It was just last year when I realized that Christmas Deviled Eggs had become a non-negotiable part of my family’s holiday celebrations. I can still picture my grandma, apron tied tightly around her waist, carefully piping the creamy filling into each perfectly cooked egg white. The aroma of paprika and dill would fill the kitchen, instantly transporting us all back to Christmases past. As I’d take that first bite, the rich, velvety texture combined with the bright, tangy flavor always hit the spot, no matter how full I was from the rest of the feast.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with all sorts of deviled egg recipes, but this Christmas-themed version has become my absolute favorite. Not only does it capture all the festive flavors of the season, but the vibrant red and green color scheme makes it an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread. Plus, the simple yet sophisticated taste is a hit with guests of all ages – trust me, these Christmas Deviled Eggs will disappear in a flash!
Table of Contents
Why This Christmas Deviled Eggs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Deviled Eggs
The key to these Christmas Deviled Eggs is all in the filling. Instead of relying on plain old mayonnaise, I use a blend of creamy Greek yogurt and tangy Dijon mustard to create an irresistibly smooth and flavorful base. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth, while freshly chopped dill and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten up the whole dish. But the real secret is swirling in a touch of festive red and green food coloring – it’s a simple trick that takes these Christmas Deviled Eggs from basic to brilliant.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Hard-boiled eggs
– Greek yogurt
– Dijon mustard
– Smoked paprika
– Fresh dill
– Lemon juice
– Red and green food coloring (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Christmas Deviled Eggs Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Deviled Eggs
Making these Christmas Deviled Eggs is a breeze, and the whole process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a dozen hard-boiled eggs, a bowl for mixing the filling, and a piping bag or small spoon for assembling. Once you have your ingredients ready to go, let’s dive in!
1- Start by carefully peeling the hard-boiled eggs and slicing them in half lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks and transfer them to a medium-sized bowl.
2- In the bowl with the yolks, use a fork to mash them into a smooth, lump-free paste. Then, add in the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the filling is creamy and well-combined.
3- If you want to get extra festive, divide the filling into two separate bowls. In one bowl, stir in a few drops of red food coloring until you reach your desired shade. In the other, mix in some green food coloring.
4- Carefully spoon or pipe the red and green fillings into the egg white halves, alternating colors to create a fun and visually striking presentation.
5- Finish off your Christmas Deviled Eggs by sprinkling a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top, followed by a few fresh dill sprigs.
6- Arrange your beautifully decorated Christmas Deviled Eggs on a serving platter and get ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs is all in the timing. Be sure to let them simmer for about 12 minutes before immediately transferring them to an ice bath. This helps the shells slip off easily and prevents that unsightly grey ring around the yolks.
Another tip is to let the filling chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the filling a nice, firm texture that’s easy to pipe.
And if piping the filling isn’t your forte, don’t worry – a small spoon works just as well! Just be sure to smooth the tops so they look nice and neat.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Deviled Eggs
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Deviled Eggs
These Christmas Deviled Eggs make a fantastic appetizer or side dish for all your holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine or a festive cocktail like a cranberry mimosa. And don’t forget to serve them alongside some other classic Christmas nibbles, like roasted nuts, cheese and crackers, or a fresh veggie platter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about Christmas Deviled Eggs is that they can be made up to 2 days in advance, making them the perfect make-ahead party food. Simply assemble the eggs, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to eat, give them a light dusting of paprika and garnish with fresh dill.
Leftover Christmas Deviled Eggs will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty. You can even freeze the unassembled egg halves for up to 2 months – just thaw them in the fridge before piping in the filling.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Deviled Eggs
Creative Christmas Deviled Eggs Variations
If you want to get really festive, try swapping out the dill for fresh rosemary or thyme. Or, for a sweeter twist, fold in a bit of honey or maple syrup to the filling. You could also top the eggs with crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Making Christmas Deviled Eggs Diet-Friendly
To make these Christmas Deviled Eggs friendly for all your guests, you can easily adapt the recipe. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free mustard. To make them vegan, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or silken tofu. And for a low-carb spin, skip the food coloring and garnish with finely chopped chives or scallions instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in the filling?
A: While you can certainly use mayonnaise, I find that the Greek yogurt gives the filling a lovely, creamy texture without being too heavy or rich. The tangy yogurt also helps balance out the other flavors beautifully.
Q: How long do I need to boil the eggs for perfect hard-boiled eggs?
A: For large eggs, I recommend simmering them for about 12 minutes. This ensures the yolks are fully cooked but still tender. Be sure to immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Q: Can I make the Christmas Deviled Eggs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These deviled eggs are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can assemble them up to 2 days in advance and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many Christmas Deviled Eggs should I plan for per person?
A: As a general rule, plan for 2-3 deviled egg halves per person. This recipe makes 24 filled egg halves, which should be plenty for 8-12 guests as part of a larger holiday spread.
Q: Help! My deviled egg filling turned out too thick. What can I do?
A: If your filling is too dense, simply add a bit more Greek yogurt or a splash of lemon juice to thin it out. You want a creamy, pipeable consistency that’s not too stiff or dry.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24
Description
These easy-to-make Christmas Deviled Eggs are a classic holiday appetizer that everyone will love. Creamy, tangy, and festively garnished, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for your Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
– 12 large eggs
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– Paprika, for garnish
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. – Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. – Once the water reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes.
3. – Drain the hot water and cover the eggs with cold water. Let sit until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes.
4. – Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
5. – Carefully scoop out the yolks and place them in a medium bowl.
6. – Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the yolks. Mash and stir until smooth and creamy.
7. – Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves.
8. – Sprinkle the deviled eggs with paprika and chopped parsley.
9. – Chill the deviled eggs in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the yolk mixture. You can also try different garnishes like chopped chives, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Deviled Eggs are the perfect festive appetizer to kick off your holiday celebrations. With their vibrant colors, rich and tangy flavor, and super simple prep, these deviled eggs are sure to become a new family tradition. So what are you waiting for? Grab a dozen eggs and get to work on creating your own batch of Christmas Deviled Eggs – your guests (and taste buds) will thank you!
