Easy Brisket Deviled Eggs: Snack for Game Day, Holidays and Post Workout

Deviled Eggs bring a little Texas BBQ flavor to a familiar favorite, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer for just about any occasion. This batch was created by me, and inspired by my friends at BeefLovingTexans.com

They’re right at home on your Thanksgiving appetizer table, alongside your favorite game day snacks, at Easter celebrations, or at a backyard summer cookout. And because they’re surprisingly easy to make, you don’t have to save them for a special occasion! And, the best part? You don’t even have to smoke a brisket yourself. Leftover brisket works beautifully, but store-bought cooked brisket or a few slices from your favorite BBQ joint make this recipe easy to pull together anytime the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love These Brisket Deviled Eggs

  • A crowd favorite with a Texas twist. Deviled eggs are a familiar party staple, but smoky brisket and a little jalapeño bring a delicious BBQ-inspired upgrade.
  • Perfect for practically any gathering. Serve them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, game day, potlucks, summer cookouts, or casual backyard get-togethers.
  • Easy to make. The filling comes together with simple ingredients, and a cookie scoop makes filling the egg whites quick and tidy.
  • A delicious way to use leftover brisket. Have a little brisket left from a weekend cookout? This is a tasty way to give it a second life.
  • Protein-packed party food. Each serving of two deviled egg halves provides 10 grams of protein, making these little bites more substantial than your average appetizer.

Prep & Storage Tips for Brisket Deviled Eggs

For easier egg peeling: Once the eggs are cooked, transfer them immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Then allow them cool completely. This helps prevent overcooking, which can cause that unappealing green-gray ring around the yolk, and cooling makes the eggs more comfortable to handle. If egg is being stubborn to peel, crack shell and stick under water while peeling . . or try using older eggs (which often peel more nicely than super fresh eggs).

Choose the Mayo You Love: Mayonnaise gives deviled egg filling its classic creamy texture. Regular mayonnaise delivers a rich, traditional flavor, while avocado-oil mayonnaise is another option if that’s what you keep in your fridge. We all have our favorite brand, and some of us prefer “light.” Also, using plain Greek yogurt is another option.

Use a Cookie Scoop for Neat Filling: Want your deviled eggs to look party-ready without a lot of fuss? A small cookie scoop is a handy way to portion the filling evenly into the egg whites without the clean-up and skills needed to use a pastry piping bag.

Don’t Be Shy With the Toppings: Top as your heart desires. My favorite deviled egg toppings are pickled red onions, diced avocado, fresh jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro or chives, and smoked paprika. A little drizzle of BBQ sauce could be a nice touch as well!

Storage Tip: Keep the finished eggs refrigerated at 40°F or below until serving. Don’t leave them at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour when temperatures are above 90°F. For outdoor cookouts, serve them over ice or bring out smaller platters and replenish as needed.

Leftovers: Put leftover deviled eggs in a covered storage container or covered egg platter and keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for up to 5 days.

Brisket Deviled Eggs Nutrition

These aren’t just a pretty addition to your appetizer spread. They also provide a little protein in every bite. That’s why I like to add them to a lunch or post workout snack. Nutrition per serving (2 deviled egg halves):

  • Calories: 142
  • Total fat: 10.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Protein: 10 grams
Brisket Deviled Eggs
Course: Appetizer, snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizer, brisket, easter, egg, fingerfood, game day, thanksgiving
Servings: 6 people (2 each)
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup cooked Leftover Smoked Beef Brisket, chopped, divided
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup picked red onion slices
  • optional: diced avocado, microgreens, etc.
Instructions
  1. Add 6 eggs to pot and bring to a boil, uncovered. Let boil for 1 minute;
  2. then turn off heat, add lid to pot, and let stand for 12 minutes.
  3. After 12 minutes, use a slotted spoon to immediately put the eggs into a
  4. bowl filled with water and ice. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  5. Peel eggs and slice in half crosswise.
  6. Add yolks to bowl along with mayo, mustard, water, garlic salt. Use fork or spatula to combine until mostly lump free. Doesn’t have to be perfect.
  7. Next, stir in brisket (all but 2 tablespoons) and diced jalapeno.
  8. Spoon yolk mixture back into egg white halves.
  9. Top each deviled egg with a little bit of the reserved brisket, a bit of
  10. picked red onion, and sprinkled with paprika.
  11. Set in fridge to keep cool until serving. Do not keep out longer than 2 hours, unless chilled on ice. Store leftovers in air-tight container, in
  12. fridge, for up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes

Nutrition Facts (per 2 halves)

  • Calories: 142
  • Total fat: 10.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Protein: 10 grams

Veggie-forward Salads & Sides for Your July 4th Summer Block Party

When it comes to summer cookouts, everyone remembers who made that amazing side dish or salad. If you want to be that guest (or host) . . I have some amazing ideas.

