Spiced Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Festive Pumpkin Deviled Eggs: The Ultimate Fall Appetizer

Elevate your fall entertaining with these adorable Pumpkin Deviled Eggs! This easy-to-follow recipe transforms classic deviled eggs into festive, miniature pumpkins, guaranteed to be the first appetizer to disappear at your next autumn celebration. Forget complicated carving; with just a simple knife tip and a touch of garnish, you’ll create a charming, savory treat that beautifully balances all the season’s sweet indulgences.

Hand holding a pumpkin deviled egg, showcasing its festive shape.
Pumpkin deviled eggs are a fun, low-carb finger food perfect for any autumn celebration, from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

As the leaves turn and the air cools, our tables often fill with an abundance of sugary delights. From pumpkin pies to candy corn, sweet treats reign supreme. But what if you crave a savory option that’s equally festive and delightfully low-carb? Look no further! These creatively shaped deviled eggs offer a refreshing counterpoint, making them an ideal addition to your Halloween Caprese salad, a delightful companion to whipped pumpkin cottage cheese, or the star of your fall charcuterie board. They bring seasonal charm without a single gram of added sugar.

I know what you might be wondering: “More pumpkin? Is there pumpkin in the filling?” The delightful answer is NOPE! We achieve that vibrant, pumpkin-like appearance and shape using clever decorating techniques, not actual pumpkin puree in the creamy yolk mixture. By utilizing our simple keto deviled eggs recipe as a base, we’ve ingeniously shaped the creamy filling into miniature pumpkins. They truly turn out incredibly cute and are naturally low-carb, offering a guilt-free pleasure for all your guests.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Crafting these festive appetizers requires a handful of common pantry staples, transformed into something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to create our delightful pumpkin deviled egg recipe:

Labeled ingredients for making pumpkin deviled eggs.

To achieve that signature creamy orange base, we typically mix the egg yolk mixture with a few drops of red food coloring. However, if you prefer a more natural approach, a generous dusting of paprika can beautifully do the job.

  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: The foundation of any great deviled egg. Aim for perfectly cooked eggs that peel easily. We’ll cover the best methods below.
  • Mayonnaise: Choose your favorite brand of mayonnaise to create a rich and creamy filling. For a healthier or specific dietary option, feel free to use avocado oil mayo or a low-fat alternative.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and a hint of spice. If Dijon isn’t on hand, classic yellow mustard can be a suitable substitute, though it will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang, cutting through the richness of the mayo and yolks. White vinegar is also an excellent alternative.
  • Sweet Paprika: Essential for both flavor and color. A generous sprinkle adds warmth and enhances the “pumpkin” aesthetic. Only use smoky paprika if you’re deliberately aiming for a distinct, smoky flavor profile.
  • Red Gel Food Coloring (Optional): Just a couple of drops can achieve a vibrant orange hue for the filling, making your pumpkins pop. If you prefer to avoid food coloring, you can rely entirely on paprika for a more muted, natural orange.
  • Green Onion Stems: The green part of a green onion, cut into small segments, makes for the perfect, edible “stem” for your mini pumpkins. Other creative choices include fresh parsley sprigs, small pretzel sticks (for a rustic look), or tiny pieces of bell pepper.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Guacamole deviled eggs can also be “spookified” for Halloween! Just add a few edible googly eyes or a swirl of red food coloring for a gory effect.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for the precise measurements and step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results.

Mastering the Art of Hard-Boiled Eggs

The secret to perfect deviled eggs begins with perfectly cooked and easily peelable hard-boiled eggs. There are several reliable methods, and we’re sharing our favorites:

Air Fryer Method (Our Top Pick!)

We absolutely love making air fryer hard-boiled eggs in our Ninja for this recipe! This method consistently yields eggs with perfectly cooked yolks and whites, and they are surprisingly easy to peel. Simply place cool eggs (straight from the refrigerator) in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 250 °F (120 °C) for approximately 16 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so it’s always a good idea to test with one or two eggs first if you’re trying this method for the first time.

Classic Stovetop Method

If you prefer the traditional approach, cooking eggs on the stovetop is equally effective. Place your eggs in the bottom of a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by at least an inch or two. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes. The exact sitting time might need slight adjustment based on your stove’s heat retention and desired yolk firmness.

