Fresh, crusty bread provides the perfect canvas for this delightful Barefoot Contessa egg salad tartines recipe that brings gourmet comfort to your table.
Crisp herbs and creamy eggs dance together in a delectable harmony of flavors.
Each bite promises a luxurious blend of textures that will satisfy your midday hunger.
The simple yet elegant tartines showcase how classic ingredients can become something extraordinary.
Soft boiled eggs mingle with delicate seasonings, creating a lunch that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Light and refreshing, these tartines offer a quick escape from ordinary sandwiches.
You’ll want to savor every delicious morsel of this culinary gem.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal
Servings: 6
Ingredients for Egg Salad Tartines
For Base:
Eggs: Fresh, large eggs ensure creamy texture and rich flavor; choose organic for deeper taste.
Bread: Rustic sourdough or artisan loaf adds hearty foundation; look for crusty exterior and soft interior.
For Creamy Binders:
Mayonnaise, Relish: Tangy condiments blend smoothly for classic egg salad depth; choose high-quality, real mayonnaise for authentic taste.
Mustard: Dijon or whole grain provides zesty kick and helps bind ingredients; select bold, smooth variety.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Fresh Dill, Chives: Bright herbs elevate salad with aromatic freshness; select vibrant green, crisp herbs from local market.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify overall taste; use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.
Tools to Assemble Egg Salad Tartines
Large Pot: Essential for boiling eggs evenly and safely.
Food Processor: Perfect for chopping eggs quickly and consistently.
Cutting Board: Needed for tapping and cracking egg shells.
Fork: Ideal for mixing egg salad ingredients gently.
Knife: Useful for chopping herbs and cutting bread.
Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining egg salad ingredients.
Colander or Strainer: Helps drain hot water after boiling eggs.
Serving Plate: Great for presenting the finished tartines.
How to Prepare Egg Salad Tartines
Relaxed Egg Salad Magic
Egg Preparation Water bath warm eggs gently simmer for about 10 minutes in a large pot, creating perfectly cooked eggs that slide out of their shells smoothly.
Smooth Peeling Technique Cool eggs under running water, making shell removal effortless by tapping and rolling, ensuring clean whole egg whites without tears or chunks.
Creamy Texture Blend chopped eggs with tangy mayo, zesty mustard, sweet pickle relish, fresh herbs, creating a luscious mixture that feels like a culinary embrace.
Toasty Canvas Select crisp, golden bread slices as the perfect foundation, spreading generous spoonfuls of egg mixture across each warm surface.
Elegant Finishing Touch Sprinkle delicate fresh herbs, add a whisper of seasoning, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful open-faced sandwich that feels like a gourmet experience.
Tips for Making the Perfect Tartines
Elevate this classic egg salad tartine with creative twists and pro techniques.
Swap traditional relish with chopped cornichons or spicy jalapeño pickles for an unexpected tangy kick that transforms the entire flavor profile.
Experiment with different bread bases like rustic sourdough, whole wheat, or seeded rye to add unique texture and depth to your tartines.
Fold in diced crispy bacon, smoked salmon, or chopped herbs like chives and tarragon to boost protein and create more complex flavor layers.
Chill egg salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more cohesive taste experience.
Serving Egg Salad Tartines Creatively
Brunch Bliss Platter: Arrange the tartines on a large wooden board with mixed greens, sliced radishes, and pickled vegetables for a stunning weekend brunch spread.
Quick Picnic Perfect: Pack the tartines in an airtight container for a delightful outdoor lunch, keeping them cool with an ice pack for fresh flavor.
Wine Pairing Delight: Complement these egg salad tartines with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling prosecco to enhance the tangy egg salad flavors.
Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad or fresh garden vegetables to create a balanced and refreshing meal that feels both elegant and homey.
Keeping Tartines Fresh
Refrigerate Quickly: Store egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Prep Ahead Smartly: Mix egg salad ingredients the night before serving. This allows flavors to meld and saves time during meal preparation.
Pack for Lunch: Carry tartines in a sealed container with ice pack to keep ingredients cool. Pack bread and egg salad separately to prevent soggy bread.
Avoid Extended Storage: Consume egg salad within 24-48 hours for best taste and food safety. Discard if any sour smell or unusual texture develops.
Ina Garten’s egg salad tartines elevate classic sandwiches with French-inspired elegance. Fresh herbs and creamy eggs on crusty bread provide a delightful lunch that satisfies with simple, refined flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
12 extra-large eggs
80 ml (⅓ cup) mayonnaise (good-quality)
4 tbsps (¼ cup) sweet relish
2 tsp whole-grain mustard
1 tbsp fresh dill or chives, minced (plus extra for garnish)
1½ tsp kosher salt
¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 slices whole grain bread, toasted
Instructions
Egg Preparation: Bring water to a rolling boil, gently submerge eggs, and simmer for 10 minutes. Immediately transfer to cold water bath, cool completely, then peel under running water.
Egg Processing: Pulse eggs in food processor 10-12 times to achieve a chunky, textured consistency. Transfer to mixing bowl and incorporate mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, salt, and ground black pepper. Gently fold ingredients, adjusting seasonings to taste.
Assembly and Serving: Toast bread slices, spread egg mixture generously across surface. Garnish with additional fresh dill or chives, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature, presenting tartines whole or elegantly halved.
Notes
Perfectly Boil Eggs: Use rolling boil and gentle simmer for 10 minutes to achieve ideal egg texture without overcooking.
Gentle Peeling Technique: Crack egg shells under cool running water to remove membrane easily and prevent tearing delicate egg whites.
Smart Chopping Method: Pulse eggs in food processor 10-12 times for chunky texture, avoiding mushy consistency that ruins egg salad’s appeal.
Season with Precision: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, allowing each ingredient to balance flavors without overwhelming the delicate egg mixture.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.