Halloween Deviled Eggs

With a few extra tricks, this Halloween Deviled Eggs recipe turns the traditional buffet classic into a spicy, spooky snack!

Deviled Eggs have been around since the Roman Empire in one form or another. They get their name from the spicy kick added to the filling, usually in the form of mustard or chilli.

In Hungary, people eat Deviled Eggs as a main meal with french fries - which sounds great if I'm honest! But in the UK and US, they're traditionally served as a snack at parties and picnics.

So what better recipe for a Halloween party this year than the one with the spookiest name?

To make these eggs extra spooky, I added food colouring and toppings to the eggs to create a trio of pumpkins, monsters and devils.

If the chillies in the Devil-deviled egg seems a bit scary, then don't worry! You can make your devil horns using slices of red bell peppers instead.

Despite how different it looks, this recipe is super straightforward. So if you've made deviled eggs before, you'll be a pro! You only need a little time and a couple of standard kitchen tools.

First, you'll boil, cool and peel your eggs. I've included some extra tips to help ensure your eggs are perfectly cooked and easy to peel.

Next, you'll slice them and scoop out the yolks, which go into a bowl to be blended with the other filling ingredients: mayo, mustard and a pinch of paprika.

You'll then colour portions of the filling red and green and pipe it back into egg whites.

Finally, you'll top them with the decorations: pimento olive eyes, chilli pepper devil horns and pretzel pumpkin stalks. If the kids are keen to help out, you can even lay out some toppings and let them make their own monsters.

It only takes around 30 minutes to make these Halloween Deviled Eggs, so it's the perfect extra addition to a Halloween party. This recipe also works as a great last-minute dish for that forgotten school Halloween potluck!

So here's my full recipe for Halloween Deviled Eggs. As usual, I've included some clear step-by-step photos, so you can see exactly what to do at every stage of the way.

Instructions

Boil the eggs

Fill a large pan with water, salt and vinegar. Bring to the boil.

Gently lower the eggs into the water with a slotted spoon so that they don’t crack, then replace the lid and simmer for 10 minutes.

Lift the eggs from the pan with a slotted spoon and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to prevent them from cooking further. If you don’t have ice, put them in cold water and run the cold tap into the bowl for a minute to help it stay cold.

Once the eggs are cold, remove them from the water and gently tap them on the counter to break the shell all over.

Now they’re ready to peel carefully and pat dry.

Prepare the filling

Using a sharp knife, cut the eggs in half.

Use a teaspoon to scoop the yolks out of the eggs and into a bowl, leaving the whites intact.

Add the quarter of the mayonnaise to the yolks, along with the smoked paprika and mustard.

Break down with a stick blender. Gradually add the rest of the mayo until you have a smooth, pipeable consistency.

Divide the mixture into three and colour one with a drop of red food colouring, one with a drop of green colouring, and leave one as is.

Transfer each filling to a piping bag fitted with a small star nozzle (do them one by one if you only have one piping tip).

Pipe the filling into the holes of the egg whites in swirls - 8 egg halves for each colour.

Decorate

To make the pumpkins, push a small piece of pretzel stick into each orange yolk to resemble a pumpkin stalk.

For the devils, slice small pieces of red chilli (or sweet pepper if you want to avoid too much heat) and push two pieces into each red yolk to resemble devil horns.

Finally, to make the monsters, place half a pimento-stuffed olive on top of each green yolk to resemble a monster with a single eye.

Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Halloween Devilled Eggs

What are Halloween Deviled Eggs?

Deviled eggs are a Halloween-themed variation on the classic appetizer, Deviled Eggs.

Deviled Eggs are made by boiling eggs, removing the yolks, and mixing them with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices to create a creamy filling. The filling is then piped into the egg whites. This recipe follows that format but with a spooky twist!

These Halloween Deviled Eggs are coloured with food and decorated with Halloween-themed toppings like olives (monster's eyes) or chillis (devil horns).

Will I need any special equipment to make Halloween Devilled Eggs?

The piping bag and nozzles are the only equipment you might not have for this recipe. If you don't have these, you can spoon the filling into the egg whites.

However, a piping bag is a valuable kitchen tool and relatively inexpensive. You can find piping bags on the baking aisle of supermarkets, at most cooking stores or online.

