Breakfast

Egg Sandwich

This egg sandwich is basically the comfort food equivalent of a warm hug, except it won’t judge you for eating it at 3 PM in your pajamas.

The secret to this creamy, dreamy filling isn’t some fancy technique – it’s all about getting those soft-boiled eggs just right and not going overboard with the salt (seriously, eggs are drama queens about seasoning).

Picture this: perfectly jammy egg yolks mixed with just enough whole egg mayonnaise to create the creamiest filling that won’t turn your sandwich into a soggy mess.

The combination of dijon mustard and fresh chives adds just the right amount of tang and freshness to cut through all that rich, buttery goodness.

What makes this recipe absolutely foolproof is that you can make the filling ahead of time and just assemble when you’re ready to eat – perfect for those “I need food NOW” moments.

Trust me, once you nail the 8-minute soft-boiled egg technique, you’ll be making these sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and that weird in-between meal when you can’t decide what you want.

Ingredients

Egg sandwich filling

6 soft boiled eggs, at room temperature
1 tbsp whole egg mayonnaise (S&W brand preferred)
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp finely chopped chives (or green onion as substitute)
1 /2 tsp black pepper
1 /8 tsp cooking/kosher salt

For the sandwich

8 slices soft white sandwich bread
Soft salted butter for spreading

Instructions

Prepare the eggs

1 Bring 10cm (4 inches) of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon to prevent cracking. Set your timer for exactly 8 minutes – this timing is crucial for achieving that perfect jammy yolk consistency that makes the filling so creamy.
2 While the eggs cook, prepare a large bowl of cold water or fill your sink with cold water. When the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to the cold water bath and let them cool for 10 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling much easier.

Create the filling

3 Once cooled, peel the eggs starting from the base (the wider end) while keeping them submerged in the cold water – this helps remove any stubborn shell bits. Place the peeled eggs in a large mixing bowl and use a fork to crush them initially, breaking up the larger pieces.
4 Switch to a potato masher and mash the eggs thoroughly until you achieve a creamy consistency with small, uniform pieces. The smaller you mash those egg white bits, the creamier your final filling will be – this is the secret to avoiding chunky, uneven texture.

Season and combine

5 Add the whole egg mayonnaise, dijon mustard, finely chopped chives, black pepper, and cooking salt to the mashed eggs. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined – overmixing can make the filling gluey.
6 Taste the mixture and add more salt if needed, but do this gradually. Eggs can be surprisingly sensitive to salt, and it’s easy to over-season. The filling should taste rich and creamy with a subtle tang from the mustard.

Assemble the sandwiches

7 Spread a thin, even layer of soft salted butter on all 8 slices of bread, going right to the edges. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the filling from making the bread soggy.
8 Divide the egg filling evenly between 4 slices of the buttered bread, spreading it edge to edge for complete coverage. Top with the remaining 4 slices, butter-side down, and press gently to seal.

Finish and serve

9 If desired, trim the crusts using a sharp knife for a more refined presentation. For the neatest cuts, refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for 1 hour to firm up the filling before slicing.
10 Cut each sandwich as desired – try 3 rectangular fingers, diagonal halves, or small squares for different presentations. Always serve at room temperature for the best flavor development, as the creamy filling tastes muted when cold.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

Medium saucepan with tight-fitting lid – ensures even water circulation for perfectly cooked eggs
Potato masher – creates the ideal creamy texture that a fork alone can’t achieve
Large mixing bowl – gives you plenty of room to mash without making a mess
Slotted spoon – safely transfers hot eggs without cracking them

Helpful Upgrades:

Kitchen timer or instant-read thermometer – precision timing is everything for soft-boiled eggs
Silicone spatula – gently folds ingredients without overmixing the delicate filling
Sharp serrated knife – creates clean cuts through soft bread without squishing
Cutting board with groove around edges – catches any filling that might escape during cutting

Nice-to-Have Options:

Digital kitchen scale – for perfectly portioned filling distribution across sandwiches
Storage containers – keeps leftover filling fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator
Microplane grater – if using fresh herbs, creates finer, more evenly distributed pieces

Remember, these tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable, but you can absolutely make delicious egg sandwiches with basic kitchen equipment. The key is gentle handling and proper timing, not fancy gadgets.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Substitute with gluten-free sandwich bread – look for brands that are soft and pliable rather than dense
Gluten-free sourdough works beautifully and adds tangy flavor complexity
No other modifications needed since the filling is naturally gluten-free

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Replace butter with vegan butter spread or olive oil-based spread
Ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (most standard mayonnaise brands are naturally dairy-free)
Avocado oil mayonnaise provides extra richness and healthy fats

Flavor Variations:

Curry-spiced version: Add 1/2 tsp curry powder and 1 tsp fresh cilantro
Mediterranean twist: Include 1 tsp capers, fresh dill, and lemon zest
Smoky upgrade: Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika and crispy bacon bits
Herb garden: Mix in fresh parsley, tarragon, and chervil for French-inspired flavors
Spicy kick: Include sriracha mayo instead of regular mayo and finely diced jalapeños

Bread Alternatives:

Croissants for an indulgent brunch version
Everything bagels for extra flavor and texture
Brioche for rich, buttery sweetness
Whole grain bread for added fiber and nutty flavor

