The Retro Trick That Makes Deviled Eggs Look Party-Ready (With Zero Effort)

Deviled eggs have been a quintessential party food for nearly a century. This pretty, easy-to-make finger food is packed with a zesty filling; I think it’s safe to say that it's never going out of style. That doesn’t mean, however, that deviled eggs couldn’t use a style boost. That light dusting of paprika over the top is, well, not thrilling.

To zhuzh deviled eggs stylishly and with minimal effort, use this quick trick inspired by 1950s hors d'oeuvres.

How To Give a Tray of Deviled Eggs Retro Flair

Picture a tray of bite-sized appetizers, each topped with a small slice of pickle, olive, or onion. It's an image straight out of a 1950s cocktail party. These piquant little garnishes work for cheese-topped crackers, crab dip, and other retro appetizers, so why not deviled eggs? 

Pickled relish tray foods are often chopped and folded into deviled egg fillings, so it’s a given that the flavors pair well with the zesty egg yolk. What’s brilliant about using them as a garnish instead of an add-in is that it creates a gorgeous presentation that elevates the whole platter.

Just place a tiny garnish on each deviled egg in place of the usual paprika. The result is a tray of eggs that are sophisticated, stylish, and eye-catching. 

The Best Pickled Garnishes for Your Retro Deviled Eggs

Try adding a single slice of green olive with a red pimiento center to the top of each deviled egg. The olives have such a vintage vibe, like a classic martini does. Speaking of pimiento, add a small strip or two of pickled red pepper to the top of each egg for a striking pop of color.

Other relish tray tidbits to try are a French cornichon or a curl of pickled red onion placed atop each egg. For a garnish with heat, try small pickled pepperoncini or a petite Calabria pepper. Capers are so tiny that you can add a few to the top of each egg; their earthy green color is gorgeous against the yellow yolk filling.

For a more unusual topper, try adding a small square of chopped store-bought kimchi to deviled eggs. The colorful garnish is available in spicy, mild, savory, and sour varieties. 

You may not even have to go far to find topper options; check your fridge for pickles, olives, and other relish tray staples leftover from your last snack board!

Tips for Garnishing Your Deviled Eggs

These pickled garnishes pack a lot of moisture and salt, two things that can create mushiness if they sit on the eggs too long. It’s best to wait and add them to the deviled eggs just before serving. (Luckily, it takes almost no time at all!)

Choose one garnish for all your deviled eggs to create a pleasing platter; you can easily pair the flavor and color with the theme of the rest of your dishes. Or set out a tray of deviled eggs topped with several different pickled bites. The display is fun to look at, starts a lot of conversation, and each guest can choose the garnish they like best!