Labor Day Picnic Deviled Egg Platter

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 11 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 large eggs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp plus more for dusting smoked paprika
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp pickle relish
• 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tbsp sliced chives

Instructions

1. 1Place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by one inch so they heat evenly without cracking.
2. 2Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately cover the pan, remove from heat, and let the eggs sit undisturbed for exactly 11 minutes for firm yet creamy yolks.
3. 3Transfer the eggs to an ice bath and chill for at least 10 minutes until completely cold so the shells peel cleanly without tearing the whites.
4. 4Gently crack and peel each egg under cool running water, then pat dry and slice lengthwise with a sharp knife.
5. 5Scoop the yolks into a medium bowl and arrange the empty white halves cut-side up on a large serving platter.
6. 6Mash the yolks thoroughly with a fork until no large lumps remain, then stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the filling is smooth and pipeable.
7. 7Fold in the pickle relish and most of the chopped dill, tasting and adjusting seasoning so the filling is bright and balanced.
8. 8Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture generously into each egg white half, mounding it slightly for a classic picnic look.
9. 9Dust the tops lightly with extra smoked paprika, then scatter the remaining dill, sliced chives, and crispy bacon bits over the platter.
10. 10Cover loosely and refrigerate at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the eggs stay chilled for transport.
11. 11Pack the platter in a cooler with ice packs for a Labor Day picnic brunch or backyard cookout side that doubles as a protein-rich breakfast bite.
12. 12Serve cold straight from the platter, encouraging guests to grab halves as a make-ahead high-protein starter.