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
Each sandwich provides approximately 320-350 calories, with 18-20 grams of high-quality protein from the eggs. The combination delivers all nine essential amino acids, making this a complete protein source that supports muscle maintenance and satiety. The healthy fats from egg yolks and mayonnaise provide 15-18 grams of fat, including important omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
Eggs are nutritional powerhouses, containing choline for brain health and memory function, lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health, and vitamin D for bone strength. The selenium in eggs supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant. Dijon mustard provides turmeric compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, while chives contribute vitamin K for bone health and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health. The soft-boiled preparation method preserves more nutrients compared to hard-boiling, particularly the heat-sensitive B vitamins.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free except for the bread, low in carbohydrates (approximately 25-30 grams per sandwich), and provides sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. Contains eggs and may contain soy (in mayonnaise), making it unsuitable for those with these allergies. The high protein content makes it excellent for post-workout recovery or as a satisfying breakfast that will keep you full for hours.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Whole egg mayonnaise → Avocado mayo (1:1 ratio) for cleaner ingredients, or Greek yogurt (use 2/3 the amount) for lower calories
Dijon mustard → Whole grain mustard for texture, or yellow mustard for milder flavor
Fresh chives → Green onion tops, fresh dill, or parsley (same amount)
Soft white bread → Sourdough, whole wheat, or brioche for different flavors and textures

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Premium mayonnaise → Store-brand whole egg mayo works perfectly fine
Fresh chives → Dried chives (use 1/3 the amount) or onion powder (1/4 tsp)
Artisan bread → Standard sandwich bread – the filling is the star anyway

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

No dijon mustard → 1 tsp yellow mustard + pinch of garlic powder
No chives → 1/4 tsp onion powder or 1 tsp dried parsley
No mayonnaise → Mashed avocado (1/2 medium avocado) plus 1 tsp lemon juice

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, add an extra pinch of salt to compensate for the tanginess
Store leftover fresh herbs in water like flowers to extend their life
If using different bread types, adjust butter amount based on bread density

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace regular bread → Low-carb bread (reduces carbs from 25-30g to 8-12g per sandwich)
Use lettuce wraps → Large butter lettuce leaves eliminate bread carbs entirely
Try portobello mushroom caps → Grilled mushroom “buns” add fiber and reduce carbs to under 5g

Portion & Timing Tips:

Stick to 1 sandwich → Provides approximately 15-20g net carbs with regular bread
Pair with protein-rich sides → Raw vegetables, cheese, or nuts help stabilize blood sugar
Add healthy fats → Avocado slices or olive tapenade slow carb absorption
Time with activity → Eat before physical activity to help process carbohydrates more effectively

Enhanced Nutrition Modifications:

Add fiber → Chia seeds (1 tsp) mixed into filling adds fiber without carbs
Include vegetables → Cucumber slices, spinach, or tomato add nutrients and fiber
Choose whole grain options → If using bread, 100% whole grain provides more fiber and slower carb release

Total Carb Reduction: Using low-carb bread can reduce total carbohydrates by 60-70% while maintaining the satisfying sandwich experience.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy richness without overwhelming the delicate egg flavors. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager provides refreshing contrast. English Breakfast tea or Earl Grey creates a classic combination, while fresh orange juice adds vitamin C and bright acidity that cuts through the richness. Sparkling water with lemon cleanses the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus provides natural sweetness and acidity that balances the savory filling. Crispy kettle-cooked potato chips add satisfying crunch and salt contrast. Pickled vegetables – cornichons, pickled onions, or cucumber pickles – cut through the richness with bright acidity. Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and helps create a more complete meal.

Complete Meal Ideas:
For weekend brunch, serve alongside fresh berries, crispy bacon, and mimosas. Picnic perfect – pack with cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, and sparkling lemonade. Light lunch pairs beautifully with tomato soup and mixed greens. For afternoon tea service, cut into small triangles and serve with scones and fresh fruit.

Occasion Suggestions:
Perfect for casual entertaining, picnic baskets, office lunches, or weekend breakfast in bed. The make-ahead filling makes it ideal for brunch parties or shower gatherings where you can pre-assemble and cut just before serving.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Egg-Cooking Secrets:
Start with room temperature eggs to prevent cracking when they hit the boiling water – take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. The ice bath technique is crucial for stopping the cooking process at exactly the right moment. When peeling, crack the shell all over first, then peel under running water to remove stubborn membrane pieces. Week-old eggs actually peel easier than super fresh ones.

Common Mistakes and Solutions:
Over-salting is the biggest mistake – eggs need surprisingly little salt, so start with less than you think. Over-mixing the filling creates a gluey texture, so fold ingredients gently just until combined. Soggy bread happens when you skip the butter barrier – always butter to the edges. Uneven filling distribution makes messy sandwiches – use a kitchen scale to portion filling evenly if precision matters.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies:
The filling keeps in the refrigerator for 2 days but always bring to room temperature before serving – cold filling tastes muted. Assembled sandwiches should be eaten within 4 hours to prevent sogginess. For meal prep, store filling separately and assemble fresh sandwiches daily. Freezing isn’t recommended as mayonnaise separates when thawed.

Scaling and Presentation:
Double the recipe easily for crowds – just use a larger bowl for mashing. For party presentation, cut into small triangles or rectangles and arrange on platters. Garnish with paprika dust, microgreens, or edible flowers for elegant occasions.

This egg sandwich proves that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most satisfying results. With perfectly jammy eggs, creamy filling, and soft bread, it’s comfort food that works for any time of day. The beauty lies in the technique – nail those 8-minute soft-boiled eggs and gentle seasoning, and you’ll have a sandwich that rivals any deli or café version. Whether you’re feeding yourself on a lazy Sunday morning or impressing guests at a casual brunch, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time.