Christmas isn't complete without a little fun on the table, and this Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe is just the festive twist your holiday spread needs. The avocado adds a creamy richness, while the bell pepper stars and red “ornaments” bring charm that’s almost too cute to eat—almost!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made plenty of deviled eggs over the years, but turning them into Christmas trees makes this recipe a standout. It’s not just about the looks—the creamy avocado blends perfectly with the classic flavors, making every bite festive and satisfying.
- Festive Presentation: The swirl shape and bell pepper stars instantly elevate this classic appetizer.
- Rich, Creamy Filling: Avocado adds a smooth texture that’s different but oh-so-delicious.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip it up stress-free.
- Customizable Decorations: You can use crushed red pepper flakes, pomegranate seeds, or even tiny veggies for “ornaments.”
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe combines classic deviled egg staples with fresh ingredients for a vibrant and flavorful bite. Each element plays a role in both taste and texture, so let's break down why these ingredients come together so well.
- Large eggs: The foundation of the dish—make sure they’re fresh and cooked just right for firm whites and creamy yolks.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and richness to the filling without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that wakes up the filling flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the mix and keeps the avocado from browning too quickly.
- Ripe avocado: This swaps in for part of the mayo to add creaminess plus a bit of healthy fat and beautiful green color.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes or red pepper pieces: These mimic the festive “ornaments” on the tree with a pop of color and a little kick.
- Yellow bell pepper: Used to cut out star shapes for the top of each egg tree—a bright and crunchy contrast.
Make It Your Way
This Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe is a playground for personalization. I often swap out ingredients or decorations depending on what I have on hand or dietary preferences. You can absolutely make it your own!
- Variation: Once I tried mixing chopped fresh herbs (like dill or chives) into the filling—it added a nice fresh note and made the eggs feel even more special.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap full mayo for avocado only or a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep it creamy but allergy-friendly.
- Spice Level: If you like it milder, use just a pinch of paprika instead of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ornaments Swap: Pomegranate seeds make a beautiful alternative to red pepper bits and add a little juicy burst.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Cook the eggs perfectly
I like to hard-boil my eggs in the Instant Pot for reliably easy peeling and a tender white. Set them on a steam rack with a cup of water, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release and place them in an ice bath immediately. This stops cooking and makes the peeling smooth, which is crucial for a neat presentation.
Step 2: Prep and peel carefully
Once cool, peel each egg gently to avoid nicking the whites. Slice them in half lengthwise. I use a thin, sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut to keep those edges clean and crisp.
Step 3: Mix the creamy filling
Scoop out the yolks into a bowl. Mash them smooth with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and ripe avocado. Add salt and pepper to taste. The avocado keeps the filling smooth and lends a lovely green color perfect for “trees.”
Step 4: Pipe the filling into trees
Fit a piping bag with a large star tip (or just use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped). Pipe tall swirls of the filling into each egg white half, building up a tree shape. Don’t rush this part—you want a nice peak that looks like a mini Christmas tree.
Step 5: Add the finishing touches
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the “trees” for red ornament effect, or place pomegranate seeds or tiny pieces of red bell pepper for a fresher look. Use a 1-inch star cookie cutter to cut stars from the yellow bell pepper and top each egg tree with one. Instant holiday magic!
Top Tip
Making Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe is fun, but I’ve learned a few tricks that really boost your success and presentation:
- Peeling Perfection: Always shock your eggs in an ice bath after cooking. It helps stop the cooking and makes peeling eggs smooth and stress-free.
- Piping Power: Use a star-shaped tip or a simple makeshift bag with a corner cut for piping the filling—this really creates that charming tree shape that wows guests.
- Avocado Freshness: Add lemon juice while mixing avocado to prevent browning and keep the green vibrant for longest-lasting color.
- Star shapes: Chill the bell pepper before cutting stars—it makes slicing cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to crushed red pepper flakes and those yellow bell pepper stars because the color contrast feels so festive. But some years, I've added tiny pomegranate seeds or even fresh herbs like dill for a pine-like aroma. It all depends on the vibe you want!
Side Dishes
These deviled eggs go great with classic holiday mains, but I also love pairing them with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a cozy soup if you want to keep things light. They’re perfect finger food for holiday parties, too.
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I arranged the eggs on a big platter lined with fresh parsley to mimic a forest floor. Using different colored mini peppers, I added “gifts” underneath the trees. Kids loved picking out their favorite “trees” and finding the hidden colors—it’s all about fun with presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing these deviled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge and eating them within 2 days. The avocado can start to discolor a bit, so the sooner the better for that vibrant green look and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Truthfully, I don’t freeze deviled eggs, especially with avocado in the filling. The texture changes and can become mushy once thawed, so I suggest making them fresh or preparing everything except assembling ahead of time.
Reheating
Deviled eggs are best served cold or at room temperature. If you need, take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let flavors mellow and the avocado soften slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can either double the mayonnaise or add some sour cream or cream cheese to keep the creamy texture without avocado.
Including lemon juice in the filling, especially when using avocado, helps prevent browning. Also, store the eggs airtight and refrigerate promptly to keep them fresh and green.
Chilling eggs in an ice bath immediately after cooking drastically improves peeling. Older eggs tend to peel easier than very fresh ones. Cracking them gently and peeling under running water helps remove shells without damage.
Yes, you can prepare the egg whites and filling separately a day ahead. Assemble the “trees” just before serving to keep them looking fresh and prevent filling discoloration.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe always brings a smile to my face—it’s like edible holiday cheer. Not only does it taste great, but the festive appearance adds a little extra sparkle to any gathering. Trust me, once you share these, they’ll become a holiday tradition you’ll love making year after year. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and let’s get into the holiday spirit with some tasty, tree-shaped bites!
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Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs made with creamy avocado and classic seasonings, decorated with bell pepper stars and red pepper flakes to resemble holiday trees. A perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings that combines rich flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
Eggs and Filling
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ large ripe avocado
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes or red pepper pieces for garnish
Decoration
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
Instructions
- Hard-cook eggs: Cook the eggs until hard-boiled using your preferred method such as stovetop boiling or Instant Pot. Let them cool enough to handle before peeling.
- Peel and slice eggs: Carefully peel the cooled eggs and slice each one in half lengthwise, placing the halves on a tray.
- Prepare filling: Scoop the yolks into a bowl and mash them with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and avocado until smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill egg whites: Pipe or spoon the yolk mixture back into the hollowed egg whites, shaping the filling into tall swirls to mimic a Christmas tree shape.
- Add decorations: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the filling or place small pieces of red pepper or pomegranate seeds as ornaments for the tree.
- Cut bell pepper stars: Use a 1-inch star-shaped cookie cutter to cut 12 stars from the yellow bell pepper and place a star on top of each egg tree to complete the festive look.
Notes
- For perfectly hard-boiled eggs, use an Instant Pot or stovetop boiling method and ice bath to prevent overcooking.
- Avocado adds creaminess and a fresh flavor—make sure to use ripe avocado for best texture.
- Substitute pomegranate seeds for red pepper flakes to add a sweet burst and festive color.
- You can make the filling ahead and refrigerate, but fill and decorate eggs closer to serving for best texture.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for more elegant tree swirls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 75 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
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