If you want to bring holiday cheer right to your appetizer table, then this Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe is exactly what you need. These deviled eggs transform the classic finger food into festive, edible Christmas trees that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With tender spinach folded into a creamy, garlicky filling and vivid pops of red and yellow bell pepper adding color and crunch, these deviled eggs are bound to be the star of any holiday gathering. Whether you’re the host or a guest, this recipe combines simplicity and charming presentation that will make your party memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create such a festive and flavorful treat. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, color, or that irresistible savory punch. Here’s what you’ll need for this Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe:
- Unsalted butter (½ stick or ¼ cup): Adds richness and a smooth base for sautéing the garlic and spinach.
- Garlic (4 cloves, sliced): Infuses the filling with a fragrant, mellow bite that wakes up the palate.
- Baby spinach (3½ ounces): Provides a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and beautiful green color for the “trees.”
- Eggs (6, hard-boiled): The star ingredient, creating a creamy base once filled with the spinach-yolk mixture.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Brings luscious creaminess to the filling for that classic deviled egg texture.
- Lemon juice (½ tablespoon): Adds a bright, zesty contrast to balance richness and lift flavors.
- Ground paprika (1 teaspoon): Contributes a warm, smoky note with a hint of spice, plus a lovely color.
- Mustard (¾ teaspoon): Gives a subtle tang and depth that complements the other savory ingredients.
- Yellow bell pepper (cut into stars): Acts as the perfect festive “star” topper for your egg trees.
- Red bell pepper (small diced pieces): Mimics adorable tree ornaments, adding crunch and vibrant color.
How to Make Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat to create a luscious cooking base. Add your sliced garlic and sauté until it turns a beautiful golden color and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Next, stir in the baby spinach just until it wilts—this preserves its bright green color and fresh flavor. Remove this fragrant mixture from heat and let it cool down slightly so it won’t cook the eggs later or cause any unwanted texture changes.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggs
While your spinach and garlic are cooling, slice the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the yolks without breaking the whites so you have perfect little egg “boats” ready to hold your festive filling.
Step 3: Blend the Filling
Add the egg yolks, sautéed spinach mixture, mayonnaise, lemon juice, paprika, and mustard into a food processor or blender. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy, making sure no leafy bits remain—this ensures a velvety filling that’s easy to pipe and pleasing on the palate.
Step 4: Pipe the Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
Transfer the silky filling into a piping bag equipped with a star tip for that textured, festive appearance. When piping, start at the center of each egg white half and swirl upward slowly in controlled circular motions. Gradually lift the bag to build height and craft a soft, conical Christmas tree shape. This careful swirling is what brings the holiday magic to your deviled eggs!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Top each green “tree” with a cheerful yellow bell pepper star and sprinkle small dices of red bell pepper all around to resemble bright ornaments. These colorful accents complete the look, making your eggs festive and fun. Finally, chill them until serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and to keep everything fresh.
How to Serve Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic yellow star and red ornaments, you can sprinkle a little extra paprika on top or add tiny chives for a fresh, mild onion kick and an additional pop of green. A light dusting of black pepper or a small drizzle of hot sauce on the side can also delight guests who enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
These Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs pair wonderfully with crisp, fresh vegetable trays like cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes, or alongside cured meats and cheese boards, making your holiday spread extra festive and balanced. They’re also perfect companions to warm breads or festive cranberry chutney for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests even more, arrange the eggs on a bed of leafy greens or kale to mimic a forest floor. Using a rustic wooden platter or a festive holiday-themed serving tray instantly elevates the presentation. You could also line them up in neat rows sprinkled with edible glitter for a touch of holiday sparkle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store your Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to two days. Keep the eggs chilled until just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
Deviled eggs don’t freeze well due to their creamy filling, which can separate upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing.
Reheating
This dish is ideally served cold or at room temperature. Since deviled eggs are meant to be chilled, reheating isn’t recommended, but letting them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving helps soften the filling’s flavor nuances.
FAQs
Can I make this Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and egg whites a day ahead, assemble the trees just before serving, then chill. This helps keep the eggs fresh and presentation perfect.
What if I don’t have baby spinach?
Kale or arugula can be used as substitutes if you don’t have baby spinach. Just sauté them briefly until wilted before blending.
How do I hard-boil eggs perfectly?
Place eggs in a pot with cold water covering them by an inch, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover for 12 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to cold water to stop cooking. This keeps yolks creamy and whites firm.
Can I use a different type of pepper for the decorations?
Sure! Any colorful bell pepper will work for ornaments and stars. You can even get creative with pimentos or radishes for unique shapes and colors.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe, try using vegan mayonnaise and tofu blended with sautéed spinach and garlic. Mold the mixture into egg-shaped molds for a festive look, though it won’t have the same texture as the traditional version.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe is such a joyful and tasty way to celebrate the season! It’s simple enough to make with everyday ingredients but impressive enough to light up any holiday party. Give this recipe a try, and watch your guests’ faces light up when they see these charming Christmas tree eggs on the table. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
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Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Holiday Tree Deviled Eggs, featuring creamy spinach-infused filling piped into elegant, tree-shaped swirls and decorated with bright bell pepper stars and ornaments. Perfect as a fun and flavorful appetizer for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- ½ stick unsalted butter (¼ cup)
- 4 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 3 ½ ounces baby spinach
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ¾ teaspoon mustard
For Decoration
- Yellow bell pepper (cut into stars)
- Red bell pepper (small diced pieces for tree ornaments)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add sliced garlic cloves and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prep the Eggs: Slice the cooled hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and set the egg whites aside on a serving platter.
- Make the Filling: Place the egg yolks, sautéed spinach mixture, mayonnaise, lemon juice, paprika, and mustard into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pipe the Filling into the Eggs: Transfer the yolk mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Starting at the center of each egg white, pipe the filling using slow, controlled upward swirls to form tall, conical tree shapes. Keep your hand steady and lift the piping bag gradually to build height, mimicking the look of a Christmas tree.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Top each deviled egg tree with a star-shaped yellow bell pepper piece as the tree topper and decorate with small diced red bell pepper pieces as ornaments. Once decorated, chill the eggs in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are fully cooled before slicing for cleaner halves.
- Use a fine star piping tip for best elegant tree swirls.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
- Chill the deviled eggs well before serving to enhance flavors and firm up the filling.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
