Smoked Country Ham and Cheddar Deviled Eggs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic deviled eggs elevated with smoky country ham and sharp cheddar, offering a savory and tangy bite perfect for Kentucky gatherings. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs large eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 12 American cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 12 large eggs in a single layer in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 12 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Drain hot water and immediately transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water. Chill for 10 minutes, then peel under running water.
  3. Step 3: Slice peeled eggs in half lengthwise and gently remove yolks into a medium bowl.
  4. Step 4: Mash the yolks with 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1/4 cup finely diced smoked country ham and 1/4 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  6. Step 6: Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the 24 egg white halves.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 tsp paprika evenly over the filled eggs and garnish with 1 tbsp finely chopped chives.
  8. Step 8: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Country Ham and Cheddar Deviled Eggs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoked Country Ham and Cheddar Deviled Eggs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large eggs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Country Ham and Cheddar Deviled Eggs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoked Country Ham and Cheddar Deviled Eggs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoked Country Ham and Cheddar Deviled Eggs?

American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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