Whether you’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, or simply gathering around the grill with friends and family, these fresh salads, veggie-forward sides, and colorful summer recipes are guaranteed to earn a spot next to the burgers, brisket, and barbecue.

From patriotic salads bursting with seasonal berries to grilled vegetables, watermelon favorites, and healthier comfort-food classics, these recipes are easy to make, travel well, and let summer produce shine.  Here are the summery sides I’ll be fixin’ up this season – bring one or bring them all!

Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad with Blueberries: Nothing says summer celebration quite like red, white, and blue. Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, sweet blueberries, fragrant basil, and a balsamic drizzle create a patriotic side that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Everyone loves a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in balsamic syrup. My patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the USA and Red, White and Blue. Perfect for summer entertaining.
Perfect for: America’s 250th celebration, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any festive cookout.

Watermelon Raspberry Quinoa Salad with Ginger Mint Dressing: A refreshing mashup of juicy watermelon, sweet raspberries, protein-packed quinoa, and a bright ginger-mint vinaigrette. It’s light, colorful, naturally gluten-free, and hearty enough to hold up on a buffet table without getting soggy.

Hydrate and invigorate with this juicy fresh salad featuring watermelon, raspberries and quinoa! The zingy ginger mint dressing is amazing. It’s a stunningly colorful side dish or add shrimp or salmon for a main dish.
Perfect for: BBQs, pool parties, patriotic celebrations, and healthy meal prep.

No-Crust Tomato Pie: Peak summer tomatoes deserve their moment. This lower-carb, gluten-free tomato pie skips the traditional crust while delivering all the cheesy, savory goodness that makes tomato pie a Southern favorite.

Perfect for: Garden harvests, brunch spreads, or serving alongside grilled meats.

Jalapeño Feta Cornbread:  A warm skillet of homemade cornbread always disappears first. This version gets a flavor upgrade with sweet corn, tangy feta, and just enough jalapeño heat to keep everyone coming back for another slice.

A yummy addition to BBQ or an summery entree salad.

Grilled Corn in the Husk with Creamy Ancho Vinaigrette: Grilling corn right in the husk creates juicy, smoky kernels every time. After grilling, drizzle each ear with my creamy ancho vinaigrette for a restaurant-worthy side that’s incredibly simple.

Grilled Corn with Ancho Vinaigrette is a southwestern inspired side dish for your next bbq or summer celebration.
First, learn how to grill corn in the husk, then finish it with the creamy ancho dressing.

Grilled Avocado Boats with Blistered Tomatoes: If you’ve never grilled an avocado, you’re in for a treat. Warm, creamy avocado halves pair beautifully with smoky blistered tomatoes for a side that’s unexpectedly elegant yet incredibly easy.

Grilled Avocado Boats
Perfect for: Steak night, grilled chicken, seafood, or vegetarian cookouts.

Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad: Fire up the grill for more than just meat. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, asparagus, and other seasonal vegetables caramelize beautifully before being tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s colorful, healthy, and makes excellent leftovers.

Platter of Grilled Vegetables
Make a double batch, these go fast!

Four Ways to Season Watermelon That Will Blow Your Mind: Sure, watermelon is delicious on its own—but these simple seasoning ideas take it to another level. Sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy combinations transform this classic summer fruit into an unforgettable party snack. 

Watermelon seasoned four different ways
Kick up the flavor party with these easy, sprinkle-on ideas.

Fiesta Five Veggie Potato Salad: This isn’t your average mayo-heavy potato salad. Loaded with five colorful vegetables and a lighter dressing, it’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor while still delivering the comfort everyone expects from a classic picnic side.

Fiesta Five Veggie Potato Salad a yummy, southwestern inspired side dish.
Perfect for: Potlucks, family reunions, cookouts, and meal prep.
Pin this for later!

Charcuterie Flower Garden (Cute 3-Ingredient Spring Appetizer)

If you’re looking for a show-stopping but ridiculously easy appetizer for spring entertaining, this Charcuterie Flower Garden is it. Made with just three simple ingredients, this board transforms everyday snack staples into a blooming, edible centerpiece that’s perfect for Easter, bridal showers, Mother’s Day, graduation parties, and more.

