Bacon Dijon Egg Salad Sandwich: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic
Egg salad sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, but sometimes, our taste buds crave a little more excitement. This Bacon Dijon Egg Salad Sandwich recipe elevates the humble classic to a gourmet delight, infusing it with smoky bacon, tangy Dijon mustard, and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying meal perfect for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner. Get ready to experience egg salad like never before!
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t your grandma’s egg salad (though we love grandma’s egg salad!). Here’s why this recipe stands out:
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of smoky bacon, sharp Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
* **Texture Contrast:** The creamy egg salad is perfectly balanced by the crispy bacon and the soft bread, creating a delightful textural experience.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together in minutes.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions to suit your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Love celery? Dice some in!
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Egg salad can be made ahead of time, making this sandwich a convenient option for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs
* **Bacon:** 6 slices, cooked until crispy
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons (or more, to taste)
* **Celery:** 1/4 cup, finely diced (optional)
* **Red Onion:** 2 tablespoons, finely minced (optional)
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (a mix of chives, parsley, and dill works well)
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Bread:** Sliced bread of your choice (sourdough, brioche, or whole wheat are all excellent options)
* **Optional Toppings:** Lettuce, tomato slices, avocado
Equipment
* Large saucepan
* Slotted spoon
* Mixing bowl
* Fork or potato masher
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Skillet or baking sheet (for cooking bacon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Bacon Dijon Egg Salad Sandwich:
Step 1: Cook the Eggs
1. **Place Eggs in a Saucepan:** Gently place the eggs in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. The water should be about 1 inch above the eggs.
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. **Turn off Heat and Cover:** Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes for large eggs. For extra-large eggs, add 1-2 minutes.
4. **Ice Bath:** After 12 minutes, carefully drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel.
5. **Peel the Eggs:** Once the eggs are cool enough to handle (about 5-10 minutes), gently peel them under running water. The cold water helps separate the shell from the egg.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
1. **Cook Bacon:** There are several ways to cook bacon. You can fry it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, or you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. I prefer baking because it’s less messy.
2. **Drain Excess Grease:** Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
3. **Crumble the Bacon:** Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Salad
1. **Chop the Eggs:** Place the peeled eggs in a mixing bowl and roughly chop them with a fork or potato masher. You can leave them slightly chunky or mash them until smooth, depending on your preference.
2. **Add Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard:** Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the bowl with the chopped eggs. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to taste. You might want to add more mayonnaise for a creamier salad or more Dijon for a tangier flavor.
3. **Add Celery and Red Onion (Optional):** If using, add the finely diced celery and minced red onion to the bowl. These ingredients add a nice crunch and subtle flavor.
4. **Add Fresh Herbs:** Stir in the chopped fresh herbs. A mix of chives, parsley, and dill works beautifully, but you can use any herbs you like.
5. **Add Lemon Juice:** Add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
6. **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season the egg salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as the bacon is already salty.
7. **Gently Fold in Bacon:** Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, being careful not to overmix. You want to keep the bacon crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or butter on each slice of bread (optional, but it helps prevent the bread from getting soggy).
2. **Add Egg Salad:** Spoon a generous amount of the Bacon Dijon Egg Salad onto one slice of bread.
3. **Add Toppings (Optional):** If desired, add lettuce, tomato slices, or avocado to the sandwich.
4. **Top with Bread:** Top with the other slice of bread.
5. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the sandwich in half (or diagonally) and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the sandwich will taste. Use fresh, high-quality eggs, bacon, mayonnaise, and herbs.
* **Don’t Overcook the Eggs:** Overcooked eggs will have a green ring around the yolk and a rubbery texture. To avoid this, follow the cooking instructions carefully.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the egg salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, or lemon juice.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg salad.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as tarragon, chervil, or cilantro.
* **Add Avocado:** Add diced avocado to the egg salad for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Grill the Sandwich:** For a warm and crispy sandwich, grill it in a panini press or in a skillet with a little butter.
* **Make it a Wrap:** Instead of bread, use a wrap for a lighter option.
* **Make it Low-Carb:** Serve the egg salad on lettuce cups or with cucumber slices for a low-carb meal.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Add chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture.
* **Use Smoked Paprika:** A pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky flavor to the egg salad, complementing the bacon beautifully.
* **Pickled Onions:** Instead of regular red onion, try using pickled red onions for a tangy and bright flavor.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top of the egg salad for added flavor and texture.
* **Different Breads:** Experiment with different types of bread. Croissants, bagels, or even toasted English muffins can be delicious options.
* **Add a Spread:** Consider adding a thin layer of cream cheese, hummus, or pesto to the bread before adding the egg salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Dijon Egg Salad Sandwich is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a side dish. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Potato Chips:** A classic pairing for sandwiches.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy side dish.
* **Pickles:** The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the egg salad.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and healthy side dish.
* **Soup:** A bowl of tomato soup or vegetable soup is a comforting accompaniment.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Storage Instructions
Egg salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Make Ahead Tips
* **Cook the Eggs:** The eggs can be cooked and peeled up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
* **Cook the Bacon:** The bacon can be cooked and crumbled up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Egg Salad:** The egg salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the bacon might lose some of its crispness over time.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
This Bacon Dijon Egg Salad Sandwich is a delightful upgrade to a classic comfort food. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a satisfying brunch, or a light dinner, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to experience egg salad like never before!
Enjoy!