Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deviled egg Christmas trees are a creative and festive twist on the classic party appetizer. Creamy, tangy deviled egg filling is piped into fluffy “trees,” then decorated with colorful toppings to resemble miniature Christmas trees — making them as fun to look at as they are to eat. I first made these for a Christmas brunch, and they were gone before the main course hit the table! They’re easy to make, eye-catching on a platter, and a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages. The smooth, herbed filling paired with crisp, decorative toppings makes these deviled eggs both beautiful and delicious — the perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees: Festive, Creamy, and Perfect for the Holiday Table
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 12 deviled egg halves
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are a festive twist on the classic appetizer! Creamy, tangy deviled eggs are topped with a whipped green filling shaped like little Christmas trees and decorated with colorful edible garnishes. Perfect for holiday parties, they’re fun, cute, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Green food coloring (or spinach powder/puree for natural color)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or dill (optional, for flavor)
- 2 tbsp finely diced red bell pepper (for decoration)
- 2 tbsp finely diced yellow bell pepper or corn (for decoration)
- Small dill sprigs or parsley leaves (for the ‘tree’ effect)
- Pretzel sticks (optional, for ‘tree trunks’)
Instructions
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and cool completely. Peel carefully and slice each egg in half lengthwise.
- Remove the yolks and place them in a small bowl. Mash until smooth with a fork.
- Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Add green food coloring (a few drops at a time) until desired color is reached. Mix in chives or dill if using.
- Spoon or pipe the green filling into the egg whites using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, building up in a swirled cone shape to resemble a Christmas tree.
- Decorate with diced red and yellow bell peppers as ornaments. Top with a tiny sprig of dill or parsley for a festive touch.
- Optional: insert a small piece of pretzel stick under each egg half to look like a tree trunk.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use avocado or spinach puree instead of food coloring for a natural green hue.
- For a bit of spice, add a dash of hot sauce or paprika to the yolk mixture.
- These can be made up to 1 day ahead — store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boil & Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Eggs — The base of the recipe; hard-boiled and halved for the “tree trunks.”
Mayonnaise — Creates the creamy texture of the deviled egg filling.
Dijon mustard — Adds a tangy bite to balance the richness.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice — Adds brightness and a little zing.
Salt and black pepper — Essential for flavor balance.
Green food coloring or blended herbs (like spinach or parsley) — Gives the filling that beautiful green “tree” hue.
Chopped chives or dill — For fresh, herby notes and visual appeal.
Paprika or cayenne (optional) — Adds subtle spice and color.
Toppings for decoration:
- Diced red bell pepper — For “ornaments” or “tree lights.”
- Yellow bell pepper or corn kernels — For the “star” on top.
- Chopped parsley or dill sprigs — To create a tree-like texture.
Directions
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 10–12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath and cool completely before peeling.
Halve the eggs lengthwise and gently remove the yolks into a mixing bowl. Set the whites aside on a serving platter.
Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined.
To create the green “tree” color, blend in green food coloring or puréed herbs (such as parsley, spinach, or dill) until you reach your desired shade.
Transfer the filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the filling into each egg white half, swirling upward to create a tree-like shape.
Decorate with tiny pieces of red and yellow bell pepper as ornaments and stars. Sprinkle with chopped herbs for “foliage” and a dusting of paprika if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 deviled eggs (24 halves). Preparation takes 20 minutes, cooking about 10 minutes, and chilling 30 minutes. Total time: approximately 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best presentation, add decorative toppings just before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the eggs will change.
Variations and Customizations
Herbed Deviled Trees — Blend fresh basil, parsley, or dill into the filling for flavor and color.
Avocado Green — Use mashed avocado instead of food coloring for a natural green hue and creamy texture.
Spicy Christmas Trees — Add a touch of sriracha or cayenne for festive heat.
Bacon Bits — Sprinkle crispy bacon “ornaments” for smoky crunch.
Pesto Filling — Mix in a spoonful of pesto for an Italian twist.
Goat Cheese Blend — Replace half the mayo with goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Vegan Option — Use plant-based mayo and tofu yolk filling for an egg-free alternative.
Mini Christmas Wreaths — Arrange the deviled eggs in a wreath shape on a platter and garnish with herbs and peppers.
Truffle Elegance — Add a drop of truffle oil for a luxurious holiday version.
Beet-Tinted “Snow” — Sprinkle finely grated beet or radish for red contrast against the green trees.
FAQs
How do I make the filling naturally green?
Blend fresh spinach or parsley into the yolk mixture — it adds color and freshness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, make the filling a day ahead, store separately, and assemble before serving.
How do I prevent the eggs from cracking while boiling?
Start with cold water and gently bring to a boil to reduce cracking.
Can I use store-bought hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, it saves time and works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I get smooth, creamy filling?
Mash the yolks well and mix until no lumps remain before piping.
What piping tip works best?
A large star or open round tip creates a tree-like swirl.
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely — add cayenne, hot sauce, or wasabi for heat.
What can I use instead of bell pepper for decoration?
Pomegranate seeds, corn kernels, or chopped olives also work beautifully.
How long can they sit out at room temperature?
Up to 2 hours — keep chilled until just before serving.
Can I serve these for New Year’s too?
Yes, they’re festive enough for any winter celebration!
Conclusion
Deviled egg Christmas trees are a whimsical, flavorful way to bring holiday spirit to your table. They’re creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, with a stunning presentation that delights kids and adults alike. Whether for a Christmas brunch, appetizer spread, or festive potluck, these little edible “trees” are sure to stand out. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and endlessly customizable, they’re a creative twist on a timeless classic that will make your celebrations extra special.
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