The Ice Bath for Easy Peeling

Regardless of the cooking method you choose, the next step is crucial for easy peeling. Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl filled with ice-cold water. Allow them to sit in this ice bath for at least 5 minutes, or until they are completely cool to the touch. This rapid cooling halts the cooking process, preventing overcooked, greenish yolks, and helps the egg membrane separate from the shell, making peeling a breeze.

Peeling Your Hard-Boiled Eggs

Once cooled, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack one end, then gently roll the entire egg against the surface to create fine cracks all over the shell. This allows water to seep under the membrane, making it much easier to peel. The shell should then pop right off in larger pieces, leaving you with a perfectly smooth, intact egg white half.

How to Craft Your Adorable Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Once your eggs are perfectly hard-boiled and peeled, the fun part begins – transforming them into charming little pumpkins!

Numbered steps to prepare pumpkin deviled eggs.
  1. Prepare the Eggs: Carefully slice each peeled egg in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out the bright yellow yolks and place them in a small mixing bowl. Reserve the hollowed-out egg white halves on your serving platter.
  2. Create the Creamy Filling: Use a fork to finely crumble the egg yolks until no large lumps remain. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard), apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar), and the optional red food coloring gel (we found 2 drops work perfectly for a subtle orange). Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly colored.
  3. Shape the Pumpkins: This is where the magic happens! Fill each egg white half with about a teaspoon of the creamy yolk mixture. For quick and consistent portions, a mini cookie scoop with a release mechanism is incredibly handy. Use the back of a small spoon or the flat side of a butter knife to gently smooth and mound the filling into a rounded, pumpkin-like shape. Then, with the tip of a knife or a toothpick, gently create 3-4 slightly indented vertical lines on the mounded filling to mimic the ridges of a pumpkin. For a more professional look, you can also use a piping bag with a round tip to create a perfect mound before adding the lines.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Lightly sprinkle sweet paprika over the top of each “pumpkin” for added color and flavor. Finally, insert a small, half-inch segment of green onion into the very top center of each deviled egg to serve as the pumpkin stem. Arrange your finished Pumpkin Deviled Eggs beautifully on a platter and watch them disappear!
Twelve deviled egg pumpkins arranged artfully on a plate.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Entertaining

Deviled eggs are a fantastic make-ahead appetizer, perfect for reducing stress on party day. Here’s how to ensure they stay fresh and delicious:

  • Refrigerator Storage: For food safety, cooked eggs and their filling should be consumed or moved to the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation to prevent bacterial growth. Store your assembled deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from sliding around and getting messy, use a deviled egg carrier or place them snugly on a platter covered tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: To achieve the freshest presentation and best texture, you can prepare deviled eggs ahead of time in stages. Cook and peel your eggs, then prepare the yolk filling. Store the egg white halves and the filling separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the deviled eggs (fill, shape, and garnish) just a few hours before serving. If you need to fully assemble them a day or two in advance, that’s perfectly fine too; just be sure to store them properly as mentioned above.
Plate of Halloween pumpkin shaped deviled eggs with a hand holding one.

More Delicious Fall Party Recipes

Planning a fall gathering? Complement your Pumpkin Deviled Eggs with these other delightful seasonal treats. From sweet to savory, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and round out your autumn menu.

  • Easy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
  • Pumpkin Juice Recipe – Harry Potter Style
  • Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

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📋 Recipe: Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Hand holding a pumpkin deviled egg.

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs are the perfect low-carb appetizer for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and fall parties, adding a festive touch without actual pumpkin in the filling!

Rating: 5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes |
Cook Time: 16 minutes |
Total Time: 26 minutes

Servings: 6 servings |
Author: Marjory Pilley

Equipment

  • Air Fryer (optional, for hard boiling eggs)
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Sharp knife or toothpick (for shaping)
  • Mini cookie scoop (optional, for filling)

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise (your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 2 drops red food coloring gel (optional, for vibrant orange color)
  • â…“ teaspoon sweet paprika (for dusting and color)
  • 2 green onions (green part only, cut into ½ inch segments for stems)

Instructions

Part 1: Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs

  1. Using an Air Fryer: Place eggs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 250 °F (120 °C) for approximately 16 minutes. Timing may vary by model; test with 1-2 eggs first if this is your initial attempt.
  2. Using the Stovetop: Place eggs in a large pot and cover with water by 1-2 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Timing varies by stove.
  3. Ice Bath: Immediately transfer cooked eggs to a bowl of ice-cold water for at least 5 minutes, or until cool to the touch. This prevents overcooking and aids in peeling.

