home cooks. Here are a few:

• Bang Bang Deviled Eggs
• Deep-Fried Deviled Eggs
• Avocado Deviled Eggs
• Bacon Balsamic Deviled Eggs
• Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
• Fully Loaded Deviled Eggs
  

Make any of these deviled eggs and invite family, friends, friends of friends, and their neighbors as well. It doesn't matter who shows up when you have a table full of tasty favorites. However you prefer to personalize your deviled eggs, just don't forget to salt the white.