The Mayo Alternatives You Should Slather On Your Next Egg Sandwich
An egg sandwich is a quick and easy breakfast or lunch, beloved for its versatility and ability to match with so many ingredients. Of course, most of us reach for the mayonnaise jar when looking for a spread to accompany our egg sandwich, but there are many delicious options out there that can do the same job, and often do it better.
Whether you're looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet or try a less processed spread option, or you've simply run out of regular mayo, we have plenty of suggestions for alternatives. From the rich nuttiness of tahini to the smoky flavors of baba ganoush, these spreads are not merely emergency substitutions; they are gourmet upgrades. Once you spark up your culinary creativity with these suggestions, you may find you don't want to return to the blandness of regular egg-based mayonnaise. Join us as we uncover the best mayo alternatives for your egg sandwich, and your brunch will never be the same again.
Hummus
When it comes to the world of dips and spreads, hummus is definitely one of the champions. With its smooth texture and nutty flavor, it goes perfectly with a wide range of snackable ingredients, from carrot sticks to tortilla chips. Hummus also has the potential to become the star of your next sandwich, and you'll be glad you gave it a chance.
No matter what type of eggs you have planned for your sandwich, hummus will be a great companion to them. A classic-style dip provides an earthy flavor, whereas a red pepper or lemon and cilantro variety offers a tangy contrast to the main ingredient. Hummus has the benefit of being just as nutritious as it is tasty, meaning your sandwich will provide a filling meal that will see you through the rest of the day. The protein and healthy fats alongside the high fiber content mean the mid-afternoon slump is a thing of the past.
The best thing about hummus is that making your own couldn't be easier. A basic hummus recipe requires only a can of chickpeas, tahini, and garlic, along with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and some fresh herbs. All you have to do is chuck everything into a food processor and blend until smooth. Making your own means you can customize it in whatever way you like and choose the ingredients that will best match your eggs.
Avocado
For a mayonnaise substitute that is even creamier than the original, opt for silky avocado. This fruit masquerading as a vegetable has become a superstar in recent years and is no stranger to being paired with eggs to create a blissful breakfast. Avocado goes especially well with poached eggs: As the runny yolk melds with the soft avocado, the texture and flavor combination is sublime. This fan favorite is rich in heart-healthy fats and minerals, including copper, potassium, and folate. So you can spread plenty of the deliciously smooth substitute on your bread, knowing that your body will thank you for it.
The beauty of avocado is that it's neutral enough to complement many other ingredients too, allowing for endless customization of your egg sandwich. A squeeze of lemon juice and some cilantro will brighten up the flavors, whereas a few chili flakes will give it a flash of heat. No matter how you choose to personalize your recipe, avocado is a brilliant mayo alternative for an egg sandwich.
Yogurt
If you're looking to switch up your egg sandwich game, why not go Greek with a creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise? This may seem like an unusual swap, but the yogurt has many of the same qualities that we love in mayo: smooth, thick, and able to bind scrambled eggs perfectly. The tangy flavor of the yogurt will lift the taste of your egg sandwich and allow you to customize it by adding other flavors. Adding lemon zest to the yogurt beforehand will brighten up the egg mixture, while fresh herbs like chives or cilantro will be a great match, too.
Another advantage Greek yogurt has over other spreads is the live bacteria it contains. These probiotic organisms contribute to a healthier gut, boosting your digestion and even your immune system. On top of the high protein and calcium content, these attributes make an egg and yogurt combo a great choice as a health-conscious breakfast.
If you want to take the Greek theme even further, bring cucumber into the mix to create a tzatziki sauce for your egg sandwich. Adding tomatoes or olives would take the Mediterranean flavor even further and create a satisfying sandwich that would serve as a filling breakfast or lunch. The options for yogurt are endless, meaning you can switch up your egg sandwich however you wish.
Pesto
Next, let's put an Italian twist on your egg sandwich by replacing the mayonnaise with a delectable dollop of pesto. Commonly used in pasta dishes, this herb-filled spread is perfect on a sandwich, too. A basic pesto recipe contains basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, whizzed up to create a sauce that is bursting with umami notes. The pesto's robust flavor will complement the eggs perfectly and give complexity to an otherwise simple sandwich. Fresh herbs go wonderfully with eggs, and you can add some extra chopped herbs, such as dill, parsley, or tarragon to enhance the basil in the pesto.
If green pesto doesn't appeal to you, red pesto will add the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes into the mix and create a tangy contrast to the egg filling. Or you can create your own combination of nuts and herbs in your food processor if you're feeling creative. Consider the bread you choose for your egg pesto sandwich — an Italian ciabatta will pair beautifully with the strong flavors, transporting you to Italy from the comfort of your breakfast table.
Tahini
Tahini is commonly used as an ingredient in hummus, but it is a delicious spread in itself and can be a great substitute for mayonnaise on a sandwich. Its nutty flavor and creamy texture mean it can upgrade your sandwich and complement the egg filling, too.
Tahini has gained popularity in tandem with the plant-based eating movement and can be used in many sweet and savory ways. This means that making a jar of homemade tahini could be a great way to introduce different flavors into your meals as well as provide an alternative to your usual mayonnaise. It's quick to make and only consists of sesame seeds and oil, as well as any flavoring you wish to add. Garlic, fresh herbs, and paprika would all be great matches for eggs. Just blend the sesame seeds in a blender until they form a paste, then add the other ingredients and continue blending until you get a smooth, thick liquid.
You can spread tahini directly onto your bread or mix it with your egg filling with other ingredients such as arugula or watercress. This nutty condiment may just become your new best culinary friend.
