Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (egg boiling + smoking): 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Macros per serving:
Calories: 265 | Protein: 13g | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 21g
Smoky, creamy, and totally next level
If you love regular egg salad, you’re gonna really love this version. We’re giving it a smoky upgrade with smoked hard-boiled eggs and a touch of smoked paprika. It’s rich and creamy, with that deep, toasty flavor you usually only get from BBQ joints.
I started making this after I had smoked deviled eggs at a backyard cookout and couldn’t stop thinking about them. It’s become my go-to twist when I want something a little extra without much extra work.

Why I Love This Recipe
- 🔥 That smoky egg flavor = unreal
- 🥚 Still creamy and classic, just elevated
- 🧂 Only a few ingredients, but big payoff
- 💡 Great way to use leftover smoked eggs
- 🍽️ Works for lunch, meal prep, or a snack board
What You’ll Need
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped chives for garnish

Pro Tips
- Smoke eggs after boiling for about 10–15 minutes in a smoker or grill
- Use smoked paprika for extra flavor if you’re not smoking the eggs
- Let eggs cool fully before chopping so the mayo doesn’t separate
- Chop the eggs roughly—you want texture
- Garnish with chives or green onions for a fresh bite
Tools You’ll Need
- Smoker or grill (optional, for smoked eggs)
- Knife & cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Spoon or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use liquid smoke (1–2 drops) if you don’t have a smoker
- Add chopped dill pickles for tang
- Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing
- Try hot smoked salmon mixed in for a full meal salad
- Use chipotle powder for a spicy smoked twist
Make-Ahead Tips
- Smoke and boil eggs up to 3 days ahead
- Make the whole salad and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Stir before serving to re-fluff the texture
Instructions
STEP 1: Boil and Peel Eggs
Boil 6 eggs for about 10 minutes until hard-boiled. Let cool in ice water, then peel.

STEP 2: Smoke the Eggs (Optional but awesome)
Place peeled eggs in a smoker or grill at 200°F for 10–15 minutes until lightly browned on the outside with a subtle smoky scent.

STEP 3: Chop the Eggs
Roughly chop the smoked eggs into bite-sized chunks.

STEP 4: Mix the Dressing
In a bowl, stir together ¼ cup mayo, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper.

STEP 5: Combine Everything
Add chopped eggs to the dressing. Gently fold together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

STEP 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives and a little extra smoked paprika.

Leftovers + Storage
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container
- Best within 3 days
- Stir before serving
- Not freezer-friendly
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Smoking the eggs infuses flavor through the outer layer, giving depth
- Mayo binds the eggs and seasoning into a creamy spread
- Smoked paprika adds heat, color, and aroma
- The combo of fat and smoke triggers that savory, “can’t stop eating it” feeling
Meal Plan Ideas
- Serve on sourdough toast
- Spoon into lettuce cups for low carb
- Make an open-faced sandwich with arugula and pickled onions
- Add to a charcuterie or snack board
- Stuff into a wrap with roasted veggies
Common Mistakes
- Over-smoking the eggs—makes them rubbery
- Chopping eggs too small—loses texture
- Skipping seasoning—don’t forget to salt it!
- Not cooling eggs before mixing—warm eggs = broken mayo
What to Serve With
- Crusty bread or toast
- Pickles or pickled red onions
- Arugula or mixed greens
- Roasted sweet potato wedges
- Iced tea or sparkling lemonade
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought smoked eggs?
A: Absolutely! They work great and save time.
Q: No smoker—can I still make this?
A: Yes! Use 1–2 drops of liquid smoke or just lean into the smoked paprika.
Q: Can I use miracle whip instead of mayo?
A: You can, but it’ll taste sweeter and tangier. Not traditional, but totally up to you.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Just keep the dressing ratio the same for every 6 eggs.
This Smoked Egg Salad is a cozy, flavorful spin on a classic. If you’ve never had smoked eggs, you’re in for something special. Try it once, and I promise—it’ll become your go-to twist. Let me know if you made it and what you served it with!