Part 2: Prepare and Fill Eggs

  1. Peel Eggs: Gently tap each egg on an end, then roll to crack the rest of the shell. Peel carefully; the shell should come off easily after the ice bath.
  2. Separate Yolks: Cut each peeled egg in half lengthwise. Scoop the yolks into a small bowl and finely crumble with a fork.
  3. Make Filling: Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and the optional 2 drops of red gel food coloring to the crumbled yolks. Mix well until creamy and thoroughly combined.
  4. Fill Egg Whites: Arrange the egg white halves on a serving dish. Mound about a teaspoon of the creamy filling into the center of each egg white half.
  5. Shape and Garnish: Smooth the mounded filling into a rounded, pumpkin-like shape. Use the tip of a knife or a toothpick to gently create 3-4 slightly indented lines around the mound, mimicking pumpkin ridges. Sprinkle sweet paprika over the top of each filled egg, then insert a ½ inch piece of green onion into the top center for the “stem” (refer to pictures above for visual guidance).

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Notes

You’ll find more expert tips and step-by-step pictures throughout the article!

Alternative to Food Coloring: While red food coloring gel helps achieve a vibrant orange base, you can rely entirely on a generous amount of sweet paprika to color the deviled filling naturally orange, resulting in a more muted but equally delicious hue.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Cooked deviled eggs should be refrigerated within 2 hours of preparation. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness and presentation, you can prepare the hard-boiled eggs and the yolk filling separately a day or two in advance, then assemble closer to serving time. However, fully assembled deviled eggs also keep well for a couple of days.

Air Fryer Tips: For detailed guidance and additional Tips for Cooking Eggs in an Air Fryer, please consult our dedicated post.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 111kcal |
Carbohydrates: 1g |
Protein: 6g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 167mg |
Sodium: 116mg |
Potassium: 64mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 243IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 26mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

1. Do these deviled eggs actually contain pumpkin?

No, these “Pumpkin Deviled Eggs” do not contain any actual pumpkin in the filling. The “pumpkin” aspect refers solely to the festive orange color (achieved with food coloring or paprika) and the adorable shape created by gently scoring the creamy yolk mixture and adding a green onion “stem.” It’s all about the visual appeal for a fall-themed appetizer!

2. Can I make deviled eggs without food coloring?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid food coloring, you can achieve a beautiful, natural orange hue using only sweet paprika. Simply mix a slightly more generous amount of paprika into the yolk mixture until you reach your desired color. The paprika will also add a subtle, warm flavor that complements the eggs beautifully.

3. What’s the best way to get easily peelable hard-boiled eggs?

The key to easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs is a quick transfer to an ice bath immediately after cooking. This sudden temperature change helps the egg white separate from the shell membrane. Using slightly older eggs (not super fresh) can also help, as fresh eggs tend to stick more to their shells.

4. How far in advance can I make these deviled eggs?

You can prepare the hard-boiled eggs and the yolk filling up to 2-3 days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the freshest appearance, it’s best to assemble and garnish the deviled eggs within 24 hours of serving. If you assemble them completely ahead of time, they will still be delicious for up to 2-3 days, but the paprika might soften slightly.

5. Can I make these deviled eggs spicy?

Yes, you can easily add a kick to your pumpkin deviled eggs! Consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco), or a small amount of finely minced jalapeño to the yolk mixture. You could also sprinkle a tiny bit of chili powder over the top along with the paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

6. What are some alternative garnishes for the “stem”?

While green onion segments are our go-to for their fresh look and taste, you can get creative! Try small pieces of chives, a tiny sprig of fresh parsley, small thin strips of green bell pepper, or even pretzel sticks for a rustic touch. Just ensure your chosen garnish is small enough to be proportionate to your mini pumpkins.

7. Are these deviled eggs suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?

Yes, deviled eggs are inherently low in carbohydrates and fit perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle. This recipe uses mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar, which are all low-carb ingredients. They provide a fantastic savory snack or appetizer option that won’t derail your diet goals.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Fall Appetizer

These Pumpkin Deviled Eggs are more than just a recipe; they’re a delightful way to bring festive charm and savory goodness to your fall gatherings. They’re quick to make, incredibly delicious, and offer a much-needed low-carb option amidst the season’s sugary treats. Whether it’s for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy autumn get-together, these adorable, easy-to-make appetizers are sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait – whip up a batch and let the fall feasting begin!

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