Put the eggs in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then turn off the heat, cover and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain the water from the pot and fill with cold water to cool the eggs. Change the water twice so that the eggs will cool down quickly.

Peel the eggs and slice a small piece off the bottoms so that they will stand upright. Slice the top third off of each and save the tops. Carefully remove the eggs yolks with a small spoon and put them in a medium-size bowl. Break up the egg yolks with a potato masher. Add all the remaining ingredients except the bacon and chives. Mix until well blended and smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a releasable bag, cut off the corner of the bag and pipe the filling into each egg. Sprinkle each with chopped chives and bacon bits, if desired. Cover with the egg tops and arrange them on a serving platter.