The Classic Barefoot Contessa Egg Salad Tartines Recipe for Brunch

Barefoot contessa egg salad tartines represent a delightful culinary fusion of classic comfort and elegant simplicity.

These open-faced sandwiches transform humble ingredients into a sophisticated lunch experience.

Creamy eggs blend harmoniously with zesty seasonings, creating a vibrant spread that elevates ordinary toast.

Whole-grain bread provides a sturdy foundation for the luscious mixture, adding nutritional depth and textural contrast.

Fresh herbs introduce a bright, aromatic element that awakens the palate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making this dish both satisfying and light.

Key Ingredients for Egg Salad Tartines

• Eggs: Fresh, large eggs provide the main protein and creamy texture for the salad; choose organic or farm-fresh for best flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Relish: Creamy mayonnaise adds richness, mustard brings tangy depth, and sweet relish provides balanced flavor complexity.

• Fresh Dill, Chives: Bright, herbaceous dill and delicate chives offer fresh aromatic notes and visual appeal.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the egg salad's overall taste.

• Bread: Hearty, rustic bread serves as the perfect base for spreading the egg salad; sourdough or country bread work wonderfully.

Simple Steps for Egg Salad Tartines

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully lower eggs into the water and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Cook Eggs Perfectly

Cook eggs for exactly 10 minutes to achieve the ideal consistency. Keep an eye on the timer to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Create Cooling Bath

Drain the hot water and immediately refill the pot with cool tap water. Let eggs rest until they’re comfortable to handle.

Step 4: Peel with Ease

Gently tap both egg ends on a cutting board, roll to crack the shell completely, and peel under cool running water for smooth removal.

Step 5: Chop Eggs Precisely

Use a food processor to pulse eggs 10-12 times, creating a chopped texture without turning them into a puree.

Step 6: Mix Creamy Egg Salad

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet pickle relish
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients lightly with a fork, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Toast Bread Beautifully

Lightly toast bread slices until golden and crisp around the edges.

Step 8: Assemble Elegant Tartines

• Extra fresh dill
• Chopped chives

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the tartines at room temperature. Serve whole or cut diagonally for an elegant presentation. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or light dinner.

Pro Tips for Egg Salad Tartines

• Herbs Matter: Snip fresh dill or chives directly into the egg mixture for a bright, garden-fresh flavor burst that transforms ordinary egg salad.
• Master Egg Perfection: Achieve creamy, tender eggs by simmering exactly 10 minutes, which prevents rubbery whites and chalky yolks.
• Smart Chopping Technique: Use quick food processor pulses to break eggs into uniform pieces without turning them into mushy paste.
• Seasoning Savvy: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste and adjust gradually to create a balanced, personalized flavor profile.
• Temperature Trick: Let egg salad rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more luxurious texture.

Savor the Freshness of Egg Salad Tartines

• Effortless Egg-cellence: This recipe transforms simple boiled eggs into a gourmet tartine with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy mustard, zesty dill, sweet relish, and creamy mayonnaise creates a taste profile that's both familiar and exciting, elevating classic egg salad to a new culinary experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These tartines work brilliantly for casual lunches, picnics, brunch gatherings, or quick weekday meals, offering a sophisticated twist on a traditional comfort food that appeals to both adults and kids.

Smart Storage for Egg Salad Tartines

• Refrigerator Strategy: Seal prepared egg salad tartines in a leak-proof glass container to maintain optimal freshness. Prevents moisture absorption and preserves delicate bread texture.
• Bread Preservation: Separate bread from wet egg salad filling before storing to prevent sogginess. Layer parchment paper between components for crisp, appetizing results.
• Component Separation: Keep egg salad and toasted bread ingredients stored separately in individual sealed containers. Assemble just before serving to ensure maximum crunch and flavor integrity.

Exciting Twists on Egg Salad Tartines

• Gourmet Garden Egg Salad: Replace regular dill with fresh chopped herbs like tarragon, chervil, and parsley for a vibrant green herb-infused egg salad variation.
• Spicy Southwest Egg Salad: Add diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of cumin to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version with extra kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion Egg Salad: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-style tartine with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Smoky Bacon Egg Salad: Incorporate crispy bacon bits and a touch of smoked paprika to transform the classic recipe into a rich, smoky rendition that adds depth and crunch.

Parting Thoughts on Egg Salad Tartines

Egg salad tartines bring classic comfort to gourmet levels with Barefoot Contessa’s elegant twist.

Crisp toasted bread cradles creamy, herbaceous egg mixture that whispers sophisticated simplicity.

Mediterranean influences dance through each carefully crafted bite, elevating traditional picnic fare into culinary art.

Subtle dill notes complement rich mayonnaise, creating harmonious flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Chilled eggs transformed into silky spread promise memorable dining experiences for sophisticated palates.

Hungry souls craving connections through delicious moments: share this recipe, spark conversations, inspire kitchen adventures, and spread delectable joy with fellow culinary enthusiasts.

Barefoot Contessa Egg Salad Tartines Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

French-inspired tartines elevate classic egg salad with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Crisp sourdough, creamy herbed eggs, and fresh chives create a simple yet sophisticated lunch that transports you to a Parisian cafe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 12 extra-large eggs

Condiments and Flavor Enhancers:

• 80 milliliters (⅓ cup) good-quality mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) sweet relish
• 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives, minced (plus extra for garnish)

Seasonings and Base:

• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 6 slices whole grain bread, toasted

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Gently lower the eggs into the bubbling water and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for exactly 10 minutes.
2. Once cooking is complete, drain the hot water and immediately refill the pot with cold tap water. Allow the eggs to rest until they are cool enough to handle safely. Gently tap both ends of each egg on a cutting board, roll to create shell cracks, and carefully peel under a stream of cool running water.
3. Transfer the peeled eggs to a food processor. Pulse the eggs 10-12 times, creating a chopped texture while avoiding turning them into a smooth purée.
4. Move the chopped eggs into a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, fresh chopped dill, salt, and ground black pepper. Blend the ingredients delicately with a fork, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
5. Select toasted bread slices and generously spread the egg mixture across the surface. Optionally garnish with additional fresh dill or finely chopped chives. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top for extra flavor. Serve at room temperature, presenting the sandwich whole or elegantly sliced in half.

Notes

• Gentle mixing prevents tough, rubbery egg texture when combining ingredients.
• Refrigerate egg salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and develop depth.
• Experiment with Greek yogurt or light mayo for a healthier, tangier alternative to traditional mayonnaise.
• Dice eggs manually with a sharp knife for more consistent, rustic chunks compared to food processor.
• Sprinkle paprika or fresh herbs on top for an elegant, colorful presentation that adds extra flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: Approximately 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 318mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 186mg