Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the BEST Deviled Strawberries, a unique and utterly delightful appetizer that transforms the humble strawberry into an explosion of unexpected flavor. This recipe offers a surprisingly simple yet sophisticated way to impress guests or enjoy a playful treat that balances sweetness with a savory kick.
Key Ingredients for BEST Deviled Strawberries
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved lengthwise
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, plus more for garnish
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon crispy cooked bacon bits, for garnish (optional)
How to Make BEST Deviled Strawberries
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that’s as easy as it is addictive! The BEST Deviled Strawberries are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying way to elevate your appetizer game with a creamy, tangy filling that perfectly complements the juicy sweetness of the strawberries. Its delightful contrast in flavors and textures is sure to be a hit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by carefully rinsing your fresh strawberries and gently removing the green hulls. Slice each strawberry in half lengthwise, creating a flat surface for the filling. If any strawberries are particularly large, you can slice them into quarters to create bite-sized pieces. Arrange the halved (or quartered) strawberries on a serving platter, cut-side up.
- Make the Deviled Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed to blend these ingredients until smooth and well-combined. This forms the creamy base for your deviled strawberries.
- Season the Filling: Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, a little salt can actually enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Fill the Strawberries: Transfer the deviled filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off). Carefully pipe a dollop of the filling onto the cut side of each prepared strawberry half, filling the natural hollow. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a small spoon to artfully place the filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the top of each filled strawberry for a pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor. If using, scatter the crispy bacon bits over the filling for added texture and savory depth. Finally, garnish with the finely chopped fresh chives for a bright green finish and a subtle oniony note. Your BEST Deviled Strawberries are now ready to be served immediately.
Why You’ll Love This BEST Deviled Strawberries
You’ll fall head over heels for the BEST Deviled Strawberries because of their utterly unique and addictive flavor profile that’s a delightful departure from anything you’ve tried before. Imagine the classic comfort of deviled eggs, but reimagined with the bright, sweet burst of fresh strawberries – it’s a surprising yet harmonious combination that simply sings. Making these at home is incredibly budget-friendly, allowing you to create a show-stopping appetizer without breaking the bank, a far cry from often expensive pre-made platters.
The magic lies in the creamy, tangy filling, perfectly balanced with a hint of mustard and a whisper of paprika and garlic, providing a savory counterpoint to the strawberry’s natural sweetness. These aren’t just deviled; they’re elevated. So ditch the same old appetizers and give these BEST Deviled Strawberries a try – they’re a guaranteed conversation starter and a delicious way to impress your friends and family.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your BEST Deviled Strawberries at their peak deliciousness, proper storage is key. You should store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the filling and strawberries separate if possible for optimal texture, but if they’re already assembled, ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the filling from drying out or absorbing other odors.
These delightful bites are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation. The strawberries will naturally soften over time, so while they’ll still be edible, they won’t possess the same crispness. Reheating is generally not recommended as it can make the strawberries mushy and affect the creaminess of the filling. Instead, serve them chilled directly from the refrigerator. If you wish to freeze them, it’s advisable to freeze the unassembled components: freeze the deviled filling in an ice cube tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze the halved strawberries separately on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before assembling and serving.
Final Thoughts
The BEST Deviled Strawberries are a true celebration of unexpected flavor combinations that are both elegant and incredibly fun to make. Encourage yourself to step outside your culinary comfort zone and whip up this delightful appetizer; it’s a simple yet impressive way to bring a unique touch to any occasion.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
BEST Deviled Strawberries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by carefully rinsing your fresh strawberries and gently removing the green hulls. Slice each strawberry in half lengthwise, creating a flat surface for the filling. If any strawberries are particularly large, you can slice them into quarters to create bite-sized pieces. Arrange the halved (or quartered) strawberries on a serving platter, cut-side up.1 pint fresh strawberries
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed to blend these ingredients until smooth and well-combined. This forms the creamy base for your deviled strawberries.4 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, a little salt can actually enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Transfer the deviled filling into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off). Carefully pipe a dollop of the filling onto the cut side of each prepared strawberry half, filling the natural hollow. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a small spoon to artfully place the filling.
- Sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the top of each filled strawberry for a pop of color and a hint of smoky flavor. If using, scatter the crispy bacon bits over the filling for added texture and savory depth. Finally, garnish with the finely chopped fresh chives for a bright green finish and a subtle oniony note. Your BEST Deviled Strawberries are now ready to be served immediately.1/4 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, 1 tablespoon crispy cooked bacon bits