Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs are a fun and festive twist on a classic party favorite! These deviled eggs are topped with bright green avocado or spinach filling, shaped and decorated to look like little Christmas trees, complete with a pop of red from pimentos or paprika for that holiday sparkle.
I love making these for holiday gatherings because they’re easy to prepare and always bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s like turning a simple appetizer into a cute, colorful decoration on the table. I usually sprinkle a bit of chives or herbs on top to mimic pine needles—it adds a fresh touch that balances the creamy filling perfectly.
Whenever I serve these, they disappear fast! They’re a great way to kick off the holiday meal or to bring as a festive snack to a party. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite deviled egg filling recipe. I think they make the season feel extra special, and I can’t help but feel a little holiday cheer with every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh eggs are best for easy peeling. If you struggle with peeling, try slightly older eggs as they peel more cleanly. Hard-boiled eggs are the base, so handle gently to keep whites smooth.
Mayonnaise: Mayo makes the filling creamy. If you prefer, Greek yogurt or avocado can add creaminess with a different twist. Avocado also adds a lovely green color if you want a more tree-like appearance.
Dijon Mustard: Mustard adds a subtle tang. If you want a milder flavor, use yellow mustard or skip it for a more classic taste.
Parsley & Paprika: Parsley gives the look of pine needles, while paprika adds a festive red touch. Chives or dill can be great alternatives for fresh herbs.
Star Toppers: Small star-shaped crackers or cheese add a final festive touch. You can also cut stars from bell pepper or cucumber slices for a fresh, healthy option.
How Can I Pipe Perfect Christmas Tree Shapes on Deviled Eggs?
The key to the Christmas tree look is in the piping technique. Using a star tip helps create texture that looks like tree branches.
- Fill a piping bag with the yolk mixture, and start piping from the wider base of the egg half.
- Pipe in a circular motion, gradually building upwards to form a pointed mound.
- Keep your hand steady so the swirls look neat and even.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off, but try to keep the cut small for better control.
- After piping, gently sprinkle parsley and paprika for the perfect tree details.
Practice makes perfect here, and once you get the hang of it, these deviled eggs will look festive and professional every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – for boiling eggs gently and evenly.
- Slotted spoon – makes removing eggs from hot water easy without cracking.
- Bowl of ice water – stops cooking and helps peel eggs cleanly.
- Piping bag with a star tip – shapes the filling into pretty tree swirls quickly.
- Small sharp knife – for slicing eggs cleanly in half without breaking whites.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add avocado to the yolk mix for a creamy, green tint that looks like pine needles.
- Mix in some crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
- Try swapping parsley with dill or chives to change the herb flavor and appearance.
- Use smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick and deeper color.
Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- Small star-shaped crackers or cheese pieces, for tree toppers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes total. Boiling the eggs takes about 12 minutes, plus chilling, peeling, mixing, and decorating will take about 8 minutes. You can also prepare these ahead of time and chill them until you’re ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boiling the Eggs:
Place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Then, cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
2. Cooling and Peeling the Eggs:
Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool for at least 5 minutes. This helps stop cooking and makes peeling easier. Once cool, gently peel the eggs and slice each egg in half lengthwise.
3. Preparing the Filling:
Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a bowl. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Piping the Christmas Trees:
Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the yolk mixture. Pipe the filling into the egg whites in a swirling, pointed shape that mimics a Christmas tree.
5. Decorating the Trees:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the filling to resemble pine needles and lightly dust with paprika for a festive touch. Place a small star-shaped cracker or cheese piece on top of each piped filling as the tree topper.
6. Serving:
Arrange the decorated deviled eggs on a serving plate. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I prepare Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can boil, peel, and fill the eggs a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and add the parsley, paprika, and star toppers just before serving to keep them fresh and festive.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the filling?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter or dairy-free option. Both provide a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
How do I make peeling hard-boiled eggs easier?
Use eggs that are a few days old, as they tend to peel more easily than fresh eggs. Also, plunging boiled eggs into ice water immediately after cooking helps stop the process and makes peeling smoother.
What if I don’t have a piping bag or star tip?
No problem! You can use a resealable plastic bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the filling. Alternatively, use a spoon to dollop the filling, then shape it gently with the back of the spoon to resemble a tree.
