It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I can’t think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit than by whipping up a batch of my famous Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. Every year, my family and I gather in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as we carefully assemble these festive little bites. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down for generations, and I just can’t imagine Christmas without it.
You see, my grandma was the original Deviled Egg Christmas Tree master. She’d spend hours painstakingly piping the creamy yolk mixture into perfectly formed little trees, topping each one with a colorful pimento or olive slice. We’d all gather round, oohing and aahing over her handiwork, before diving in and devouring the entire batch in record time.
Now, it’s my turn to carry on the legacy. And let me tell you, this recipe for Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is an absolute showstopper. Not only are they downright adorable, but they’re also incredibly delicious and so, so easy to make. In just 10 minutes (yep, that’s it!), you can whip up 24 pieces – enough to feed a whole crowd. And trust me, once your guests lay eyes on these little trees, they won’t be able to resist popping two (the perfect serving size!) into their mouths.
Table of Contents
Why This Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
What makes this recipe so special? It all comes down to a few key techniques that ensure your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees turn out looking like they were made by a professional. First and foremost, I’ve perfected the balance of flavors in the creamy yolk filling – it’s savory, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. And when you pipe that mixture into the perfectly boiled egg halves, the result is pure holiday magic.
But the real trick is in the presentation. By using a piping bag fitted with a small star tip, you can create those adorable tree shapes with minimal effort. Plus, the pimento and olive slices on top not only add a pop of color, but they also mimic the look of ornaments and tree toppers. Trust me, your guests are going to be seriously impressed by these 24 pieces of edible art.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 12 eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced (for garnish)
That’s it! With these basic pantry staples, you can whip up 24 perfectly festive Deviled Egg Christmas Trees in no time.
Step-by-Step Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Instructions
Preparing Your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
This recipe takes 10 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 0 minutes for cooking. All you’ll need is a pot for boiling the eggs, a piping bag with a small star tip, and a sharp knife for slicing the pimento-stuffed green olives.
1- First, place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat, cover, and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes.
2- Drain the hot water and cover the eggs with cold water to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
3- Carefully peel the eggs, then cut each one in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks and place them in a medium bowl.
4- To the yolks, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mash and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5- Transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small star tip.
6- Pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves, creating a tree-like shape. Top each tree with a slice of pimento-stuffed green olive.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is all about the piping technique. Take your time and go slowly, squeezing the bag steadily to create those perfect little tree shapes. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes – you can use pimentos, olives, or even tiny pieces of bell pepper to really make them shine.
Another pro tip? Make sure you boil the eggs just right. You want them to be cooked through, but not so much that the yolks are dry and crumbly. And be gentle when peeling – the fresher the eggs, the harder they can be to peel.
Serving and Storing Your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
Perfect Pairings for Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
These Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are the perfect holiday appetizer or snack. Serve them up at your next Christmas party or family gathering, and watch them disappear in record time. They pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a festive cocktail, and they also make a great accompaniment to a simple salad or veggie tray.
And remember, this recipe makes 24 pieces, with each serving being 2 pieces – so you’ll have plenty to go around.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees is that they’re super easy to make ahead of time. Simply prepare the egg yolk mixture, pipe it into the egg white halves, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just top them with the olive slices and you’re good to go.
If you have any leftovers (which is doubtful!), they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to store them in a single layer to prevent the yolk mixture from getting squished.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
Creative Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Variations
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can swap out the Dijon mustard for a spicier horseradish, or add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for a little extra kick. You can also get creative with your garnishes – try sliced red bell peppers, chopped chives, or even a dusting of smoked paprika.
And don’t be afraid to get seasonal with your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. In the spring, you could top them with little slices of radish or fresh dill. In the summer, try topping them with crumbled bacon or chopped fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless!
Making Deviled Egg Christmas Trees Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees a little more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can make. Instead of regular mayonnaise, try using a low-fat or avocado-based mayo. You can also use a sugar-free pickle relish in place of the vinegar for a little extra flavor.
And for those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees gluten-free, low-carb, or even vegan. Just swap out the eggs for plant-based egg alternatives, and adjust the filling ingredients accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of mustard in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Dijon mustard is the classic choice, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different. A spicy brown mustard or even a honey mustard could be a delicious swap.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 pieces, with each serving being 2 pieces.
Q: Can I make the Deviled Egg Christmas Trees ahead of time?
A: Yes! These Deviled Egg Christmas Trees are perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the filling, pipe it into the egg whites, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just top with the olive slices.
Q: What should I do if the yolk mixture is too thick or too thin?
A: If the yolk mixture is too thick, try adding a teaspoon or two of water or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simply add a bit more mayonnaise until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Deviled Egg Christmas Trees! These festive little bites are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer and bring a smile to your guests’ faces. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 24 pieces to share, this recipe is an absolute must-try this season.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your piping bag and get to work on these adorable Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. I promise, they’ll be the hit of your next holiday gathering. And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I love hearing from fellow Deviled Egg Christmas Tree enthusiasts!