CHRISTMAS TREE DEVILED EGGS AMAZING

The holiday season is calling for something beyond the usual dips and crackers, something that’s both delicious and dazzling! These Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs are not only a tasty treat, but also a stunning centerpiece for your festive spread, guaranteed to impress your guests with their adorable tree design. Get ready to wow everyone this year with this fun and easy recipe, because you CAN make this!

Ingredients

For the Deviled Eggs:

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the “Christmas Tree” Decoration:

• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• Red bell pepper, cut into small star shapes
• Pimiento, finely diced
• Fresh dill sprigs
• Pretzel sticks, broken into smaller pieces for “tree trunks”

Essential Equipment

• Large pot
• Ice bath
• Mixing bowls
• Piping bag fitted with a star tip
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Serving platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing the Deviled Eggs

1. Hard Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes.
2. Cool the Eggs: Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This makes them easier to peel!
3. Peel the Eggs: Gently peel the eggs and pat them dry.
4. Halve the Eggs: Slice the eggs lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks. Place the yolks in a medium mixing bowl.

Part 2: Making the Deviled Egg Filling

1. Mash the Yolks: Using a fork, mash the egg yolks until they are smooth.
2. Add Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper to the mashed yolks. Mix well until everything is creamy and well combined.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a tangier filling, add a little more Dijon mustard. If it’s too tangy, add a touch more mayonnaise.
4. Fill the Egg Whites: Spoon the deviled egg mixture back into the egg white halves. You can also use a piping bag for a more decorative look.

Part 3: Creating the Christmas Tree Decoration

1. Prepare the Avocado Mixture: In a separate bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Add the lime juice and finely chopped cilantro. Mix well until everything is combined and the mixture is a vibrant green. The lime juice prevents browning!
2. Transfer to Piping Bag: Transfer the avocado mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
3. Pipe the “Tree”: Starting at the bottom of each deviled egg, pipe the avocado mixture in a swirling, upward motion to create a Christmas tree shape. Gently squeeze the bag while moving upwards, making each layer slightly smaller than the one below.
4. Decorate the Tree: Use small pieces of red bell pepper cut into star shapes, finely diced pimiento, and fresh dill sprigs to decorate the “Christmas tree.” The red pepper stars add a touch of festive cheer!
5. Add the “Trunk”: Insert a small piece of pretzel stick at the bottom of each deviled egg to create the “tree trunk.”

Part 4: Final Presentation

1. Arrange on Platter: Carefully arrange the Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs on a serving platter.
2. Chill (Optional): If you’re not serving immediately, cover the platter with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the avocado from browning.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs and watch your guests marvel at your festive creation!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Preventing Green Avocado

Avocado can turn brown quickly due to oxidation. The lime juice in the avocado mixture helps to slow this process down. However, it’s best to prepare the avocado mixture just before you’re ready to decorate the eggs. If you need to prepare it in advance, cover the surface of the mixture with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the avocado, to minimize air exposure.

Perfectly Peeled Eggs

Getting perfectly peeled eggs can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. First, make sure the eggs are not too fresh. Eggs that are a week or two old tend to peel easier than very fresh eggs. Second, after boiling the eggs, immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The rapid temperature change helps to separate the egg from the shell.

Piping Bag Problems

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag instead. Simply snip off one corner of the bag after filling it with the avocado mixture. Make sure the hole is small enough to create a controlled flow of the mixture. For a star tip effect, you can purchase inexpensive piping tips that fit inside the plastic bag.

Variations and Adaptations

Spicy Deviled Eggs

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the deviled egg filling. You can also use pickled jalapeños instead of sweet pickle relish.

Vegan Deviled Eggs

To make vegan deviled eggs, substitute the eggs with firm or extra-firm tofu that has been pressed to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu and use it as a base for the filling. Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise. For the avocado Christmas tree, ensure all decorations used are also plant-based.

Other Decoration Ideas

Get creative with your Christmas tree decorations! Use finely chopped green onions, parsley, or chives instead of cilantro. Add small edible glitter flakes for a sparkly effect. You can also use different colored bell peppers for more colorful ornaments.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs are a perfect appetizer for any holiday gathering. Serve them alongside other festive treats like Christmas Margarita and Pretzel Bark. They also pair well with Hot Chocolate on a cold winter day. For a more substantial meal, serve them as part of a buffet with other holiday favorites.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the deviled eggs and the avocado mixture separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store the deviled egg filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the avocado mixture in a separate airtight container, with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Assemble the Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs just before serving to ensure they look their best.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy deviled egg filling with the fresh avocado and cilantro creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The decorations add a festive touch that will impress your guests. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste preferences.

Other Festive Recipes to Try

Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out these other delicious and festive options: Pretzel Delights and Crockpot Hot Cocoa. These recipes are sure to make your holiday season even more special.

Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to your holiday celebrations. Not only are they a delight to look at, but they’re also incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. So go ahead, get creative, and let these festive deviled eggs be the star of your holiday appetizer spread – happy cooking!