There's always a complete list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below my recipes if you're in doubt. 

I also always include links to example products to show exactly what I used to make each recipe.

How can I tell if eggs have gone off?

Before you start cooking with your eggs, it's always a good idea to check that they're still fresh. The best way to tell if an egg has gone bad is to crack it open and smell it. If the egg smells anything other than fresh, it's best to throw it away.

A fresh egg should have a bright orange yolk and a 'gloopy' white. If the egg is discoloured or the white is almost water, it's best to discard it.

Are Halloween Deviled Eggs suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! As long as you use vegetarian food colouring, this recipe is safe for veggies.

However, you should always double-check all ingredients labels to ensure they are vegetarian. Also, don't forget to check anything extra you intend to serve with your Halloween Deviled Eggs.

Are Halloween Deviled Eggs suitable for vegans?

No, this dish is egg-based so unfortunately, it isn't suitable for vegans. Sorry!

Are Halloween Deviled Eggs gluten-free?

Yes, the red and green eggs are gluten-free - and if you skip the pretzel decorations, you can make all of them gluten-free.

You can use gluten-free pretzels if you still want to make pretzel-decorated eggs. There are many gluten-free pretzel brands; you'll usually find them on the Free-From aisle. The most popular is probably Schar as it's available worldwide and from Amazon.

Double-check all of your ingredients labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Also, don't forget to check anything extra you intend to serve with your Halloween Deviled Eggs.

Are Halloween Deviled Eggs keto-friendly?

Yes! Eggs are the perfect keto-friendly snack.

Are Halloween Deviled Eggs suitable for those on a low-FODMAP diet?

Yes, eggs are low in FODMAPs, so this is a good dish for people on a low FODMAP diet.

Are Halloween Deviled Eggs healthy?

Yes! These Halloween Deviled Eggs are a fun, protein-packed snack.

Is this recipe safe to eat while pregnant?

Yes - as long as your ingredients are in good condition and you prepare your eggs safely and hygienically.

Eggs with the British Lion stamp are safe for pregnant people to eat in the UK as they go through rigorous health checks. However, you may want to check your local health advice if you live in another region.

A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.

Is this recipe suitable for babies and toddlers?

If your child is eating eggs and you skip the food colouring, spices and chillis, this recipe will be suitable for toddlers. However, if you are making this for young children or babies, leave out the salt. The NHS explains why here. 

However, you'll need to ensure that any decorations don't pose a choking hazard. For example, it might be best to show your little one how fun the eggs look, but then mash them up for them to eat.

A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. Please speak to a health professional if you have any questions or concerns.

The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.

Can I make these eggs without food colouring?

Yes! If you want to avoid food colouring, then you can use natural alternatives.

Beetroot juice will give your Halloween Deviled Eggs a pink or red colour. For green eggs, you could try using spinach juice or matcha powder. However, I don't know how stable natural food colouring would be - so it may cause your egg filling to split.

If you're avoiding food additives, you can use a brand of natural food colouring with minimal additives.

Is food colouring bad for kids?

Food colouring can be a bit of a tricky ingredient if your family is trying to avoid food additives. For example, some food colourings include additives that can cause hyperactivity in children. Or, if you're vegetarian or vegan, food colouring is something to watch out for, as it can contain animal-derived ingredients. 

In Europe, you'll find food additives listed as 'E numbers'. E numbers aren't always bad for you; they just got bad, fearmongering press coverage in the 90s.

An E number is just a category name for chemicals in food so that regulators can monitor food quality. In fact, many natural ingredients (like Vitamin C) go by an E number. 

However, some additives commonly found in food colouring can cause hyperactivity. So if your child is sensitive to ingredients causing hyperactivity, these are the food additives you might want to avoid; 

• E102 (tartrazine)
• E104 (quinoline yellow)
• E110 (sunset yellow FCF)
• E122 (carmoisine)
• E124 (ponceau 4R)
• E129 (Allura red)

The NHS has a great explainer and list of food additives that can impact behaviour in children. 

It's important to remember that regulators have deemed all these ingredients safe to eat (in moderation). So don't worry if you use food colouring that includes these additives. 

A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.

Do I need to use mayonnaise in Halloween Deviled Eggs?

I like to use a mixture of mashed egg yolk and mayonnaise as it gives a super-rich texture, but it's not essential. So, no, you don't need to use mayonnaise.

