Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

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why make this recipe

Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is a delightful dish that not only brings a festive spirit to your holiday table but also provides a delicious treat for both kids and adults. Deviled eggs are already a popular appetizer, but this creative twist adds a fun seasonal spin that makes them perfect for Christmas gatherings. They are easy to make, visually stunning, and measure up in taste as well!

This recipe is not just about taste—it’s about getting into the Christmas spirit. Who wouldn’t love to see a platter of vibrant green deviled egg trees on their holiday table? This dish combines the classic flavors of deviled eggs with a little holiday magic, letting you express your creativity while enjoying quality time with loved ones. Plus, they are a great way to use up leftover eggs and can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules.

how to make Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

Making Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is simpler than you might think. The process involves a few straightforward steps: boiling eggs, preparing a creamy filling, and decorating the eggs to resemble festive Christmas trees. Here is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and directions to help you make this delightful recipe at home.

Ingredients:

7 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
5 oz baby spinach
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 lemon (juice)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
2 tablespoons dehydrated potato flakes
1 red Fresno chili pepper, minced
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into small stars
Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Directions:

Boil the Eggs: Begin by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the large eggs carefully into the boiling water. Cook the eggs for about 9½ minutes. After the time is up, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool completely. The ice bath prevents the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
Peel and Prepare the Eggs: Once the eggs are cool, peel them carefully to avoid tearing the whites. Slice each egg in half horizontally. Next, trim the bottom of each egg white slightly so they can stand upright. This is essential for creating the tree shape.
Sauté the Spinach: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Allow the sautéed spinach to cool for a while.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl or food processor, blend the sautéed spinach, egg yolks (which you will scoop out from the cooked egg halves), mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, hot sauce, and potato flakes until smooth. The combination should be creamy without any lumps. Once blended, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Pipe the Filling: After chilling, fill a piping bag with the spinach and egg yolk mixture. This will be used to pipe the filling into the prepared egg white halves. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with the corner cut off as an alternative.
Decorate: To decorate your Christmas trees, take the diced red Fresno chili pepper and sprinkle it around the base of each filled egg to create a ‘tree skirt.’ Use the yellow bell pepper pieces shaped like small stars and place one on top of each egg half to represent the star that decorates the tree.
Garnish: Finally, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over each egg. This extra touch adds flavor and a festive look to your beautiful Christmas trees.
Serve beautifully on a platter: Arrange your decorated Deviled Egg Christmas Trees on a platter, and serve to your delighted guests. They will surely be a hit among your holiday appetizers!

how to serve Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

When it comes to serving Deviled Egg Christmas Trees, presentation is key. Serve these charming festive treats on a large, decorative platter. If you have a Christmas-themed platter, it will enhance the overall presentation even more. You can also add a few decorative greens, like parsley or holly, around the edges for a truly festive look.

These deviled eggs can be served as a stand-alone appetizer, or you can include them in a larger appetizer spread along with other favorites. They pair wonderfully with drinks, making them suitable for holiday parties, family gatherings, and even potlucks. Guests will appreciate the unique and creative presentation as well as the delightful flavors.

Additionally, consider offering a variety of dips or sauces on the side such as hot sauce, ketchup, or a tangy ranch dressing for those who might want an extra kick or additional flavor experience.

how to store Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

If you’re preparing Deviled Egg Christmas Trees in advance, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Keep Them Refrigerated: After preparing the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to cover the platter with plastic wrap or foil if you do not have a container that fits the eggs flatly.
Consume Within 2 Days: Deviled eggs are typically best when consumed fresh. However, you can enjoy them for up to two days if stored properly. Beyond this, the quality may decline as the egg whites can get a bit rubbery, and the filling may separate.
Freezing is Not Recommended: It’s not a good idea to freeze deviled eggs, as the texture of the egg whites can change drastically once thawed. For best results, it’s ideal to prepare them fresh for any event.

tips to make Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

Creating the perfect Deviled Egg Christmas Trees can be made easier with a few helpful tips:

Use Fresh Eggs: For easy peeling, pick eggs that are slightly older—about 7-10 days after purchase. Fresher eggs are harder to peel compared to older eggs.
Don’t Over-boil: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked eggs can lead to a greenish-gray ring around the yolk, which isn’t visually appealing. 9½ minutes is typically perfect for hard-boiling.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to modify the filling according to your flavor preferences. You can add spicy elements like sriracha, herbs, or even pieces of cooked bacon for added flavor.
Make Ahead of Time: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just pipe it into the egg whites right before serving for a fresh taste.
Get Creative with Decorations: While the red chili and yellow bell pepper star are festive, you can experiment with other toppings as well, such as chopped green onions, radish slices, or even edible glitter for a sparkling appearance.

variation

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees or cater to different palates, consider these variations:

Bacon-Cheddar Variation: Add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the filling. This version will give your deviled eggs a savory twist that is sure to please bacon lovers.
Herbed Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley into the filling. These fresh flavors can brighten up the dish and offer a refreshing taste.
Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, substitute the eggs with avocado or tofu blended with similar seasonings. You can still shape them to resemble trees with avocados.
Spicy Chipotle Variation: For those who enjoy some heat, mix in chipotle sauce or diced jalapeños into the filling for a smoky, spicy version of the Christmas trees.

FAQs

Can I make deviled eggs a day ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. However, it’s recommended to pipe the filling into the egg whites just before serving to ensure they look fresh.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the filling?

If you want to avoid mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or avocado as healthier alternatives. They will add creaminess while imparting different flavors to the filling.

Can I use other ingredients for decoration?

Absolutely! While the red chili and yellow pepper stars add a festive touch, feel free to get creative with decorations. Diced olives, small bits of pimento, or even tiny pieces of cucumber can make fun and colorful additions to your deviled eggs.

How can I prevent the egg yolks from turning green?

To avoid the greenish-gray ring around the yolk, stick to the cooking time of 9½ minutes, and transfer the eggs to an ice bath immediately after boiling. This will stop the cooking process and help maintain a bright yellow yolk.

How long will leftover deviled eggs keep in the fridge?

Leftover deviled eggs will generally keep in the refrigerator for up to two days if stored in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture. Beyond this time frame, the flavors tend to fade, and the overall quality may decline.

By incorporating these tips and tricks, your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees will be both beautiful and delicious, impressing your guests and making your holiday gatherings even more special. Enjoy making this charming holiday dish, and may it bring joy and tasty satisfaction to your celebrations!