It’s fresh, fun, and totally customizable—plus, no cooking required This Charcuterie Flower Garden proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something beautiful and memorable. It’s the kind of appetizer that gets people talking—and snapping photos—before they even take a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Meat & Cheese Tray Idea

  • Only 3 ingredients
  • No cooking or complicated prep
  • Budget-friendly and easy to scale
  • Perfect for spring-themed gatherings
  • Cute and sure to score compliments

Ingredients for Cheese Flowers in Sausage Pots

  • Summer sausage or salami (for the “flower pots”)
  • English cucumber (for stems and leaves)
  • Cheese slices or blocks (to cut into flower shapes)

How to Make a Charcuterie Flower Garden

1. Create the “Pots”
Slice your summer sausage or salami into approximate ¾” cubes or circles. The size can vary depending on the cookie cutters you will use – bigger cut outs need bigger bases! Arrange them at the base of your board or platter to mimic little flower pots.

2. Add the Stems & Leaves
Add toothpicks to the center of each sausage piece to serve as the steam. Slice English cucumber on a slight diagonal into ¼” slices. Next, quarter these slices to create leaves.  Two pieces are layered outside of the toothpick, standing tall on the sausage cube.

3. Cut the Cheese Flowers
Use mini cookie cutters (flower shapes work best!) to cut cheese slices into blossoms. A thicker slice works better than pre-bought cracker cuts. I buy a pound block and then slice it in half (like a bun) to create a thick “canvas” to make shapes from. Cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack all work beautifully for color variety.  Add these cheese cutouts to the top of toothpick.

4. Optional Finishing Touches: You can sprinkle fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for extra greenery, add crackers around the board, and mix in colorful veggies for even more spring vibes. You are only limited by your creativity!

5. Prep Notes: For best results, prepare shortly before serving. If desired, to save time, you can prep the ingredients beforehand, store in air tight containers, and then assemble right before serving.

Roasted BBQ Black-Eyed Peas for New Year’s (and Beyond)

Black-eyed peas have long been tied to New Year’s traditions, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and abundance for the year ahead. And while they’re often served simmered with greens or tucked into classic comfort dishes, this crunchy, roasted version gives the tradition a modern, snack-worthy upgrade.

Think: roasted chickpeas… but with a Southern soul and a spicy-sweet BBQ vibe. Roasted with olive oil and a BBQ seasoning that’s easy and economical to mix up from basic spices in our pantry. Black eyed peas transform into a snack that hits all the notes – crunchy, savory, salty-sweet!

Why We Eat Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day

Across the Southern U.S., black-eyed peas are a staple on New Year’s Day, representing coins or wealth – a hopeful, nourishing start to the year.  Whether you’re deeply rooted in the tradition or just love a meaningful food moment, this recipe lets you honor the symbolism without feeling tied to a heavy or time-consuming dish.

 Crunchy Roasted BBQ Black-Eyed Peas put a modern twist on a New Year’s good luck tradition. A healthy, high-fiber snack that’s perfect for salads, soups, or on-the-go fuel.

Health Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas

Beyond the good-luck lore, black-eyed peas are a nutritional powerhouse, making them a smart choice for active lifestyles and everyday eating.

  • Rich in plant-based protein, helping with satiety and muscle repair
  • High in fiber, supporting digestion and steady energy
  • Packed with complex carbs, ideal for fueling workouts, hikes, and busy days
  • Naturally low in fat, while still deeply satisfying

Tips for Roasting Black-Eyed Peas

  • Use fresh, shelled, pre-soaked black eyed peas. Canned black-eyed peas will be too mushy. Fresh black-eyed peas great for this recipe can typically be found in the produce section and must remain refrigerated until use.
  • Pat dry. If there is any moisture or condensation on the black-eyed peas, pat dry before beginning recipe so that oil and spices will adhere.
  • Sugar substitutions: I used coconut sugar, but you can easily replace that for brown sugar, date sugar — or skip all together.
  • Easy clean-up. Line pan with parchment paper preferably, or foil before adding peas.
  • Single layer. When spreading out on the baking sheet, make sure that peas are not piled up. They must be in a single layer to promote even cooking.
  • Check often. Check 10 minutes or more to turn up with a spatula and rotate pan in the oven. Near the end, keep a close eye so they don’t burn.