If you don't want to use mayonnaise or can't eat it, you could substitute it for cream cheese or sour cream. I think yoghurt would be too thin, but some thick dairy spread would work.

What is the best way to boil eggs for Halloween Deviled Eggs?

The best way to boil eggs is to use a large saucepan filled with water, salt and vinegar. Bring the water to a boil and then gently lower the eggs into the water using a spoon.

Once the eggs are in the water, turn off the heat and leave them to sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the eggs from the water and place them in a bowl of cold water.

Once the eggs are cool, you can then peel the eggs and start making your Halloween Deviled Eggs!

Do I need to hard-boil the eggs?

It depends where you live. In the UK, we can eat soft-boiled or raw eggs carrying the British Lion stamp.

The British Lion stamp means that the eggs and hens are vaccinated for salmonella and that the eggs are produced in very safe conditions. So you can even eat a raw British Lion egg (as long as you store it correctly).

However, I'm not sure of the regulations or standards for other countries. If you don't hard-boil the eggs, they will not be fully cooked through. If you live in an area where eggs aren't safe to eat raw, a soft egg could make you ill.

So to be safe, make sure you hard boil your eggs.

Why did my eggs explode when I boiled them?

Sometimes, eggs will explode when you boil them. This can happen for a few reasons, and it's nothing to worry about. 

However, it means you won't be able to use your egg for this recipe as you need neatly hard-boiled eggs.

Eggs explode for a couple of reasons. First, it might be that the air in the pocket at the top of the egg expanded too much, causing the shell to pop. 

Or it could be that the egg was sitting at the bottom of the pan in the same spot for too long. Boiling water is usually slightly under 100C due to the open lid and cooler eggs. So a pan of water isn't hot enough to cause the centre of the egg to boil and expand.

However, when an egg is sitting for a long time in one spot at the bottom of the pan, the metal heats and cooks the egg at a higher temperature than the water. This can cause the inside of the egg to expand and explode.

Eggs that come from older hens are also more prone to exploding, as the eggs older hens lay are weaker. This is because older hens have less calcium available for the eggs, making the shells thinner.

Why are my egg yolks blue?

If you notice that your egg yolks are blue, don't worry! This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about

The blue colour comes from a chemical reaction between the iron in the egg yolk and sulphur in the egg white. This reaction only happens if you cook eggs for a long time at a high temperature.

So if you notice your egg yolks are blue, it just means they are overcooked. So next time, ensure you don't cook the eggs for so long.

My Halloween Deviled Eggs look lumpy. What can I do?

You can do a few things to fix lump y Halloween Deviled Eggs. First, make sure you whisk the egg yolks thoroughly before adding them to the mayonnaise.

You can try passing the mixture through a sieve if your eggs are still lumpy. This will remove any lumps and give you a smooth mixture.

If you don't have a sieve, try using a blender or food processor. Blitz the mixture until it is smooth and lump-free.

My boiled eggs have cracks in them. Can I still use them?

You can still use Halloween Deviled Eggs even if they have cracks. The cracks might make the eggs look a bit less attractive, but they won't affect the taste or texture of the dish.

Cracks can make the eggs harder to peel. So try gently tapping them all over with a spoon before boiling them. This will help to loosen the shell and make them easier to peel.

Help! I can't get the shell off my boiled eggs!

If you're struggling to get the shell off your Halloween Deviled Eggs, you can try a few things. First, ensure the eggs are completely cool before peeling them.

If the eggs are still warm, they will be harder to peel as the egg will stick to the shell. Once the eggs are cool, you can try tapping them gently all over with a spoon. This will help to loosen the shell and make it easier to peel

If you're still having trouble, you can try holding the egg under running cold water. The cold water will cause the egg to contract a little bit and might also get between the egg and the shell, making it easier to peel.

How should I store Halloween Deviled Eggs?

You should store your Halloween Deviled Eggs in the fridge in an airtight container. They should last 2-3 days if you store them safely.

How long will Halloween Deviled Eggs keep?

Halloween Deviled Eggs will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. Though I think they're at their best within a day of making them.

Can I leave Halloween Deviled Eggs out on the counter?

No, you should keep your Halloween Deviled Eggs in the fridge at all times. If you leave them out on the counter, they will start to spoil and could make you ill.

