If you’ve never made a classic egg salad sandwich, you’re in for a treat that’s ridiculously simple, wildly customizable, and perfect for everything from weekday lunches to picnic baskets. This creamy, mayo-kissed sandwich has been saving busy parents, college students, and working professionals for decades—and it still slaps today.
Here’s the thing: you probably already have everything you need sitting in your fridge. Eggs? Check. Mayo? Yep. A slice of bread? Perfect.
Let me walk you through exactly how to make a classic egg salad sandwich that hits all the right notes—tangy, creamy, a little crunchy, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s also a great addition to your next brunch spread alongside our Easy and Cheesy Breakfast Pizza.
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Ingredients for the Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
To make the best egg salad for sandwiches, you don’t need a long grocery list. In fact, part of the charm here is how easy and flexible it is.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 large eggs – hard-boiled, peeled, and chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise – gives that creamy egg sandwich texture
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard – adds tang and depth
- 2 green onions, finely sliced – brings a bit of crunch and freshness
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of paprika, chopped chives, or diced pickles
Want to make it even better? Serve the egg salad on our Homemade Italian Bread Recipe—soft, chewy, and absolutely made for sandwich greatness.
How to Make a Classic Egg Salad Sandwich (Step-by-Step)
Let’s keep this easy. No fancy techniques, no special tools—just a saucepan, a mixing bowl, and a fork.
1. Boil the Eggs
Place your eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then cover and turn off the heat. Let them sit for 10–12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath right after. This keeps the yolks perfectly yellow and helps with easy peeling.
2. Peel and Chop
Once the eggs are cool, peel and chop them. You can go chunky or mash them up smooth—your call. Either way, you’re on your way to a traditional egg salad that’s creamy and rich.
3. Mix It All Together
Combine chopped eggs, mayo, mustard, green onions, and seasonings. Gently fold until everything’s coated. Taste and tweak. Want more tang? Add mustard. Craving crunch? Toss in celery. Keeping it simple? You’re already golden.
4. Build the Sandwich
Scoop the egg salad onto your bread of choice. Want something different? Stuff it inside one of our Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes for a fun twist.
And there it is: a creamy, no-fuss classic egg salad sandwich.
How to Store Egg Salad Safely
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of homemade egg salad, proper storage is key.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Don’t freeze it—mayo and eggs don’t come back to life well after thawing.
- Perfect for egg salad sandwich meal prep. Just store the filling and assemble when ready.
Have leftovers? Try scooping it onto crackers or into lettuce wraps for a light snack.
What to Serve with Classic Egg Salad Sandwiches
Need something on the side? We’ve got plenty of easy lunch sandwich ideas that pair beautifully with a classic egg salad sandwich.
- Easy and Crispy Breakfast Potatoes – crispy, golden, and perfect for brunch.
- Country Potatoes Oven-Crispy Golden – a cozy side dish for cooler months.
- Green salad or coleslaw – for something crisp and refreshing.
- Vegetarian Mexican Fajita Cornbread Casserole – hearty and flavorful, makes it a full meal.
Whether you’re packing lunch or building a buffet, this sandwich fits right in with all your faves.
Variations and Customizations
This isn’t just an old-fashioned egg salad sandwich. It’s a blank canvas.
Here are a few ways to shake things up:
- No pickle egg salad? Skip ’em. Add more green onion or fresh dill instead.
- Heat it up: Sprinkle in cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Add texture: Celery, red onion, radishes, even diced apples (trust me!).
- Switch the mustard: Dijon, spicy brown, or honey mustard = flavor magic.
- Protein boost: Mix in chopped bacon or tofu for extra heartiness.
Feeling brunchy? Add it to our Crack Breakfast Sliders and watch your guests lose their minds.
Why This Classic Egg Salad Sandwich Is a Must-Make
Here’s why this classic egg salad sandwich belongs in your regular meal rotation:
- Quick and easy – under 30 minutes, tops.
- Budget-friendly – pantry staples, nothing fancy.
- Customizable – make it mild, spicy, chunky, smooth—whatever you love.
- Great for meal prep – especially for working professionals or students.
- Comforting and satisfying – like a warm hug… but cold.
Honestly? This is the sandwich that saw me through finals week and a handful of stressful Mondays. It’s easy. It’s filling. And it never lets you down.
Print
Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Description
Creamy, tangy, and ridiculously easy, this classic egg salad sandwich is the go-to comfort food for lunch, picnics, and quick meals.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs – hard-boiled, peeled, and chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of paprika, chopped chives, or diced pickles
Instructions
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn off the heat. Let sit for 10–12 minutes. Transfer to ice bath.
- Peel and chop the eggs once cooled.
- In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, mayo, mustard, green onions, salt, and pepper. Fold gently to combine. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve the egg salad on bread of your choice. Try it on our Homemade Italian Bread or inside Crescent Roll Breakfasts for a twist.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Great for meal prep. Do not freeze. Add-ins like celery, bacon, or jalapeño are welcome for a custom twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Final Thoughts
A classic egg salad sandwich is simple, satisfying, and just plain smart. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want lunch that feels like a win, this sandwich checks every box.
And don’t forget—you can pair it with so many of our other favorites. Try it alongside:
Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping lunch for the week, or throwing together a low-key brunch, this recipe is a classic for a reason.
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