When life hands you lemons, you know what to do. But what about when life hands you a bunch of hard-boiled eggs? One common solution is to devil them into that favorite springtime appetizer and star of many picnics and potlucks. But the name, which ostensibly refers to cooking them with a lot of spicy seasonings, could just as easily refer to the hell this dish can wreak on your diet if you’re not careful.
Classic deviled eggs are made with egg yolks mashed with mayonnaise, another egg-based food, doubling up on the unhealthy saturated fats. One tablespoon (tbsp) of mayonnaise contains 1.6 grams (g) of saturated fat, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), roughly the same amount as one large hard-boiled egg. That equals nearly a fifth of your daily recommended saturated fat intake, according to MedlinePlus.
Whole hard-boiled eggs can certainly be part of a balanced diet, and even a heart-healthy one. The American Heart Association (AHA) has deemed it cardiovascular-friendly to eat up to one whole egg or two egg whites per day, and points out that egg whites are an excellent source of protein, while the yolks contain valuable vitamins and minerals that contribute to eye health.
So, how do you reap the benefits of eggs without the devilish downsides? Luckily, eggs are a versatile vehicle for many flavors, and the traditional recipe for deviling them can be easily adapted with a few healthy twists. The following three versions taste just as good — and maybe better — than the original, but will have you feeling positively angelic afterwards.
You’ll want to start with perfect hard-boiled eggs, which can be achieved by placing the eggs in a covered steamer basket over simmering water for 12 minutes. For more tips and tricks, check out our Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs recipe. Once your eggs are ready, go ahead and try out these recipes.