So make sure you store your Halloween Deviled Eggs in the fridge until you're ready to serve them.

Can I make Halloween Deviled Eggs ahead?

Yes, you can make Halloween Deviled Eggs ahead of time. In fact, I think they're even better when made a day in advance.

To make ahead, simply hard-boil the eggs, prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Then, when you're ready to serve, fill the eggwhites and enjoy

Can I keep Halloween Deviled Eggs in the refrigerator?

Yes, the best place for your deviled eggs is in the refrigerator. If you keep them on the counter, they will quickly spoil.

Can I freeze Halloween Deviled Eggs?

No, Halloween Devilled Eggs are not suitable for freezing. The texture of the egg yolks will change when frozen, and they will become grainy.

What is the best way to transport Halloween Deviled Eggs?

If you're taking Halloween Deviled Eggs to a party or potluck, the best way to transport them is in an airtight container. This will stop them from drying out and keep them fresh.

You should use a container that lets the eggs fit snugly in a single layer rather than a very large container that lets them space out. The more space between them, the more likely they are to roll over.

Equally, you should make sure the container isn't too small, so the eggs aren't on top of each other and mushing together.

I find it best to line the container with paper towels to help absorb excess moisture. If you have a container that is a little bit too big, you can make folds in the paper towel to work as little walls between the eggs. This will help hold them still.

And, of course, you should ensure that the container stays flat while transporting the eggs. Assign someone in the car to keep them on their lap if it's a short journey. If it's a long journey, use a cooler bag or box to keep them from spoiling.

Can I make these Halloween Deviled Eggs in a different quantity?

If you want to make more or less of this recipe, go right ahead. I used just under 8-10g mayonnaise per egg yolk, so as long as you have that ratio, you can season and colour the eggs to your preference. 

If you make more or less, the cooking time won't change because eggs cook individually, so just follow the recipe as is.

Can I make Halloween Deviled Eggs in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?

No, no point in this recipe requires a stand mixer. The best way to mix your egg filling is with a stick blender, as there aren't enough egg yolks and filling to warrant using a stand mixer bowl.

Can I make Halloween Deviled Eggs with a food processor?

You could use a food processor to mix your filling ingredients, but getting it out of the mixer would be difficult. So it's best to use a stick blender for this recipe. You'll usually find stick blenders on the kitchen appliance aisle of large supermarkets or from Amazon.

How can I make sure my Halloween Deviled Eggs turn out perfectly?

Fresh, good-quality eggs are the best way to ensure your Halloween Deviled Eggs turn out perfectly.

Organic or free-range hens produce the best eggs with flavourful yolks as they have a more varied diet and come from healthy hens.

The main point to watch is cooking the eggs at the correct time. If the eggs overcook, they'll be dry and rubbery. On the other hand, if they're undercooked, they'll be too soft to peel.

• To get perfectly boiled eggs, place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil over high heat, then turn off the heat and leave the eggs in the water for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, remove the eggs from the water and place them in a bowl of cold water. This will stop them from cooking and make them easier to handle.
• Once they're cool enough to handle, peel the eggs and cut them in half length-wise. Waiting for them to cool down will allow you to slice more smoothly.
• When mixing the filling, I find a stick blender is best for getting a smooth, creamy filling.
• Remember to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If it's too thick, you can add a little more mayonnaise.
• When you pipe your filling, try to do it in one smooth movement - this will give you the neatest result. You could even try and swirl it into a soft serve shape.

Where is the origin of Deviled Eggs?

Historians believe that Deviled Eggs originated in Ancient Rome, where they were known as "mixed eggs". The dish then made its way to Britain, where it was called "scorched eggs".

It wasn't until the 18th century that the dish started to be called "deviled eggs". It's thought that this is because of how the yolks are "deviled" or mixed with spicy ingredients.

Many spicy foods are referred to as "deviled", such as "deviled chicken", "deviled ham", or the spicy tomato sauce fra Diavolo ("Diavolo" is an Italian word for devil.)

The dish is now super popular in America and Europe. You'll find it as party food, at potlucks, BBQs or as an appetizer in restaurants.

I hope these tips help you make the perfect Halloween Deviled Eggs! If you have any other questions or tips, please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Halloween!

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