Looking for an elegant and classic addition to your next tea party? Egg salad tea sandwiches are a delicate and sophisticated choice, perfect for baby showers, Mother’s Day brunches, or any gathering where you want to add a touch of refinement.
The beauty of these little sandwiches lies in their simplicity. They’re easy to make and incredibly adaptable. You can customize them with different herbs, spices, and bread types to create a variety of flavor combinations.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect egg salad for tea sandwiches that will impress your guests and elevate your event.
Ingredients for the Best Egg Salad
Here are the things you’ll need to make delicious egg salad:
- Eggs: Fresh, large eggs will give you the best flavor and texture. Make sure to boil them correctly! Overcooked eggs will have a rubbery texture and a green ring around the yolk.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo adds moisture and richness. If you’re looking to cut fat, you can sub in Greek yogurt, but the flavor will change a bit.
- Mustard and Herbs: Mustard (Dijon or yellow both work) adds a little zing. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill will brighten up the whole sandwich.
- Optional additions: Some people like to add relish, red onion, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture.
Making the egg salad: a step-by-step guide
Here’s how to make the perfect egg salad for tea sandwiches.
Cooking the eggs
The goal is to hard-boil the eggs without getting that greenish tinge around the yolks and to make them easy to peel. The best way to do that is to simmer them gently for about 11 minutes. If you have an Instant Pot, you can use that instead!
When the eggs are done, put them in an ice bath to stop them from cooking any further and to make them easier to peel.
Mixing the egg salad
Gently chop or mash the hard-boiled eggs. You don’t want to overdo it, or the mixture will be too smooth and pasty.
Mix the eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, and your favorite herbs. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise until it’s the consistency you like.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. At this point, you can add other ingredients, such as finely chopped celery or a dash of hot sauce, to give it a little extra zing.
Assembling the Tea Sandwiches
Now that you’ve got the perfect egg salad, it’s time to put those tea sandwiches together.
Choosing the Right Bread
For a classic tea sandwich, soft white bread is the way to go. But don’t be afraid to mix it up! Brioche or whole wheat can add a nice twist.
Constructing the Sandwiches
Spread a thin, even layer of your delightful egg salad over each slice of bread. You don’t want to overdo it – these are dainty sandwiches, after all. Top with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich.
Cutting and Shaping
For that extra touch of elegance, trim the crusts off the bread. Then, cut the sandwiches into triangles, squares, or even use cookie cutters for fun, decorative shapes. Get creative!
Serving and presentation tips
Presentation can make or break a tea sandwich spread. Arrange your egg salad sandwiches on a pretty serving platter, or even better, use a tiered serving stand to create some visual interest. A few sprigs of fresh herbs, edible flowers, or other pretty garnishes can add a lot.
In general, it’s nice to offer a selection of tea sandwiches with different fillings so your guests have a variety to choose from. Also, think about the theme and color scheme of your tea party when you choose your garnishes and serving dishes. Everything should look good together!
Egg Salad Tea Sandwich Variations
Part of the fun of making egg salad for tea sandwiches is experimenting with different flavors. Don’t be afraid to try new things! Here are a few ideas:
- Mix in fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon.
- Add a pinch of spice with cayenne pepper or paprika.
- Incorporate finely diced vegetables like celery, red onion, or cucumber.
- Serve on different breads like croissants, whole wheat, or rye.
- Add extra protein with cooked chicken or tuna.
Prep and storage tips
You can make the egg salad up to 2 or 3 days before your event. Just keep it in the fridge.
Wait to assemble the sandwiches until just before serving, or the bread will dry out.
If you need to make the sandwiches ahead of time, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
To keep the sandwiches extra-fresh, cover them with a damp cloth and plastic wrap before you transport them.
Wrapping Up
Egg salad tea sandwiches are a tasty, versatile treat that are perfect for showers, parties, or just a little something special with your afternoon tea. Feel free to play around with different ingredients and presentation styles to find your favorite version.
Happy sandwich-making!