Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that never goes out of style, but these Colored Deviled Eggs take the traditional recipe to a whole new level of fun and visual appeal. By adding natural food coloring to the egg whites, you transform an everyday dish into a conversation starter perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or any special gathering. The vibrant colors contrast beautifully with the creamy yellow filling, making these eggs as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Don’t worry – while these eggs look impressive, they’re surprisingly simple to make. The familiar tangy, creamy deviled egg filling remains the star of the show, while the colorful exterior adds that perfect touch of whimsy that both kids and adults will appreciate.
Why You’ll Love This
- Eye-catching presentation that requires minimal extra effort
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer for parties and holidays
- Kid-friendly food that encourages picky eaters to try something new
- Customizable colors to match any theme or season
- Same delicious deviled egg taste with an unexpected twist
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons pickle juice
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 4 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces water in each cup (for different colors)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar, in each cup
- Food coloring in desired colors
Instructions
- Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring water to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let sit for 12 minutes.
- Drain and rinse eggs under cold water. Peel the shells off of the eggs.
- In separate cups, stir food coloring into cups of water in desired colors. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to each cup of colored water (don’t worry, you won’t taste the vinegar).
- Cut eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks, placing them in a bowl. Gently place the empty egg white halves into the colored water. Let the eggs soak in the colored water for at least 10 minutes or until the desired shade is achieved.
- Add mayonnaise, pickle juice, and mustard to the bowl with yolks, then mash the yolks and stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in minced pickles and then season with salt and pepper.
- Using a spoon, gently remove the colored eggs from the dye and place them on a stack of paper towels to dry. Pat dry with additional paper towels.
- Place the yolk mixture in a large ziplock bag. Cut the tip off of the ziplock bag to make a DIY piping bag and pipe the egg mixture back into the colored egg white halves.
- Arrange on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For natural coloring options, try using beet juice (pink/red), turmeric (yellow), spinach juice (green), or blueberry juice (blue/purple).
- Create marbled eggs by briefly dipping eggs in one color, then partially dipping in another color.
- Add a tablespoon of pickle relish to the filling for extra tang and texture.
- Try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add minced fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley to the filling.
- Create two-tone eggs by placing the bottom half in one color and the top half in another.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these colorful deviled eggs on a white platter for maximum visual impact, or place them on a bed of fresh greens for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with other finger foods like cucumber sandwiches, cheese and crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités.
For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside a charcuterie board with various meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits. These eggs also make a delightful addition to a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit and pastries.
Notes
- Store assembled deviled eggs covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- For easier peeling, use eggs that are 7-10 days old rather than very fresh eggs.
- Pat the colored egg whites completely dry before filling to prevent the colors from bleeding.
- The longer the egg whites sit in the dye, the more vibrant the color will be.
FAQs
Can I make these eggs ahead of time?
Yes! You can color the egg whites and prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.
Will the food coloring affect the taste?
When used in small amounts as directed, the food coloring won’t noticeably affect the taste of the eggs.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, though gel food coloring typically produces more vibrant colors. If using liquid, you may need to add more drops to achieve the same intensity.
How do I prevent the dye from staining my hands?
Wear disposable gloves when handling the eggs during the coloring process, and use slotted spoons to transfer the eggs in and out of the dye baths.
[recipe_card]
