Easter Deviled Egg and Avocado Toast

It’s always a delightful moment when a recipe becomes more than just food; it transforms into a cherished memory, a centerpiece of family gatherings. This Easter, I decided to put a fresh spin on our traditional brunch, and the Easter Deviled Egg and Avocado Toast combination was an absolute revelation. From the vibrant colors that screamed springtime to the creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying flavors, it was a hit with everyone, from my picky-eater nephew to my foodie sister-in-law. The kids loved the fun of the deviled eggs, and the adults appreciated the sophisticated twist of avocado toast. It was light enough for a sunny morning yet substantial enough to keep us energized for our Easter egg hunt. This recipe wasn’t just brunch; it was the taste of Easter joy on a plate, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Ingredients

This recipe combines the best of classic deviled eggs with the trendy and healthy appeal of avocado toast. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Deviled Eggs:

• Large Eggs: The star of the show! Use fresh, large eggs for the best texture and flavor. They should be cold when you start boiling them for easier peeling.
• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy richness and binds the yolk mixture together. Full-fat mayonnaise offers the most traditional and decadent flavor, but you can use light mayo for a slightly lighter version.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy zest and depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and yolks.
• White Wine Vinegar: A touch of acidity to brighten the deviled egg filling and balance the flavors. You can substitute with lemon juice if preferred.
• Paprika: For a hint of smoky sweetness and, most importantly, a beautiful garnish that makes the deviled eggs visually appealing. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring everything into harmony. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for its aromatic quality.
• Optional Garnishes (for Deviled Eggs): Fresh dill, chives, finely chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, everything bagel seasoning, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a kick. These allow for customization and extra flavor layers.

For the Avocado Toast:

• Ripe Avocados: The creamy, buttery base of our toast. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not mushy. Hass avocados are a popular choice for their rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Bread: Choose a sturdy and flavorful bread that can hold up to the avocado and toppings. Sourdough, whole wheat, multigrain, or even crusty baguette slices work wonderfully. Toasting the bread is crucial for texture and flavor.
• Lemon Juice or Lime Juice: A squeeze of citrus juice not only brightens the avocado flavor but also helps prevent it from browning. Lime juice offers a slightly different flavor profile than lemon.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle heat and a touch of spice to balance the richness of the avocado. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: A fantastic blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt that adds incredible flavor and texture to the avocado toast.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the avocado and enhance its natural flavors. Flaky sea salt is particularly nice for finishing avocado toast.
• Optional Toppings (for Avocado Toast): Fried egg, sliced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, smoked salmon, sprouts, microgreens, balsamic glaze, or a drizzle of olive oil. These additions allow for endless variations and customization to your taste.

Instructions

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward and can be prepared in stages, making it perfect for Easter brunch preparations or any casual gathering.

Instructions for the Deviled Eggs:

1. Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs stand for 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. For slightly softer yolks, reduce the time to 9-10 minutes.
2. Cool the Eggs: Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water). This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel. Let them cool completely in the ice bath for at least 15-20 minutes.
3. Peel the Eggs: Gently tap each egg all over to crack the shell. Start peeling under cold running water. The water helps to separate the shell from the egg white. Peel all the eggs and pat them dry.
4. Halve the Eggs: Slice each peeled egg lengthwise or crosswise (your preference) using a sharp knife. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter or plate.
5. Prepare the Yolk Mixture: Mash the egg yolks with a fork until they are smooth and crumbly. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar to the bowl with the yolks.
6. Season and Mix: Season the yolk mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy filling. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want a bit more mustard for tanginess or salt for overall flavor.
7. Fill the Egg Whites: You have a few options for filling the egg whites. You can use two spoons to scoop the yolk mixture and fill each egg white half. For a more polished look, transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (star tip works well) and pipe the filling into each egg white. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off will also work.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle paprika generously over the filled deviled eggs. Add any other desired garnishes like fresh dill, chives, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
9. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor and texture, chill the deviled eggs in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Instructions for the Avocado Toast:

1. Toast the Bread: Toast your bread slices to your desired level of crispness. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil for extra flavor and golden-brown perfection.
2. Prepare the Avocado: While the bread is toasting, halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash the Avocado: Add lemon juice or lime juice to the avocado in the bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency. Some people prefer it chunky, while others like it completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Assemble the Avocado Toast: Spread the mashed avocado evenly onto each slice of toasted bread.
5. Season and Garnish: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the avocado toast. Add any additional toppings you desire, such as a fried egg, sliced tomatoes, crumbled feta, or smoked salmon.
6. Serve Immediately: Avocado toast is best served immediately after assembling to prevent the bread from getting soggy and the avocado from browning too much.

Combining Deviled Eggs and Avocado Toast for Serving:

1. Arrange on a Platter: You can serve the deviled eggs and avocado toast together on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Place the deviled eggs around the edges of the platter and arrange the avocado toast slices in the center.
2. Individual Plates: Alternatively, you can serve a deviled egg or two alongside a slice of avocado toast on individual plates for a more formal brunch setting.
3. Garnish the Platter: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to garnish the platter and bring a touch of freshness and color. Lemon wedges can also be added for those who want an extra squeeze of citrus.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving – 1 Deviled Egg Half and 1 Slice of Avocado Toast – Approximate Values)

• Servings: 6 (This recipe makes 12 deviled egg halves and 6 slices of avocado toast. One serving is considered 2 deviled egg halves and 1 slice of avocado toast.)
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 10-15g

Please note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and bread type. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, especially if you work on the deviled eggs and avocado toast simultaneously.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (for boiling eggs, preparing yolk mixture, mashing avocado, and toasting bread)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes (for boiling eggs)
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

This timing doesn’t include chilling time for the deviled eggs, which is optional but recommended for at least 30 minutes. You can also boil the eggs ahead of time to reduce the preparation time on the day of serving.

