DEVILED EGGS WITH CARAMELIZED BACON

Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon

There are Classic Deviled Eggs, and then there are Caramelized Bacon Deviled Eggs – a savory twist to a classic favorite!  If you’re looking to take your deviled eggs to a whole new level, these irresistible Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon are a heavenly twist that will have your taste buds begging for more! 

​Smoked Candied Bacon may be the best food of all time with a sweet coating of maple syrup, brown sugar, and sweet barbecue seasoning. Combining the creamy goodness of deviled eggs with the irresistible crunchy sweetness of caramelized bacon, your family and friends will love this gourmet twist – and you’ll be hailed as the master of appetizers at your next gathering! Perfect hard boiled eggs + a perfect creamy and silky filling + perfect caramelized smoky bacon = Perfect Gourmet Deviled Eggs every time!

Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon

RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST CARAMELIZED BACON DEVILED EGGS:

• START WITH THE RIGHT BACON: I highly recommend thick cut bacon for sturdy results – hickory smoked is perfect for caramelized bacon, but maple bacon or peppered bacon work as well.
• PURE MAPLE SYRUP:  Maple syrup acts as both a flavor element and a binder – for best results, brush it liberally before adding the brown sugar and seasoning. The Barbecue Sweet Rub will add layers of classic barbecue flavor like smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper for the slightest kick of heat. I don’t recommend pancake maple syrup for this recipe, as it gives you a sticky result, but if you’re in a bind, use what you have!
• CAN I MAKE CARAMELIZED BACON IN THE OVEN? Absolutely! To make classic caramelized bacon in your oven, simply follow the same time and temperature guidelines in the recipe. Keep an eye on your bacon to prevent any burning.
• CARAMELIZED BACON IS NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST:  While Caramelized Bacon is perfect for brunch, it makes for a great appetizer, salad topping, or layered in a hearty sandwich or burger. I love serving it on charcuterie boards, but you’ll want extra to serve alongside Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon!  With a perfectly sweet, savory, and salty mix it is majorly addicting.
• IS CARAMELIZED BACON CRISP OR CHEWY? Caramelized bacon will never have the same crispiness as pan-fried bacon. The sugar coating on the exterior allows the fat to render out and the sugar to melt and caramelize, but it won’t fully crisp. It will harden up slightly as it cools, but the sticky chewiness is all part of the caramelized bacon charm!

Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon

GOURMET DEVILED EGGS VARIATIONS:

• CLASSIC DEVILED EGGS: Start with the traditional deviled egg base, combining the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the halved egg whites, and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh chives.
• BARBECUED DEVILED EGGS:  Add a barbecue twist by topped with pieces of barbecued pulled pork and drizzle with barbecue sauce; garnish with fresh chopped red onion or chopped fried onion rings for extra WOW!
• DEVILED EGGS BENEDICT: Add diced ham or Canadian bacon, drizzle with hollandaise sauce & garnish with sliver of English muffin.
• MEXICAN STREET CORN DEVILED EGGS: Add grilled corn, minced red onion, dash of tabaso sauce, chopped cilantro and dash of chili powder.
• BACON & CHEDDAR DEVILED EGGS: Add a savory twist to your deviled eggs by mixing in crispy cooked bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese to the yolk mixture. The combination of smoky bacon and sharp cheese adds a delightful flavor profile.
• SPICY SRIRACHA DEVILED EGGS: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix sriracha sauce into the yolk mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Garnish with sliced jalapeños or sprinkle with cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• GUACAMOLE DEVILED EGGS: Give your deviled eggs a creamy and flavorful twist by incorporating guacamole into the yolk mixture. Mash ripe avocados, mix them with lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, then blend it with the yolks. Top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a slice of cherry tomato.
• MEDITERRANEAN DEVILED EGGS: Infuse a taste of the Mediterranean by adding ingredients like minced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a touch of Greek yogurt to the yolk mixture. Garnish with a small piece of olive or a sprinkle of dried oregano.
• SMOKED SALMON DEVILED EGGS: Elevate your deviled eggs with the addition of smoked salmon and cream cheese (instead of sour cream). Mix finely chopped smoked salmon into the yolk mixture, along with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Top with a small piece of smoked salmon or a dill sprig.
• BUFFALO BLUE CHEESE DEVILED EGGS: Give your deviled eggs a spicy kick by mixing in buffalo sauce, chopped cooked chicken breast, crumbled blue cheese to the yolk mixture. The combination of tangy buffalo flavors and creamy blue cheese creates a unique and flavorful variation.
• PESTO DEVILED EGGS: Incorporate the vibrant and fresh flavors of pesto into your deviled eggs. Mix store-bought or homemade pesto into the yolk mixture and garnish with a small dollop of pesto and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• EVERYTHING DEVILED EGGS: Add everything bagel seasoning mix to taste, or sprinkle on top – it’s salty, so be careful how much you add!
• PICKLED DEVILED EGGS:  Add dill pickle or sweet pickle relish to taste.
• TRUFFLE DEVILED EGGS:  Add 1 tablespoon of truffle oil and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives, together with a pinch of garlic powder for a gourmet appetizer!

Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon

SERVE CARAMELIZED BACON DEVILED EGGS WITH:

• Star Spangled Summer Fruit Board
• Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes
• Barbecue Beans with Brown Sugar, Bacon & Brisket
• Easy Smoked Barbecue Pulled Pork
• Barbecue Chicken with Honey Barbecue Sauce
• Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Smoked Barbecue Ribs

Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon

DEVILED EGGS WITH CARAMELIZED BACON

There are Classic Deviled Eggs, and then there are Caramelized Bacon Deviled Eggs – a savory twist to a classic favorite!  If you’re looking to take your deviled eggs to a whole new level, these irresistible Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon are a heavenly twist that will have your taste buds begging for more!  Smoked Candied Bacon may be the best food of all time with a sweet coating of maple syrup, brown sugar, and sweet barbecue seasoning. Combining the creamy goodness of deviled eggs with the irresistible crunchy sweetness of caramelized bacon, your family and friends will love this gourmet twist!​

Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon

INGREDIENTS:
12  large eggs, hard boiled
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip)
2 tablespoons sour cream or tater topping
1 tablespoon spicy honey mustard
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
 
BARBECUE SWEET RUB:
¼ cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more for an extra flavor kick)
 
CARAMELIZED BACON:
12 slices thick cut bacon (hickory smoked)
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
4 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons Barbecue Sweet Rub
 
HOW I MAKE THESE:

1. PREPARE BARBECUE SWEET RUB:  In a small bowl, whisk together all sweet rub ingredients until evenly blended.  You can use a fork or the back of a spoon to break up any large brown sugar chunks.  Store Barbecue Sweet Rub in an airtight container for up to a month.
2. PREPARE CARAMELIZED BACON: Fire up your smoker to 275 degrees F. My favorite wood to use with bacon is applewood. Hickory, cherry, maple, or pecan woods also work great for this recipe. Place your bacon strips in a single layer on an elevated flat rack over a baking sheet lined with foil. Elevating your bacon allows the fat to render and fall away from the bacon so it won’t be overly saturated and the bacon won’t burn with all of the caramelizing sugars.
3. Brush the top of the bacon with maple syrup and sprinkle with brown sugar and Barbecue Sweet Rub. Place the baking rack on the smoker and smoke for 12-15 minutes. Smoke and slowly cook the bacon until all of the sugar is melted around the bacon and the edges have started to wrinkle. Flip the bacon over on the rack and brush on another layer of syrup and sprinkle with more brown sugar and sweet rub. 
4. Continue cooking to your desired crispiness. It usually takes about 25-30 minutes in total. Remove the bacon from the smoker and cool slightly before chopping or serving.
5. PREPARE HARD BOILED EGGS:  Remove eggs from fridge and allow them to come to room temperature.
6. Fill a large heavy sauce pan or Dutch oven with several inches of water, cover and bring to a boil. Insert pasta insert or vegetable steamer.
7. Using a large slotted spoon, carefully spoon the eggs into the boiling water, reduce heat slightly so that water continues to simmer, cover, and cook for exactly 13 minutes for large eggs.  (This timing ONLY works for large eggs – not extra-large.)
8. Meanwhile, fill large hard sided bowl with icy cold water and ice cubes.  Immediately when eggs are done cooking, remove from the saucepan with a slotted spoon, place in ice water and let cool for 15 minutes.
9. Remove half the water from the bowl and cover. Shake vigorously 15-20 times and egg shells will easily slide right off the eggs!
10. Peel each egg and slice in half lengthwise. Transfer the yolks to a medium bowl.
11. PREPARE DEVILED EGGS:  To your cooked egg yolks, add the remaining ingredients (except for the chives), and using a mixer beat the mixture until light, smooth, fluffy and well-blended (at least 4 minutes).  Taste and add additional seasoning to taste. 
12. Arrange the egg whites on a serving platter and fill with the yolk mixture, piping or mounding the filling about ½ inch above the whites. You can also add the yolk mixture to a food storage bag, squeeze out excess air and seal. Snip off one corner of bag to act as a piping bag. 
13. Sprinkle chopped Caramelized Bacon bits on top.
14. Refrigerate for at least one hour for the flavors to blend.  Garnish with chives or parsley.  Serve cold.
15. SERVE & ENJOY!  No need to get fancy – the pulled pork is delicious all by itself!  Serve warm!  If you’ll be serving these at a barbecue or picnic that will last for more than a few hours, you can transfer the Smoked Pulled Pork into a crock pot or slow cooker to keep warm for hours. 
16. LEFTOVERS:  You’re kidding, right?  I don’t believe I’ve ever had that happen! Refrigerate any leftover deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

