Christmas was always my favorite time of year growing up, and one of the most cherished traditions in our family was making Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. I can still vividly remember the excitement I felt as a child, watching my mom carefully assemble those festive little trees, each one a miniature work of art.
There was something so magical about the way the bright red paprika and sprigs of fresh parsley transformed simple deviled eggs into the cutest holiday appetizer. I loved how the cheerful green “trees” would twinkle on the table, surrounded by an array of other Christmas nibbles. It just made the whole house feel so warm and inviting.
Now that I’m all grown up, I’ve carried on the Deviled Egg Christmas Tree tradition in my own home. It’s become a staple at our holiday parties and a real crowd-pleaser every single time. I’m always excited to share this recipe with friends and family because it’s not only delicious, but it brings back such wonderful memories. If you haven’t tried making Deviled Egg Christmas Trees before, trust me – this is the recipe that’s going to become your new go-to!
Why This Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind perfect Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is all in the simple yet effective technique. By carefully piping the creamy deviled egg filling into the hollowed egg whites, you can create the most adorable miniature “trees” that look almost too good to eat. But don’t worry, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
The Secret Behind Perfect Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
What really sets this recipe apart is the way the ingredients work together to create the ideal flavor and texture. The tangy mustard and tangy vinegar in the filling balance out the richness of the egg yolks, while a generous sprinkle of paprika adds a vibrant pop of color. And the fresh parsley sprigs on top not only make the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees look like tiny holiday trees, but they also contribute a lovely herbal note that ties everything together.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Eggs
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- White vinegar
- Paprika
- Fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Instructions
Preparing your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees couldn’t be simpler. With just a few basic steps, you can whip up a platter of these festive bites in no time. The total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes, and all you’ll need is a few basic kitchen tools like a pot, a spoon, and a piping bag.
1- Start by hard-boiling your eggs. Place them in a single layer in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let the eggs simmer for 12 minutes. This will ensure the yolks are perfectly cooked.
2- Carefully transfer the boiled eggs to an ice bath and let them cool completely. Once they’re cool enough to handle, gently peel the shells off.
3- Slice each egg in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the yolks, placing them in a bowl. Set the hollowed-out egg white “cups” aside.
4- Mash the egg yolks with a fork until they’re smooth and crumbly. Then, add in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white vinegar. Stir until the filling is well combined and creamy.
5- Spoon the deviled egg filling into a piping bag fitted with a small star tip. Pipe the filling into the hollowed-out egg white cups, creating little “trees.”
6- Finish by gently pressing a small sprig of fresh parsley into the top of each Deviled Egg Christmas Tree. Sprinkle the whole platter with a light dusting of paprika for a festive pop of color.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is to not overfill the egg white cups. You want just enough filling to create a nice, piped “tree” shape without it spilling over the sides. Also, be sure to use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture.
Another pro tip is to make the filling a day in advance and chill it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and it makes the piping process a breeze on the day you assemble the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees.
Serving and Storing Your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are the perfect holiday appetizer, whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas gathering or a festive New Year’s Eve party. They pair beautifully with a variety of festive drinks, from sparkling wine to mulled cider.
Perfect Pairings for Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
For a savory contrast, try serving the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees alongside a selection of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. Or, for a lighter option, they’re delicious with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent the egg whites from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, give them a quick dusting of paprika and top with fresh parsley sprigs.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
While the classic version is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. Get creative with different flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Creative Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Variations
For a zestier filling, try adding a pinch of cayenne or a teaspoon of hot sauce. You could also swap out the Dijon for a smoky chipotle mustard. And for a festive touch, try mixing in some finely chopped green onions or chives.
Making Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free mayonnaise brand. For a dairy-free version, you can use a vegan mayonnaise alternative. And for a low-carb spin, simply omit the paprika dusting and serve the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees as-is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought hard-boiled eggs for this recipe?
A: While you can certainly use pre-boiled eggs to save time, I really recommend taking the extra few minutes to boil the eggs yourself. This ensures they’re perfectly cooked and the yolks are the ideal texture for the filling.
Q: How far in advance can I make the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees?
A: You can make the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just pipe the filling into the egg white cups and top with the parsley sprigs shortly before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of mustard besides Dijon?
A: Absolutely! While Dijon provides a nice balance of tanginess, you can experiment with other types of mustard, like whole grain or even spicy brown.
Q: How many Deviled Egg Christmas Trees does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24 Deviled Egg Christmas Trees, which should be enough for 8-10 people as an appetizer.
Q: What if my egg yolks are dry and crumbly?
A: If your egg yolks seem a bit dry after mashing, just add a little extra mayonnaise, a teaspoon at a time, until the filling reaches a nice, creamy consistency.
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 24 deviled egg halves
Description
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are a delightful and festive holiday appetizer that will delight your guests. These creamy, flavorful bites are easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next Christmas party or family gathering.
Ingredients
– 12 hard-boiled eggs
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks, placing them in a medium bowl.
2. 2. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the yolks. Mash and mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
3. 3. Pipe or spoon the deviled egg filling back into the egg white halves, arranging the filled eggs in a Christmas tree shape on a serving platter.
4. 4. Garnish the deviled egg Christmas trees with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
5. 5. Chill the deviled egg Christmas trees in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
For a festive touch, you can also top the deviled eggs with a small piece of red bell pepper or a green olive slice to resemble ornaments. These Deviled Egg Christmas Trees can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are the perfect holiday appetizer – they’re incredibly delicious, visually stunning, and sure to bring back all the nostalgic feels of Christmas. This foolproof recipe is your ticket to wowing your guests this holiday season. So what are you waiting for? Grab some eggs and get to work on your new go-to Deviled Egg Christmas Trees!