How to Serve

This Easter Deviled Egg and Avocado Toast duo is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for different occasions.

• Easter Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the deviled eggs and avocado toast beautifully on a platter as the star of your Easter brunch buffet. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors are perfect for springtime celebrations.
• Elegant Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an elegant appetizer for Easter dinner or any spring gathering. Cut the avocado toast into smaller squares or triangles and offer individual deviled egg halves.
• Light and Healthy Lunch: Enjoy a serving of deviled eggs and avocado toast as a satisfying and nutritious light lunch. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and good carbohydrates to keep you energized.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch with family and friends. Set up a “toast bar” with various toppings for the avocado toast and let everyone customize their own.
• Picnic Basket Treat: Pack deviled eggs and avocado toast (prepared separately and assembled just before eating to prevent soggy bread) for a delightful and portable picnic lunch.
• Party Snack: Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser at parties. Pair them with mini avocado toasts for a more substantial and trendy snack option.
• Vegetarian Main Course: For a vegetarian Easter meal or brunch, this combination can serve as a flavorful and satisfying main course option, especially when paired with a fresh spring salad.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Easter Deviled Egg and Avocado Toast are a resounding success, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Eggs: Fresh eggs are easier to peel when hard-boiled. For the best flavor and texture, use the freshest eggs you can find.
2. Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs: Don’t overcook the eggs! Overcooked yolks can become dry and chalky. Follow the boiling instructions carefully for creamy, tender yolks. An ice bath is crucial for easy peeling and stopping the cooking process.
3. Ripe, But Not Mushy Avocados: Choose avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm. Overripe avocados will be mushy and won’t hold their shape well on toast. To check for ripeness, gently press near the stem end – it should yield slightly.
4. Toast Bread to Perfection: Don’t underestimate the importance of perfectly toasted bread. It provides a crispy contrast to the creamy avocado and deviled egg filling. Toast to your preferred level of golden brown and crispness.
5. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasonings! Salt, pepper, and acid (lemon juice, vinegar, mustard) are key to bringing out the flavors in both the deviled eggs and avocado toast. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go.
6. Make-Ahead Components: You can boil and peel the eggs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The yolk mixture can also be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Avocado toast is best assembled just before serving, but you can mash the avocado mixture ahead and store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
7. Get Creative with Garnishes: Garnishes are not just for looks; they add flavor and texture. Experiment with different garnishes for both the deviled eggs and avocado toast to customize the recipe to your taste. Consider fresh herbs, spices, crunchy toppings, or a drizzle of flavorful oils.
8. Spice it Up (or Tone it Down): Adjust the spice level to your preference. Add more red pepper flakes to the avocado toast for extra heat, or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the deviled egg filling. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the deviled egg mixture for a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the deviled eggs and avocado toast ahead of time?

A1: Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time. Hard-boiled eggs can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The deviled egg yolk mixture can also be made a few hours ahead. Avocado toast is best assembled just before serving to prevent soggy bread and browning avocado, but you can mash the avocado mixture up to a few hours in advance if stored properly (see tip #6 above).

Q2: How long do deviled eggs last in the refrigerator?

A2: Deviled eggs are best consumed within 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the mayonnaise content, it’s important to keep them refrigerated and avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.

Q3: Can I freeze deviled eggs or avocado toast?

A3: Freezing deviled eggs is not recommended as the texture of the egg whites and mayonnaise can become watery and unpleasant upon thawing. Avocado toast is also not suitable for freezing as the avocado will become mushy and discolored, and the bread will lose its texture. It’s best to enjoy both fresh.

Q4: What are some variations I can make to the deviled egg filling?

A4: There are endless variations! You can add different flavors to the yolk mixture, such as:
* Spicy: Add hot sauce, sriracha, or chopped jalapeños.
* Smoky: Use smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or a drop of liquid smoke.
* Herby: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon.
* Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese.
* Curried: Incorporate curry powder and a touch of mango chutney.

Q5: What kind of bread is best for avocado toast?

A5: Sturdy and flavorful breads work best. Sourdough, whole wheat, multigrain, rye, or crusty baguette slices are excellent choices. The key is to choose a bread that can hold up to the avocado and toppings without becoming soggy.

Q6: How do I prevent avocado toast from getting soggy?

A6: To prevent soggy avocado toast:
* Toast the bread well: A crispy toast base is crucial.
* Don’t over-mash the avocado: Slightly chunkier avocado is less likely to make the bread soggy than a very smooth puree.
* Assemble just before serving: Avocado toast is best eaten immediately after assembling.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A7: Making the avocado toast vegan is easy – just ensure your bread is vegan-friendly. For vegan deviled eggs, you can use tofu-based “deviled egg” recipes or substitutes like white bean dip or hummus to fill the egg white halves (or even hollowed-out cucumber slices for a different presentation). Vegan mayonnaise is also readily available.

Q8: What can I serve with Easter Deviled Egg and Avocado Toast to make a complete brunch?

A8: To create a complete Easter brunch spread, consider serving this recipe alongside:
* Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing accompaniment.
* Spring Salad: A green salad with seasonal vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
* Breakfast Meats: Bacon, sausage, or ham for those who enjoy meat.
* Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweeter brunch option.
* Mimosas or Sparkling Cider: Festive brunch beverages.
* Coffee and Tea: Essential brunch drinks.

This Easter Deviled Egg and Avocado Toast recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful springtime treat!