Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs
Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs are a fun and festive twist on a classic party favorite. These little egg halves are filled with creamy, flavorful yolk filling and decorated with bright…
Tip: save now, cook later.Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs are a fun and festive twist on a classic party favorite. These little egg halves are filled with creamy, flavorful yolk filling and decorated with bright green herbs or avocado to look like mini Christmas trees. Colorful bits like pimentos, paprika, or even tiny bits of pepper help bring the holiday spirit to each bite.
I love making these during the holiday season because they’re simple to prepare but always feel special. I find that using fresh herbs gives the “tree” a nice texture, and adding tiny decorations with veggies is a playful touch that everyone enjoys. It’s a great way to get kids excited about helping in the kitchen, too!
What I enjoy most is serving these at holiday gatherings where they brighten up the snack table and get people chatting. They’re a perfect finger food to munch on while waiting for the big meal. Plus, they’re always one of the first dishes to disappear, which tells me they’re a hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The main ingredient — hard-boiled eggs give the classic deviled egg base. Fresh eggs peel easier when slightly older, but fresh works too.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess and richness. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Gives a little kick without overpowering. Yellow mustard works, but Dijon adds a smoother taste.
Herbs (Parsley or Dill): These create the “tree” look and fresh flavor. If you don’t have these, finely chopped chives or basil can work.
Avocado (Optional): Adding avocado keeps the filling moist and gives a beautiful green tint if you want more color. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a traditional taste.
Red Peppercorns or Red Bell Peppers: These act as the “ornaments.” You can use tiny bits of pomegranate seeds or cherry tomato pieces as a colorful substitute.
Cheddar or Yellow Bell Pepper Star: The star topper adds charm. You can also make stars from cheese slices, carrot, or even a small piece of pineapple for a sweet twist.
How Can You Shape the Filling into a Perfect Christmas Tree?
Shaping the filling into small cone-shaped trees is the trickiest part. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix half the chopped herbs into the yolk mixture to get a green dough that holds shape better.
- Use your hands or a small spoon to form a cone by squeezing and shaping it gently.
- Roll the cone lightly in the reserved herbs for a textured, pine-needle look.
- Place the cone firmly but gently onto the base layer in the egg white half so it stands up.
- For neat edges, use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe the base yolk layer first before adding the tree.
Take your time and don’t worry if they’re not perfect — the ornaments and star on top distract from minor imperfections and add extra charm!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for boiling eggs evenly without cracking.
- Bowl of ice water – cools eggs quickly for easy peeling.
- Mixing bowl – great for mashing and mixing the yolk filling smoothly.
- Fork or potato masher – helps mash yolks into creamy texture.
- Piping bag or plastic bag with a corner cut off – makes filling the eggs and shaping the tree cones neat and easy.
- Small star-shaped cookie cutter – handy for cutting cheese or pepper stars for the tree toppers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt – for a tangy, lighter filling that still stays creamy.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or curry powder to yolks – gives a subtle warmth and color twist.
- Mix finely chopped cooked bacon or ham into the filling – adds smoky, salty flavor perfect for meat lovers.
- Use chopped chives, basil, or cilantro instead of parsley/dill – changes the herb flavor profile for variety.
Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the “Trees” and Decoration:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 avocado (optional, for greener filling and moisture)
- Paprika or chili flakes, for garnish
- 12 small red peppercorns or finely diced red bell pepper pieces (for “ornaments”)
- 1 small piece of cheddar cheese or yellow bell pepper, cut into star shapes (for “tree toppers”)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total: 12 minutes to hard cook the eggs, a few minutes for cooling and peeling, and about 5 minutes to assemble and decorate your festive Christmas tree deviled eggs. You can also chill them longer if you like before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Eggs:
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
2. Cool and Peel the Eggs:
Drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to cool. After cooling, carefully peel the eggs and slice each egg in half lengthwise.
3. Prepare the Filling:
Remove the yolks and place them into a mixing bowl. Mash them together with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and avocado if you want a greener and creamier filling. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Fill the Egg Whites:
Spoon or pipe a base layer of the yolk mixture into each egg white half, creating a little mound that will support the “tree.”
5. Make the Christmas Trees:
Mix half of the chopped parsley or dill into the remaining yolk filling and shape it into small cones. Roll these cones lightly in the remaining herbs to give a pine-needle texture.
6. Assemble the Tree on the Eggs:
Place each herb-coated cone on top of the yolk-filled egg halves to form a tree shape.
7. Decorate the Trees:
Press red peppercorns or diced red bell pepper pieces gently onto the trees to serve as ornaments. Top each tree with a small star cut from cheddar cheese or yellow bell pepper.
8. Add Final Touches and Serve:
Lightly sprinkle paprika or chili flakes around the plate and on the eggs for a festive look. Refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy your charming, tasty Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs!
Can I Use Store-Bought Mayonnaise Alternatives?
Yes! You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier filling. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
How Long Can I Store Deviled Eggs?
Store your Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the herb “trees” just before serving for the freshest look.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can boil, peel, and prepare the yolk filling a day ahead. For best presentation, shape and decorate the trees on the day you plan to serve them to prevent any wilting.
What Can I Use Instead of Red Peppercorns for Ornaments?
If you don’t have red peppercorns, tiny pieces of red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, or small halved cherry tomatoes work beautifully as colorful edible ornaments.