Name: Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Ingredients: 7 large eggs; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, sliced thin; 5 oz baby spinach; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce; 2 tablespoons dehydrated potato flakes; 1 red Fresno chili pepper, minced; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into small stars; Parmesan cheese, for garnish

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun and festive appetizer that not only delights the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds? Deviled Egg Christmas Trees make for a unique centerpiece at any gathering, evoking a spirit of cheer and creativity. These adorable edible trees are not only visually stunning but are also packed with flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. The creamy spinach filling, paired with the delightful crunch of colorful toppings, brings a festive twist to a classic dish.

This holiday appetizer is remarkably simple to prepare, combining traditional deviled eggs with a playful presentation. With a relatively quick preparation time of just about 1 hour and 40 minutes, you can easily whip these up for your next holiday party, family gathering, or even as a standout dish to bring to a potluck. Not only do these Deviled Egg Christmas Trees add a touch of whimsy to your table, but they’re also vegetarian-friendly, making them a perfect option for gatherings with diverse dietary preferences. In this guide, you will discover how to prepare these festive delights from scratch, with step-by-step instructions to ensure your success.

Why You’ll Love This Deviled Egg Christmas Trees

Visually Stunning: These deviled egg trees become an eye-catching centerpiece that impresses all your guests.
Flavor Packed: With creamy spinach, zesty mustard, and hints of smoked paprika, every bite bursts with flavor.
Easy Preparation: Made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re accessible even for novice cooks.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or variations to make each batch unique.
Fun for Kids: These appealing shapes are a hit for little ones, making them more excited about vegetables!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start whipping up your Deviled Egg Christmas Trees, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. You will need a large pot for boiling the eggs, an ice bath setup (a bowl of ice water), a cutting board, a sharp knife, and mixing tools like a whisk or blender for combining your filling.

A piping bag with a star tip is essential for the decorative aspect of this recipe—it allows you to create the tree shapes beautifully. If you don’t have a piping bag, a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off can work in a pinch. Keep a microplane handy for grating fresh Parmesan cheese to finish these delightful trees with a snowy touch!

Ingredients

7 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
5 oz baby spinach
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
2 tablespoons dehydrated potato flakes
1 red Fresno chili pepper, minced
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into small stars
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

Start by placing a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the 7 large eggs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Boil the eggs for exactly 9 1/2 minutes for perfectly cooked yolks. After the time is up, transfer the eggs directly to an ice bath—this helps stop the cooking process and cools the eggs down. Let them sit in the ice bath for about 10 minutes so that they’re easy to peel.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Whites

Once the eggs are cool, gently peel and rinse them under cold water to remove any shell bits. Cut each egg in half horizontally. To ensure your egg halves stand upright, carefully trim a small slice off the bottom of each half. Set the whites aside on a platter and chill the yolks in a separate bowl. This will help keep them fresh while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach

In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the 5 oz of baby spinach and cook until wilted. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to allow the moisture to evaporate. Once wilted, transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with the chilled egg yolks, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon mustard, juice from 1/2 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you desire a thicker consistency, slowly add the 2 tablespoons of dehydrated potato flakes until the filling reaches your preferred thickness. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes; this will help it firm up further and make it easier to pipe.

Step 5: Pipe and Decorate

Transfer the chilled filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Carefully pipe the mixture into each egg white half, shaping it like a Christmas tree with a careful back-and-forth motion to create the ideal tree shape. Once piped, it’s time to decorate! Use the minced red Fresno chili pieces for ornaments and attach the yellow bell pepper stars at the top of each tree. Finally, grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each egg as a snowy garnish, and serve immediately.

Variations

Protein: Add some crumbled bacon or diced ham into the filling for an extra savory twist!
Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped red onions or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like cumin or chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the eggs are fresh for easier peeling and the best results.
Adjust the level of hot sauce according to your heat preference, keeping in mind that it adds both flavor and spice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these deviled egg trees with a light holiday salad for a refreshing appetizer bundle.
Serve alongside a variety of crackers and dips for a festive grazing table.

Tips

Prepare the spinach filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on the day of serving.
For an impressive presentation, use colorful platters or tiered stands to display your deviled egg trees.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving (2 halves)
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Can I make Deviled Egg Christmas Trees ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to pipe and assemble the eggs.

Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! You can substitute the spinach with kale, arugula, or any greens you prefer as long as they’re cooked down.

How long will the Deviled Egg Trees last in the refrigerator?

These deviled eggs are best enjoyed fresh but can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container.

Can I omit the hot sauce from the recipe?

Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave out the hot sauce; the recipe will still be delicious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Deviled Egg Christmas Trees offer the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festive appeal. These delightful appetizers not only brighten up your holiday table; they’re also sure to satisfy your guests, regardless of their dietary preferences. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let your creativity shine as you whip up these holiday treats for your next gathering. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you tried in the comments below. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will undoubtedly add joy to your holiday celebrations!