Mini Egg Salad Sliders

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

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It’s funny how sometimes the simplest recipes are the biggest crowd-pleasers. I whipped up these Mini Egg Salad Sliders for a casual weekend brunch last week, and honestly, they vanished in minutes! My family, who are usually quite discerning when it comes to brunch fare, absolutely devoured them. The creamy, tangy egg salad nestled in those soft, slightly sweet slider buns was just the perfect bite. Even my youngest, who is typically a picky eater, asked for seconds (and thirds!). They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a light lunch. If you are looking for a recipe that is guaranteed to be a hit, these Mini Egg Salad Sliders are definitely it. Trust me, you’ll be making them again and again!

Ingredients for Delightful Mini Egg Salad Sliders

Eggs: 12 large eggs, the foundation of our creamy and protein-packed salad. Choose fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture.
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup, the creamy binder that brings everything together. Opt for full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and texture, or light mayonnaise for a healthier option.
Celery: 1/4 cup finely diced, adds a delightful crunch and fresh, subtle celery flavor that complements the eggs beautifully.
Red Onion: 1/4 cup finely diced, provides a mild sharpness and a touch of color. You can use white or yellow onion if preferred, but red onion offers a milder bite.
Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons chopped, lends a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the egg salad with its distinctive flavor. Fresh dill is highly recommended over dried for this recipe.
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon, introduces a tangy depth and subtle spice that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and eggs.
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon fresh, a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the egg salad. Freshly squeezed is always best for flavor.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances all the flavors in the egg salad. Adjust to taste.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground, adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its bolder taste.
Slider Buns: 12 mini slider buns, the perfect vessel for our delicious egg salad. Look for soft, slightly sweet slider buns for the best experience. Brioche slider buns work exceptionally well.
Optional Garnishes: Paprika, chives, or extra dill, for a pop of color and added flavor when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Egg Salad Slider Perfection

Hard-Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 10-12 minutes for perfectly hard-boiled eggs. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your stove and egg size, but this timeframe generally yields yolks that are cooked through but still creamy.
Cool the Eggs: Immediately transfer the hard-boiled eggs to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water). This stops the cooking process and makes the eggs much easier to peel. Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for at least 10 minutes. Cooling them completely is crucial for easy peeling and prevents the yolks from becoming rubbery.
Peel the Eggs: Gently tap each egg all over on a hard surface to crack the shell. Starting under running cold water, peel the shells off the eggs. The water helps to separate the shell from the egg white, making peeling easier. If you find it difficult to peel, try peeling under the water completely.
Chop the Eggs: Once peeled, roughly chop the hard-boiled eggs. You can use an egg slicer for more uniform pieces if you prefer, but roughly chopping them gives a nice texture to the egg salad. Don’t over-chop them; you want some texture in your egg salad, not a paste.
Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice the celery and red onion. The smaller the dice, the more seamlessly they will blend into the egg salad and the less overpowering their texture will be. Finely chop the fresh dill. Make sure to remove the tough stems from the dill before chopping.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped eggs, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Use a rubber spatula or a spoon to gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the egg salad mushy.
Season to Taste: Season the egg salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with the suggested amounts and then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference. Remember that the flavors will meld together and intensify slightly as the egg salad sits.
Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the egg salad for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour or two. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the egg salad to firm up slightly, making it easier to assemble the sliders. While chilling is optional, it significantly improves the overall taste and texture.
Assemble the Sliders: Just before serving, gently split the slider buns in half. You can lightly toast the buns if you prefer a warmer slider, but it’s not necessary. Spoon a generous amount of egg salad onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
Top and Garnish: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the egg salad. If desired, garnish the sliders with a sprinkle of paprika, chopped fresh chives, or a few sprigs of fresh dill for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve Immediately or Shortly After Assembly: These Mini Egg Salad Sliders are best served fresh. If you are not serving them immediately, assemble them shortly before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep the egg salad chilled separately from the buns and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition Facts for Mini Egg Salad Sliders (per slider)

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
Protein: 8g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and bun size used.

Preparation Time for Mini Egg Salad Sliders

Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes boiling and peeling eggs, chopping vegetables, and mixing egg salad)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (boiling eggs)
Total Time: 30-32 minutes
Chill Time (Optional but Recommended): 30 minutes to 2 hours (for enhanced flavor and texture)

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a last-minute lunch, appetizer, or snack. The majority of the time is spent hard-boiling and cooling the eggs, which is largely hands-off.

