Creating these Avocado Deviled Eggs is surprisingly easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of these creamy, delicious appetizers:

1. Hard-Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water, ensuring the water is about an inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 10-12 minutes for perfectly hard-boiled yolks. For easier peeling, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool completely. This rapid cooling helps the egg white contract slightly, separating it from the shell.
2. Peel and Prepare the Eggs: Gently tap each egg all over to crack the shell. Starting under cool running water, peel the eggs. The water helps to slip under the shell and makes peeling easier. Once peeled, slice each egg lengthwise in half.
3. Remove the Yolks: Carefully scoop out the yolks from each egg half and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter or plate.
4. Prepare the Avocado Mixture: To the bowl with the egg yolks, add the ripe avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lime juice.
5. Mash and Mix: Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the yolks and avocado together until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no large chunks of avocado remaining.
6. Season the Mixture: Add salt and black pepper to the avocado and yolk mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of extra lime juice depending on your preference. Remember, the flavors will meld and deepen as the deviled eggs chill.
7. Fill the Egg Whites: There are a couple of ways to fill the egg whites. For a rustic look, simply spoon the avocado mixture into each egg white cavity. For a more elegant presentation, transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the avocado mixture into each egg white, creating a decorative swirl. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off.
8. Garnish (Optional but Recommended): Now comes the fun part – garnishing! Sprinkle paprika over the filled eggs for a classic touch. Finely chop fresh chives or cilantro and sprinkle them over for a fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green speckles. For a bit of texture and savory flavor, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Get creative and use your favorite garnishes to customize your Avocado Deviled Eggs.
9. Chill (Optional): While you can serve these immediately, chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the filling to firm up slightly, making them even more enjoyable. Cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your beautifully garnished Avocado Deviled Eggs on a platter and serve chilled. These are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any gathering. Watch them disappear quickly!