Imagine a bite-sized culinary masterpiece that transforms the classic deviled egg into an Italian-inspired delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Pancetta and Asparagus Deviled Eggs are not just another appetizer - they're a gourmet experience that combines crispy pancetta, tender asparagus, and creamy egg yolks into a mouthwatering sensation that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Remove pan from heat, cover, and let eggs sit in hot water for exactly 12 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Once eggs are done, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop cooking and cool completely.
- While eggs are cooling, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, sauté asparagus pieces in remaining pancetta fat for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Peel the cooled eggs carefully under running water. Slice eggs in half lengthwise and gently remove the yolks into a mixing bowl.
- Mash egg yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in half of the crispy pancetta and sautéed asparagus pieces into the yolk mixture.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, fill the egg white halves with the yolk mixture.
- Garnish with remaining pancetta, asparagus pieces, and finely chopped chives.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- For perfectly cooked eggs, use the ice bath method to stop the cooking process and ensure a smooth, creamy yolk texture.
- Cook pancetta until it's golden and crispy to maximize its flavor and provide a delightful crunch in each bite.
- When sautéing asparagus, aim for a tender-crisp texture to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Use a piping bag for a professional-looking presentation, or simply use a spoon for a more rustic approach.
- Let the eggs chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the overall taste experience.
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients - especially farm-fresh eggs and crisp asparagus - to elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
