Devilled eggs are a classic party and picnic favourite, but traditional versions can contain a generous amount of mayonnaise.
This lighter version uses cottage cheese to replace some of the mayonnaise while keeping the filling creamy and savoury. Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, relish, and green onion add plenty of flavour, so you don’t need much mayonnaise.
They are simple to prepare and make a handy high-protein snack or appetiser.
Why Make a Lighter Version of Devilled Eggs?
Eggs provide protein and several important nutrients, including choline, vitamin A and other micronutrients. A recipe’s nutritional value also depends on what you add to the eggs and your overall diet.
In this recipe, cottage cheese helps provide a creamy texture while reducing the amount of mayonnaise needed.
That doesn’t make devilled eggs a free food, however. The yolks, mayonnaise and cottage cheese all contribute calories, so portion size still matters.
Ingredients
Makes 24 devilled egg halves
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ¼ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Paprika, for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional
How to Make Light Devilled Eggs
1. Cook and cool the eggs
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water.
Bring the water to a boil, then cook the eggs until hard-boiled. Once cooked, cool them promptly in cold water.
Peel the eggs once they are cool enough to handle.
For food safety, refrigerate hard-cooked eggs within two hours, and keep them refrigerated for up to seven days.
2. Prepare the egg whites
Slice each egg in half lengthways.
Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a bowl. Arrange the egg-white halves on a plate or serving dish.
3. Make the creamy filling
Add the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, chopped green onion, relish, Dijon mustard and yellow mustard to the egg yolks.
Mash and mix until smooth and creamy.
A few small pieces of green onion or relish are fine and add a pleasant texture.
4. Fill the eggs
Spoon the mixture evenly into the hollow of each egg-white half.
Try to divide the filling between all 24 pieces so the portions are reasonably consistent.
5. Finish and chill
Lightly sprinkle the tops with paprika.
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Devilled Eggs
Use eggs that have cooled completely
Cold eggs are easier to handle and the filling is easier to prepare without becoming too soft.
Don’t overdo the mayonnaise
The cottage cheese provides creaminess, so you don’t need to keep adding mayonnaise if the mixture already has a good texture.
Adjust the mustard
The two mustards give the filling a rounded savoury flavour.
For a milder version, reduce the Dijon. For more tang, add a little extra Dijon mustard.
Add a little heat
A pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce can give the filling a gentle kick.
Make them look special
For a simple garnish, try chopped green onion, chives, smoked paprika, or freshly ground black pepper.
Can You Make Devilled Eggs Ahead of Time?
Yes.
You can prepare the eggs and filling ahead of serving and keep them refrigerated in a covered container.
Because these are egg-based and contain mayonnaise and dairy, keep them cold and avoid leaving them sitting at room temperature for extended periods. The USDA advises refrigerating hard-cooked eggs within two hours and using them within seven days when refrigerated.
For the best texture and appearance, assemble the filled eggs relatively close to serving time.
Are Eggs a Healthy Food?
Eggs can fit into a healthy eating pattern and provide useful nutrients, including protein and choline. However, nutrition is always about the wider diet rather than declaring an individual food simply “good” or “bad.”
Research and nutrition guidance have also moved away from treating dietary cholesterol as the only factor that matters. The balance of fats and carbohydrates in the overall diet also influences blood cholesterol levels.
That is one reason this recipe focuses on keeping the amount of mayonnaise modest rather than claiming that devilled eggs are automatically a health food.
People with specific dietary or medical requirements may need individual advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
How Many Devilled Eggs Should You Serve?
These devilled eggs are small, but they are still more substantial than a vegetable garnish.
Two to four halves can make a reasonable appetiser or snack for many people, depending on what else you’re serving and your individual energy needs.
For parties and buffets, placing them on a platter in small portions can also make it easier to keep track of how many you have eaten.
Serving Ideas
Light devilled eggs work particularly well:
- As a party appetiser
- As part of a picnic
- Alongside a mixed salad
- As a protein-rich addition to a lunch
- On a healthy buffet table
- As a simple snack when you want something savoury
For a more balanced meal, serve them alongside vegetables, salad or another fibre-rich food rather than relying on the eggs alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use cottage cheese in devilled eggs?
Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and lets you use less mayonnaise in the filling. It also contributes protein.
Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?
Yes. The recipe will still work, although the nutritional content will be different. Low-fat cottage cheese keeps the recipe lighter.
Can I use only Dijon mustard?
Certainly. Replace the yellow mustard with an additional teaspoon of Dijon, adjusting the amount to suit your taste.
Can I leave out the relish?
Yes. If you don’t like sweet pickle relish, simply leave it out or replace it with finely chopped dill pickles for a more savoury flavour.
How should I store devilled eggs?
Keep them covered in the refrigerator and avoid leaving them at room temperature for prolonged periods. Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs within two hours, and keep them refrigerated for up to seven days.
Can I freeze devilled eggs?
Freezing is not recommended if you want to preserve the original texture. The egg whites can become rubbery and the filling may separate after thawing.
The Bottom Line
These light devilled eggs keep the familiar creamy, mustardy flavour of the classic appetiser while using cottage cheese to reduce the amount of mayonnaise.
They are easy to make, convenient to prepare ahead and small enough to work well as a snack or appetiser.
As with any food, the key is to think about the recipe in the context of your overall diet and keep portions sensible.