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Deviled potatoes are my go-to party appetizer whenever I want the nostalgic taste of classic deviled eggs but need a vegan option everyone can enjoy. Guests never guess the filling is completely plant-based and these disappear faster than anything else on the table.
The first time I made these for a family BBQ even the pickiest eaters reached for seconds and asked for the recipe. Now I make a double batch every time.
Ingredients
- Small potatoes: choose uniform size for even cooking and easier scooping
- Vegan mayonnaise: lends classic creaminess without dairy or eggs always check for a thick and neutral tasting brand
- Dijon mustard: adds a punchy bright note go for creamy Dijon for smooth texture
- Apple cider vinegar: provides acidity to mimic traditional egg filling
- Salt and pepper: season to taste I use flaked salt for better control
- Black salt (kala namak): totally optional but gives an eggy aroma that brings the experience close to the original
- Paprika: classic deviled egg color and a touch of smoky flavor use sweet or smoked based on your preference
- Chives: provide a pop of green and fresh taste look for crisp unblemished chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold well salted water. Bring them to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let them cook uncovered for 12 to 18 minutes until a fork easily pierces through the center but they are not falling apart. This keeps the texture creamy but sturdy for filling.
- Cool and Peel:
- Drain the potatoes and briefly rinse under cool running water to stop further cooking. Quickly transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water for at least 5 minutes until cold to the touch. Chilling prevents crumbling when cutting and peeling.
- Scoop and Hollow:
- Once cool peel each potato gently. Slice lengthwise using a sharp knife for neat halves. Take a small spoon or melon baller and scoop a shallow cavity from each half careful not to go too deep or split the edges. Collect all the scooped potato centers in a separate mixing bowl.
- Make the Filling:
- To the reserved potato flesh add vegan mayonnaise Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar salt black salt if using and a generous few cracks of black pepper. Use a fork or potato masher to blend until creamy and no lumps remain. Taste and adjust seasoning for tang or saltiness.
- Fill the Potatoes:
- Either spoon or pipe the filling into the hollows of each potato half mounding slightly above the surface for a classic deviled look. For piping use a zip top bag with a snipped corner or a piping bag fitted with a wide round tip for a bakery style finish.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Dust the tops with a little paprika for that signature deviled appearance and sprinkle with plenty of finely chopped fresh chives. Arrange on a platter and serve right away for the best texture or cover and chill until your guests arrive.
Kala namak transforms the filling from simply tangy to surprisingly eggy and it is my favorite hack for vegan egg recipes. My niece once asked if I had snuck real eggs into the mix because the taste felt just right. Watching the family dig in and guess the secret ingredient always makes me smile.
Storage Tips
Keep deviled potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. I always place a piece of parchment between layers to avoid sticking but these taste the best the same day they are made as the potatoes will firm up a bit in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
For the creamiest texture use a starchy potato like Yukon Gold or small white potatoes but fingerling potatoes work in a pinch. If vegan mayonnaise is not available try mashed avocado for a green twist or a plain thick plant based yogurt for a lighter filling. For extra zing a tiny bit of hot sauce or horseradish is excellent mixed in.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect for potlucks picnics and brunch spreads. Arrange on a platter with radish slices or homemade pickles for extra color and crunch. You can also double the filling and pipe it onto cucumber slices for a lighter gluten free bite at parties.
Cultural or Historical Context
Vegan deviled potatoes put a fresh spin on the American classic deviled eggs which have been a Southern potluck staple for decades. Swapping the egg for potatoes makes this comfort dish accessible to more guests and always sparks conversation about traditions and food memories at gatherings.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try different garnishes like dill or parsley in the spring. Add a very fine mince of pickled jalapeno for a spicy summer kick. In autumn use smoked paprika and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds for texture.
Success Stories
Friends at my annual holiday open house always hunt for these first. Even my dad who swears by the original could not tell the difference last year and ended up taking leftovers home. Several vegan friends say they have adopted this recipe as their own for every celebration.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Deviled potatoes are meant for fresh eating. The texture becomes watery if frozen and thawed so I recommend making only as much as you will serve that week.
Make these deviled potatoes for your next party and watch them disappear — nobody will believe they are completely vegan! They always bring a little surprise and joy to every table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve a creamy filling for deviled potatoes?
Mash the scooped potato flesh with vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and fluffy.
- → Can I prepare deviled potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Add garnishes just before serving for best texture.
- → What is a good substitute for black salt?
Black salt adds an eggy flavor, but you can omit it or replace with a pinch of regular salt if preferred.
- → How should deviled potatoes be served?
They are delicious served chilled or at room temperature, ideal as appetizers or party snacks.
- → Which garnish is best for extra flavor?
Paprika and chopped chives provide a colorful finish and enhance the taste of the creamy filling.