Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive appetizer that delivers both charm and deliciousness, these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are the perfect choice. Combining creamy, savory filling with the fresh taste of spinach and a sprinkle of colorful peppers, they transform the classic deviled egg into a holiday showstopper. These delightful green “trees” are as fun to make as they are to eat, making them an unforgettable addition to any Christmas gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to create the signature flavor and texture of Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. Each element adds something special, from the creamy richness of mayo and butter to the vibrant, festive colors of fresh peppers.

• 7 large eggs: Hard-boiled eggs form the base and give structure to the trees.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and lightly infuses the spinach with flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic (sliced thin): Enhances the savory depth of the filling.
• 5 oz baby spinach: Provides a fresh, earthy component and the beautiful green color.
• 1/3 cup mayo: Ensures a creamy, smooth texture for the filling.
• 1 tablespoon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
• 1/2 lemon (juice): Brightens the flavors with a hint of acidity.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a smoky warmth and mild spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce: Gives a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.
• 2 tablespoons dehydrated potato flakes: Helps thicken the filling for standing tall.
• 1 red fresno chili pepper (minced): Adds vibrant color and a little heat for “ornaments.”
• 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into small stars): Creates charming star toppers for the trees.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated over the final product to imitate festive snow.

How to Make Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

Step 1: Cook the Eggs

Start by bringing water to a rolling boil and carefully add your eggs. Boil hard for 9 and a half minutes, then immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking and make peeling easier. This step ensures firm whites and perfectly cooked yolks for the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs for Stuffing

Peel the cooled eggs gently, then slice each egg in half widthwise, so the halves are round rather than oblong. The goal is to cut through the yolk evenly; don’t worry if the slice isn’t perfect, as the final look depends on piping. Trim a small slice off the bottom tip of each egg white half to allow them to stand upright without toppling over.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

While the eggs are cooling, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and sauté briefly before tossing in the spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture, leaving a concentrated flavor. Set aside to cool completely—cooling is key to keeping your filling light and creamy.

Step 4: Blend the Filling

In a blender, combine the cooked spinach mixture, egg yolks, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, hot sauce, and dehydrated potato flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy, then chill the filling. If the mixture feels too loose for piping into tall tree shapes, add more potato flakes a little at a time until thickened.

Step 5: Assemble Your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Arrange the egg whites upright on a serving platter and pipe the filling, bobbing the bag slightly as you go to mimic tree branches. Be as tall and festive as you can without compromising the integrity of your trees.

Step 6: Decorate Your Trees

Use toothpicks to add tiny pieces of minced red fresno chili pepper as colorful “ornaments.” Finally, place small star-shaped yellow bell pepper pieces on the top of each tree to represent a shining star, then “snow” your display with freshly grated parmesan cheese. The contrast in color and texture is stunning and perfectly seasonal.

How to Serve Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

Garnishes

Beyond the bright red and yellow pepper decorations, you can sprinkle fresh herbs like finely chopped chives or dill for an aromatic touch. A light dusting of smoked paprika on the edges adds visual warmth and a hint of earthiness that coordinates beautifully with the filling.

Side Dishes

Deviled Egg Christmas Trees pair wonderfully with a fresh simple salad, cranberry relish, or a light soup to balance their richness. They also make fantastic finger food accompanying holiday cocktails and charcuterie boards, standing out as a centerpiece on any festive table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the deviled eggs on a large wooden cutting board or a decorative tray lined with fresh pine sprigs for that extra Christmas flair. You can also serve them inside out edible cups made from thinly sliced cucumbers or place them atop cracker rounds for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Deviled Egg Christmas Trees covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to keep the filling fresh and the eggs safe to eat. The potato flakes help maintain their shape but the texture is most optimal fresh.

Freezing

Because of their creamy filling and fresh ingredients, freezing Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is not recommended. Freezing will ruin the texture of the eggs and spinach, making them watery and unappetizing once thawed.

Reheating

These are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Let them come to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving to bring out their full flavor without any chill.

FAQs

Can I make Deviled Egg Christmas Trees ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and boil your eggs a day in advance. Assemble the trees on the day you plan to serve to keep them fresh and visually appealing.

What if I don’t have dehydrated potato flakes?

If you don’t have potato flakes, you can use finely crushed crackers or a small amount of instant mashed potato mix as a thickener. Just add gradually until the filling holds its shape.

Can I customize the spice level?

Definitely. Adjust the amount of hot sauce and smoked paprika to suit your taste buds. If you prefer mild, simply reduce or omit the hot sauce.

Are vegetarian guests able to enjoy this dish?

Yes, Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are vegetarian-friendly since they contain no meat or fish. Just ensure your mayo is vegetarian if that’s a concern.

How do I keep the eggs from tipping over on the serving platter?

Careful trimming of the egg whites’ bottom tips helps them stand upright. If needed, you can secure them gently on a bed of lettuce or use a platter with edges to prevent shifting.

Final Thoughts

If you want to add charm, flavor, and a touch of holiday magic to your appetizer spread, Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are the way to go. They combine a festive look with familiar, comforting tastes in a way that feels both playful and elegant. Give them a try at your next holiday gathering—you might just start a new tradition everyone looks forward to!

Print