Skip Basic Deviled Eggs — Make Them Italian Style Instead

No doubt a party classic, deviled eggs are delicious, but perhaps a little ... predictable. So why not give them an Italian-inspired twist and throw in much bolder flavors? Deviled eggs have truly ancient origins, so giving this longtime favorite an Italian makeover is hardly the first the dish has changed with the times. Just imagine eggs alongside the likes of basil, garlic, parmesan, pesto, and salty cured meats, all of which bring the taste of an Italian antipasto platter whilst keeping the preparation the same. It's still classic hard-boiled eggs, halved with their yolks mashed. All you need to do is mix in some flavorful additions into the mashed yolks and spoon the filling back into the whites.

The change can be incredibly simple. It could be something as straightforward as just swapping mayonnaise for pesto to add the herbaceous notes of basil, the sharp punchiness of garlic, and the umami richness of parmesan all in one go. If you've ever tried making crispy fried eggs in pesto, you know how well these flavors go together. Or even more simply, mix the yolks with mayonnaise as usual but add in some minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of Italian seasoning at the end for some extra flavor.

There are, of course, plenty of ways to expand on this concept for a much more fleshed out Italian deviled egg. For example, you could mix the yolks with finely chopped prosciutto or salami for a more substantial, salty bite. If you prefer a meat-free option, a small piece of marinated artichoke or roasted red pepper placed on top could make for a good alternative. Pitted olives are another good match, as are sun-dried tomatoes (which you can even make yourself in the oven). Just be wary that if you're using ingredients packed in oil or brine, you should pat them dry to keep the filling from becoming too liquidy. Deviled eggs can always benefit from a little extra textural upgrade too; try sprinkling the finished eggs with toasted breadcrumbs tossed in olive oil, lemon zest, and grated parmesan.

Additions like pesto, parmesan, and cured meats are all very salty and you could accidentally over-season, so taste as you go. To serve, arrange your Italian deviled eggs alongside other Mediterranean-inspired snacks, like marinated olives or homemade bruschetta, and enjoy this appetizer spread that tastes like it could have stepped right out of Rome.