Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs

These vibrant Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs are the perfect festive appetizer for any Fourth of July celebration. With a little creativity and a few unique ingredients, these eggs bring a splash of color to the table while offering a tasty kick. They’re a fun twist on the traditional deviled egg and will definitely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs are visually striking, making them an excellent choice for a patriotic celebration. The combination of spicy horseradish, smoked paprika, and fresh chives adds a unique flavor to this classic appetizer. Not only do they look beautiful, but the mix of creamy yolks, tangy vinegar, and a hint of heat offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Though a bit fussy to prepare, the result is a dish that’s sure to be the highlight of your gathering.

Ingredients

• 3 drops red gel food coloring

• ⅔ cup water, or as needed

• 2 drops blue gel food coloring

• Toothpicks

• 8 hard-cooked eggs, peeled

• 2 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• ⅛ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1 pinch fresh-ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon smoked hot paprika

• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh chives (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dyes: In separate small bowls or ramekins, mix red food coloring with ⅓ cup water and blue food coloring with ⅓ cup water.

2. Dye the Eggs: Insert 3 to 4 toothpicks about ¼-inch deep into the center of each peeled hard-cooked egg. Balance the egg so one end is dipped in one of the food coloring bowls, ensuring it doesn’t break. Allow the egg to sit for 5-10 minutes depending on how intense you want the color. Then dip the other end into the other color to create a red, white, and blue effect. Dry the eggs on paper towels.

3. Slice the Eggs: Once the eggs are dry, slice them in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks. Push the yolks through a sieve or use a potato ricer to achieve a smooth texture.

4. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix the yolks with mayonnaise, horseradish, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.

5. Pipe the Filling: Transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the mixture into each egg white half.

6. Garnish and Serve: Dust each egg half with smoked paprika using a fine mesh strainer. Sprinkle with fresh chives, if desired. Chill the eggs until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 egg halves

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Additional Time: 30 minutes (for chilling)

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Color Customization: Feel free to experiment with different colors to suit the occasion. You can make these eggs with other holiday-themed colors like green and red for Christmas or pastels for Easter.

• Flavor Variations: Adjust the horseradish to suit your preferred spice level. For a milder version, reduce the amount of horseradish or replace it with Dijon mustard.

• Vegan Version: For a plant-based option, replace the eggs with tofu and the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days. It’s best to serve deviled eggs chilled and not reheated.

FAQs

How long do deviled eggs last in the fridge?

Deviled eggs typically last for up to 2 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make the eggs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the eggs a day ahead, but it’s best to add the filling and garnish just before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Yes, you can use liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring provides a more vibrant and concentrated color, so it’s ideal for creating bold hues.

How do I prevent the eggs from cracking while dyeing them?

Be gentle when inserting the toothpicks into the eggs and avoid piercing them too deeply. Make sure the eggs are balanced to avoid excess pressure on the shell.

Can I make the filling without horseradish?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the horseradish and use mustard or a bit of pickle relish instead.

How can I make the deviled eggs spicier?

Add more horseradish or mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the eggs an extra kick.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder for a different flavor profile.

Can I make these eggs without food coloring?

Certainly! These eggs are delicious even without the colorful twist. Simply skip the food coloring process for a classic deviled egg.

How do I make hard-boiled eggs perfectly?

Place your eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for 12 minutes. Then, transfer to ice water to cool.

Can I freeze deviled eggs?

It’s not recommended to freeze deviled eggs because the texture of the filling can change once thawed, becoming watery or grainy.

Conclusion

These Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs are a colorful and flavorful treat for any festive occasion. While the preparation may take a little extra effort, the results are well worth it. With a delightful mix of spicy horseradish, tangy vinegar, and a touch of smoked paprika, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next celebration.