YIELD:    1 dozen filled (24 halves)  

RECIPE NOTES:

START WITH THE RIGHT BACON: I highly recommend thick cut bacon for sturdy results – hickory smoked is perfect for caramelized bacon, but maple bacon or peppered bacon work as well.
PURE MAPLE SYRUP:  Maple syrup acts as both a flavor element and a binder – for best results, brush it liberally before adding the brown sugar and seasoning. The Barbecue Sweet Rub will add layers of classic barbecue flavor like smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper for the slightest kick of heat. I don’t recommend pancake maple syrup for this recipe, as it gives you a sticky result, but if you’re in a bind, use what you have!
CAN I MAKE CARAMELIZED BACON IN THE OVEN? Absolutely! To make classic caramelized bacon in your oven, simply follow the same time and temperature guidelines in the recipe. Keep an eye on your bacon to prevent any burning.
CARAMELIZED BACON IS NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST:  While Caramelized Bacon is perfect for brunch, it makes for a great appetizer, salad topping, or layered in a hearty sandwich or burger. I love serving it on charcuterie boards, but you’ll want extra to serve alongside Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon!  With a perfectly sweet, savory, and salty mix it is majorly addicting.
IS CARAMELIZED BACON CRISP OR CHEWY? Caramelized bacon will never have the same crispiness as pan-fried bacon. The sugar coating on the exterior allows the fat to render out and the sugar to melt and caramelize, but it won’t fully crisp. It will harden up slightly as it cools, but the sticky chewiness is all part of the caramelized bacon charm!
 
GOURMET DEVILED EGG VARIATIONS:

• CLASSIC DEVILED EGGS: Start with the traditional deviled egg base, combining the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the halved egg whites, and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh chives.
• BARBECUED DEVILED EGGS:  Add a barbecue twist by topped with pieces of barbecued pulled pork and drizzle with barbecue sauce; garnish with fresh chopped red onion or chopped fried onion rings for extra WOW!
• DEVILED EGGS BENEDICT: Add diced ham or Canadian bacon, drizzle with hollandaise sauce & garnish with sliver of English muffin.
• MEXICAN STREET CORN DEVILED EGGS: Add grilled corn, minced red onion, dash of tabaso sauce, chopped cilantro and dash of chili powder.
• BACON & CHEDDAR DEVILED EGGS: Add a savory twist to your deviled eggs by mixing in crispy cooked bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese to the yolk mixture. The combination of smoky bacon and sharp cheese adds a delightful flavor profile.
• SPICY SRIRACHA DEVILED EGGS: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix sriracha sauce into the yolk mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Garnish with sliced jalapeños or sprinkle with cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• GUACAMOLE DEVILED EGGS: Give your deviled eggs a creamy and flavorful twist by incorporating guacamole into the yolk mixture. Mash ripe avocados, mix them with lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, then blend it with the yolks. Top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a slice of cherry tomato.
• MEDITERRANEAN DEVILED EGGS: Infuse a taste of the Mediterranean by adding ingredients like minced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a touch of Greek yogurt to the yolk mixture. Garnish with a small piece of olive or a sprinkle of dried oregano.
• SMOKED SALMON DEVILED EGGS: Elevate your deviled eggs with the addition of smoked salmon and cream cheese (instead of sour cream). Mix finely chopped smoked salmon into the yolk mixture, along with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Top with a small piece of smoked salmon or a dill sprig.
• BUFFALO BLUE CHEESE DEVILED EGGS: Give your deviled eggs a spicy kick by mixing in buffalo sauce, chopped cooked chicken breast, crumbled blue cheese to the yolk mixture. The combination of tangy buffalo flavors and creamy blue cheese creates a unique and flavorful variation.
• PESTO DEVILED EGGS: Incorporate the vibrant and fresh flavors of pesto into your deviled eggs. Mix store-bought or homemade pesto into the yolk mixture and garnish with a small dollop of pesto and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• EVERYTHING DEVILED EGGS: Add everything bagel seasoning mix to taste, or sprinkle on top – it’s salty, so be careful how much you add!
• PICKLED DEVILED EGGS:  Add dill pickle or sweet pickle relish to taste.
• TRUFFLE DEVILED EGGS:  Add 1 tablespoon of truffle oil and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives, together with a pinch of garlic powder for a gourmet appetizer!

Remember, these serving suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations according to your preferences. No matter how you choose to serve it, Deviled Eggs with Caramelized Bacon will undoubtedly be the star of the show!

Original recipe published April 2019; revised and reposted June 2023.
 
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