How to Serve Roasted Black-Eyed Peas

  • Straight-up snack – like popcorn, but with protein and fiber
  • Salad or bowl topper – adds crunch and smoky flavor without croutons
  • Soup “crunchies” – sprinkle over chili, veggie soup, or stew
  • Trail or hike fuel – lightweight, shelf-stable, and satisfying
  • Lunchbox or road-trip snack – no refrigeration required
Crunchy BBQ Roasted Black-Eyed Peas
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

Crunchy Roasted BBQ Black-Eyed Peas put a modern twist on aNew Year’s good luck tradition. A healthy, high-fiber snack that’s perfect forsalads, soups, or on-the-go fuel.

Course: Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: black eye peas, good luck, new year
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 205 kcal
Ingredients
  • 10 oz fresh shelled black eyed peas not canned or dried
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp coconut sugar or can sub brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400F.
  2. Pat any moisture off black eyed peas with a paper towl. Add to bowl. Toss with olive oil.
  3. Mix together spices and sprinkle into bowl and stir to ensure all peas are coated.
  4. Spread out in single layer on rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-35 minutes, stirring them up every 10 minutes or so. Keep a close eye near the end so they don’t burn.
  5. Serve warm or room temp. Store leftovers in air-tight container for 3-4 days.
Recipe Notes

Easy Gingerbread Granola for Holiday Snacking and Gifting

If you’re craving something crunchy, cozy, and full of festive energy, this Gingerbread Glow Granola is your new holiday hero. It’s packed with seasonal yumminess—think chewy dried cranberries and chopped dates, sustaining nuts and seeds, and those warm holiday spices that make gingerbread so irresistible. Best of all, it’s unbelievably easy to make, totally economical, and doubles as the perfect homemade food gift for friends, neighbors, teachers… or anyone who deserves a little edible holiday cheer.

This whole-grain granola starts with wholesome oats and layers in whatever mix-ins make your season bright. I used pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, and festive dried fruit, but you can make it your own with options like pumpkin seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, dried apricots, golden raisins, or even toasted coconut flakes. If it tastes good in a winter trail mix, it’ll taste amazing in this granola. Pro tip: use raw, unroasted, unsalted nuts and seeds for the best result.

Once everything gets coated in a warm, buttery, gingerbread-style syrup, the magic happens in the oven. Pro tip: when the granola first comes out, it will still be slightly soft and damp—that’s exactly what you want. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet and it’ll firm up into those irresistible, snacky clusters everyone loves. Bake on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for super easy clean-up.

This recipe also scores high on practicality. It stays fresh for a couple of weeks in an airtight container on the counter. Or, stash a batch in the freezer in a zip-top bag and enjoy it for up to six months. This recipe makes a BIG batch, but if you’d like less then simply halve the recipe and bake on one pan instead of two! Whether you’re fueling up for holiday hiking, powering through the season’s high-energy errand running, or just snacking by the handful while wrapping gifts, this granola does it all.

Add it to yogurt, sprinkle it on smoothie bowls, pack it in lunchboxes, or bundle it into cute jars with ribbon for a heartfelt handmade gift. Festive, functional, and full of flavor—holiday snacking doesn’t get better than this.

Gingerbread Glow Granola
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
 
Celebrate the season with this easy, cozy Gingerbread Glow Granola—packed with whole grains, festive dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and warm holiday spices. Easy to customize and perfect for snacking or gifting.
Course: Breakfast, gift, Snack
Keyword: cereal, gifts, gingerbread, granola, homemade
Servings: 32 1/2- up servings
Calories: 224 kcal
Ingredients
  • 8 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
  • 2 ½ cups raw nuts and/or seeds used here: pistachios, sunflower seeds, almond slivers
  • 2 cups dried fruit used here: dried cranberries, chopped dates
  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. ground ginger
  • ½ tsp. ground covers
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325F.
  2. Add oats, nuts/seeds and dried fruit to a large bowl.
  3. In sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, molasses, maple syrup and spices, stir untll combined.
  4. Lower heat to simmer and let cook another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Pour syrup mixture over oat mixture and stir well to combine.
  6. Cover two large cookie sheets in parchment or Silpat silicone baking sheet. Divide mixture among pans.
  7. Bake for 25-45* minutes; stirring up once halfway through. Will be ready to remove from oven when turning lightly golden brown but still a little damp.
  8. Remove from oven, stir up one more time and allow to cool completely on pan.
  9. Store in airtight container for up to a couple weeks. Can also place in air-tight bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
  10. *exact cooking time will vary based on how high you have granola in pan and exact ingredients.
Recipe Notes

*This recipes makes a BIG batch, but it’s easy to scale down – just cut all ingredients in half amount and bake on a single baking sheet.