My grandfather eats a dozen of these before dinner even starts. So simple since it uses exactly 4 ingredients.

These southern 4-ingredient deviled eggs are the kind of simple, comforting snack that disappears before the meal even begins—my grandfather can polish off a dozen without thinking twice. They’re based on the classic deviled eggs you’ll find at church potlucks and family reunions across the South, but pared down to just four ingredients you probably already have on hand. No fuss, no fancy extras—just creamy, tangy yolks spooned back into tender egg whites and finished with a sprinkle of paprika. They’re easy enough for a busy weeknight and special enough for holidays.

Serve these deviled eggs on a white platter so the creamy yellow filling and bright red paprika really stand out. They’re perfect alongside baked ham, fried chicken, or a simple pot roast, and they fit right in with other make-ahead sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or green beans. For casual gatherings, I like to set them out with a bowl of pickles and some crackers as a nibble before dinner. They also travel well, so they’re great for potlucks, picnics, or any time you need something that can sit on the table and invite everyone to grab “just one more.”

Servings: 6

12 large eggs

Place the eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water by about 1 inch.

Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a full, rolling boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10–12 minutes.

While the eggs sit, prepare a large bowl of ice water. When the time is up, transfer the eggs to the ice water and let them cool completely, about 10–15 minutes. This helps them peel more easily.

Gently crack and peel each egg under cool running water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Slice each egg in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Carefully pop the yolks out into a medium mixing bowl and arrange the egg white halves, cut side up, on a white serving platter.

Mash the yolks with a fork until they are very fine and crumbly, with no large lumps. Add the mayonnaise and yellow mustard to the yolks.

Stir the yolk mixture until it is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust the balance—if you like it creamier, add a spoonful more mayonnaise; for extra tang, add a small squeeze more mustard. (Remember, these are still just your four ingredients.)

Using a small spoon, carefully fill each egg white half with the yolk mixture, mounding it slightly in the center. If you want a neater look, you can spoon the filling into a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it into the whites.

Once all the eggs are filled, generously sprinkle the tops with paprika so each one has a bright red dusting over the creamy yellow filling.

Chill the deviled eggs in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the filling firm up slightly. Serve cold, and don’t be surprised if they’re gone before dinner hits the table.

For picky eaters who don’t love a strong mustard flavor, start with just 1 teaspoon of mustard and add more only if they approve the taste; you can even make half the batch milder by filling some eggs before you stir in extra mustard. If your family likes things a bit saltier, you can use a saltier brand of mayonnaise or sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over the finished eggs—just remember that technically adds another ingredient, so I usually rely on the mayo alone to keep it simple. For a slightly different look, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper color and subtle smoky note, or mix regular and smoked together. If you’re making these ahead for a party, boil and peel the eggs in the morning, then mix and fill them closer to serving time so the tops stay smooth and pretty. To keep the platter tidy at a gathering, you can line the serving plate with a paper towel before arranging the eggs, then gently slide it out once everything is in place; it helps keep them from sliding while you carry the dish. And if you ever have a little extra filling, tuck it into a small bowl and serve it with crackers as a cook’s treat.