Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

 

This addictive finger food is a mash-up of two of my favorite Southern classics: Deviled Eggs and Pimento Cheese. For perfectly shaped egg whites, try use older eggs – they’re easier to peel. Then, while the eggs are boiling, give them a gentle stir once or twice so that the whites distribute evenly in the shell. Lastly, peel the eggs while they’re still warm. This will help the shells come off more easily.

 

 
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Makes 24 Deviled Eggs

  • 1 dozen large eggs

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated

  • 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • One 4-ounce jar chopped pimentos, drained

  • 1 Tablespoon hot sauce, such as Crystal or Tabasco brand, plus more to taste

  • Kosher salt and pepper

  • Thinly slice scallions, for garnish

    1. Prepare an ice bath and bring a large pot of water to a boil or moderately-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water. Boil for 11 minutes. Carefully transfer the eggs to the ice bath and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

    2. Gently crack the eggs all over on a flat surface and peel while they’re still slightly warm. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.

    3. Halve the eggs lengthwise. Scoop the yolks into the bowl of a food processor and arrange the whites on a large platter.

    4. Add the mayonnaise, mustard and garlic to the food processor with the yolks. Puree until smooth. Add the cheese, pimentos and hot sauce and pulse until just combined. Season with salt and pepper and add more hot sauce, if desired. Alternatively, you can mash everything by hand in a large bowl.

    5. For easy filling, scrape the egg yolk filling into a pastry bag or large zip-top plastic bag. Press the filling into one corner and then snip 1-inch off the bottom corner. Squeezing from the top of the bag, carefully pipe the filling into the egg white halves. Alternatively, spoon the filling into each half. Garnish the Deviled Eggs with sliced scallions and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with hot sauce.

    MAKE AHEAD The eggs can be cooked and the filling prepared 1 day in advance. Refrigerate separately. Fill eggs before serving.