How to Serve Mini Egg Salad Sliders for Maximum Enjoyment

These Mini Egg Salad Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving presentation and complement the sliders:

As a Light Lunch:
- Pair them with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and satisfying lunch.
- Serve alongside a cup of tomato soup or a chilled gazpacho for a comforting and complete meal.
- Add a side of fresh fruit, like grapes or melon, for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the egg salad.
As Appetizers or Party Food:
- Arrange the sliders on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment paper for an appealing presentation.
- Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as hot sauce, sriracha mayo, or ranch dressing, for guests to customize their sliders.
- Accompany them with other finger foods like vegetable sticks with hummus, mini quiches, or fruit skewers for a diverse appetizer spread.
For Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings:
- Pack the egg salad separately from the slider buns and assemble them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Transport them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and cool, especially in warm weather.
- Include a variety of picnic-friendly sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and chips for a complete outdoor meal.
Garnishing Ideas for Extra Flair:
- Paprika: A light sprinkle of paprika adds a touch of color and subtle smoky flavor.
- Fresh Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a delicate onion flavor and a vibrant green garnish.
- Fresh Dill Sprigs: Small sprigs of fresh dill enhance the dill flavor and add an elegant touch.
- Pickled Red Onions: Thinly sliced pickled red onions offer a tangy and crunchy topping that complements the creamy egg salad.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning adds a savory and textural element.

Additional Tips for Perfect Mini Egg Salad Sliders Every Time

Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs are Key: Overcooked eggs can result in dry and chalky yolks, while undercooked eggs can be too soft. Follow the recommended boiling time and ice bath method for consistently perfect hard-boiled eggs. A slightly creamy yolk adds richness to the egg salad.
Don’t Overmix the Egg Salad: Overmixing can make the egg salad mushy and less appealing in texture. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. You want to maintain some texture from the chopped eggs, celery, and onion.
Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste: Egg salad is a forgiving recipe, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a tangier egg salad, add a bit more Dijon mustard or lemon juice. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Taste and adjust as you go.
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your egg salad. Use fresh eggs, good-quality mayonnaise, and fresh herbs for the best results. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper also make a noticeable difference.
Make it Ahead for Convenience: Egg salad can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often meld together and improve overnight. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for simplifying party preparations. Just assemble the sliders shortly before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Customize with Add-Ins: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it with various add-ins to create different flavor profiles. Consider adding chopped pickles, sweet relish, capers, chopped bell peppers, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Toast the Slider Buns for Extra Texture: Lightly toasting the slider buns adds a pleasant crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy from the egg salad. You can toast them in a toaster oven, under the broiler, or in a skillet with a little butter.
Consider Different Types of Buns: While classic slider buns are perfect, you can experiment with other types of buns for different flavors and textures. Brioche slider buns add a touch of sweetness and richness. Hawaiian sweet rolls also work wonderfully. For a slightly healthier option, consider whole wheat slider buns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Egg Salad Sliders

Q1: Can I make egg salad sliders ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make the egg salad ahead of time. In fact, it’s often recommended as the flavors meld together and improve after chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to a day. Store the egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the sliders shortly before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.

Q2: How long does egg salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Egg salad is best consumed within 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. It’s important to refrigerate egg salad promptly after making it and to discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature for more than two hours. Always use your best judgment and discard if there are any signs of spoilage (unusual smell, color, or texture).

Q3: Can I freeze egg salad?
A: Freezing egg salad is generally not recommended. Mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when thawed, and the texture of the cooked egg whites can become rubbery and unpleasant after freezing. For the best quality and texture, it’s best to make egg salad fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.

Q4: What can I use instead of mayonnaise in egg salad?
A: If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free alternative to mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt, avocado mayonnaise (made with avocado oil), or a combination of avocado and a little bit of olive oil. These options will alter the flavor profile slightly, but can still provide a creamy texture to your egg salad. You can also experiment with cashew cream or hummus as less traditional but still creamy alternatives.

Q5: Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
A: Yes, these Mini Egg Salad Sliders are inherently vegetarian as they are made with eggs, vegetables, and mayonnaise. Ensure that your mayonnaise is vegetarian (most commercially available mayonnaises are). This recipe is a great vegetarian appetizer, lunch, or snack option.

Q6: How can I make these sliders spicier?
A: To add a spicy kick to your egg salad sliders, you can incorporate a few different ingredients. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or sriracha), finely diced jalapeño peppers (seeds removed for less heat), or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the egg salad mixture. You can also use a spicy mayonnaise or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes as a garnish.

Q7: What are some good variations for egg salad sliders?
A: There are many delicious variations you can try! Consider adding crumbled bacon (if not keeping it vegetarian), chopped pickles or relish for tanginess, capers for a salty bite, chopped avocado for creaminess, or roasted red peppers for sweetness. You can also experiment with different herbs like tarragon or parsley instead of dill, or add a touch of curry powder for a unique flavor profile.

Q8: What kind of slider buns are best for egg salad sliders?
A: Soft and slightly sweet slider buns are generally the best choice for egg salad sliders. Brioche slider buns are a fantastic option as they offer a rich flavor and tender texture that complements the creamy egg salad beautifully. Hawaiian sweet rolls, potato rolls, or even mini pretzel buns are also great choices. Avoid buns that are too dense or dry, as they can make the sliders less enjoyable to eat. Look for buns that are specifically labeled as “slider buns” for the ideal size and texture.