Mustard
It's time to help mustard step out of the shadow of hot dogs and burgers, and give it a chance to shine on its own in your breakfast sandwich. The distinctive sharp mustard flavor does a great job of cutting through the rich egg, giving your sandwich a delightful kick. There's a wide variety of mustards to choose from, each lending a different flavor. From Dijon with its fiery heat, to American yellow mustard with a milder tang, and wholegrain with its sweeter notes, there's a mustard option for every palate.
Using mustard as a spread gives you a chance to experiment with unusual additions to your egg sandwich. Finely sliced apple will go brilliantly with wholegrain mustard, while a smear of brown mustard will be the perfect companion to a slice of bacon. If the heat of the mustard gets you in the mood for a spicy sandwich, you can add some sliced jalapeños to take the fiery flavor up a notch. Alternatively, you could add crunch and freshness with some iceberg lettuce and juicy plum tomatoes. A mustard and egg sandwich gives you room to create a variety of combinations that you may not have tried with your usual mayo, so go ahead and be creative — your taste buds will thank you for it.
Tapenade
If you've never tasted tapenade, now is a great time to do so by swapping it into your egg sandwich in place of mayonnaise. Tapenade is a Mediterranean spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies — and with those strong flavors, you can be sure it packs a tasty punch. The saltiness that comes from the three main ingredients gives a great balance to the earthy flavor of your eggs. You can mix tapenade through scrambled eggs, or spread it on the bread if your eggs are hard-boiled or fried.
While tapenade is readily available in grocery stores, making your own is easy, and it means you can customize it to suit your sandwich. Black or green olives can be used depending on your preference. Green olives have a stronger flavor, which can sometimes be bitter, whereas black olives are more mellow. You can always use a mix of the two to get the best of both. Fresh herbs can be added; a mix of parsley and oregano along with a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
Tapenade is an excellent health-conscious alternative to mayonnaise, as olives contain monounsaturated fats, which are one of the healthiest types of fat. Olives are also full of vitamin E and other anti-inflammatory compounds, meaning your skin will be glowing thanks to your egg sandwich!
Green goddess dressing
For a mayonnaise substitute that will seriously upgrade your sandwich, consider making green goddess dressing. This concoction is so good you'll wonder how you ever coped with boring old mayo. Its vibrant flavor will give your egg sandwich a tangy kick and take your brunch to a whole new level.
Green goddess dressing can be made in various ways, but it generally consists of yogurt or sour cream (or both), fresh herbs, capers, anchovies, and citrus juice. To make the consistency more mayo-like, you can add avocado and blend the whole thing to make a creamy spread. Any herbs you have on hand will taste great, but cilantro and parsley work particularly well here. If you want to green it up even more, toss in watercress or spinach leaves before you blend, or simply add them to the sandwich alongside the egg.
When constructing your masterpiece, choose an artisanal bread that, along with the green goddess dressing, will transform your egg sandwich into a gourmet delight that will become a Sunday morning staple. Top with a few sprigs of parsley to complete the presentation so it looks as good as it tastes.
Cream cheese
For a mayo alternative that's as smooth as it gets, try spreading cream cheese onto your next egg sandwich. Cheese and eggs are always a great combo, and the decadent texture of cream cheese takes this sandwich to a new level of indulgence. The biggest concern with an egg and cream cheese sandwich is deciding what else to put on it. For a luxurious Sunday brunch, nothing beats smoked salmon — it was made to be paired with cream cheese, and the eggs will add a rich texture, too. If fish is not really your thing, other good options include prosciutto or pastrami.
Of course, there's no reason to stick with plain cream cheese as your spread when there are so many ways you can enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs and roasted garlic are the classic options, while sun-dried tomatoes or pesto can also be stirred through to ramp up the flavor. For a bit of texture, crispy bacon or toasted nuts will give a satisfying crunch that will contrast the creaminess of the cheese. Whatever you choose to add to your egg and cream cheese sandwich, the result will be a mouthwatering delight.
Cashew cream
Thanks to the increase in plant-based foods options, there are more egg-free mayos available than ever before. Whether you have run out of regular mayo or just want to try something different, you can whip up a vegan mayo at home using a few pantry ingredients. Technically, you can make vegan mayo using any type of nut, including walnut and Brazil nuts, but cashew mayo is one of the more popular options. The mild flavor of cashew nuts creates a mayo that won't overpower other ingredients while still providing that satisfying creamy texture.
Creating cashew mayo at home is straightforward, but you will need to think ahead. The nuts should be soaked for at least 30 minutes before blending, so don't leave your spread to the last minute. Soaking the cashews will make them easier to blend and give them a creamy consistency. The nuts then get blended with water, lemon juice, and seasonings to create a wonderfully silky spread that has a delicious nutty flavor. It's a perfect companion for your next egg sandwich.
Aioli
Aioli and mayo are often looped together as almost the same thing, with some people assuming that aioli is simply mayonnaise with a bit of garlic added. But in truth, aioli is in a league of its own, with a punchy flavor and oh-so-silky texture that will transport you to the Mediterranean at the first drop. Making aioli at home can be a tricky task, but it's worth the effort for a beautifully silky sauce. The key is to add the oil a little at a time to prevent the aioli from splitting. If you don't have time or don't fancy testing your whisking skills, high-quality aioli can be bought from most grocery stores.
Fresh produce added to your sandwich will match the robust flavor of the aioli and the richness of the eggs. Baby plum tomatoes, bell peppers, and arugula will introduce a variety of colors and textures into the sandwich while giving you a tasty start to the day. Choose a robust bread that can soak up the runny aioli and cope with a hefty filling to give you the satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft middle.
Baba ganoush
For a rich, smoky alternative to mayonnaise, baba ganoush is a delicious option. Thought to have originated in Lebanon, this hearty dip is popular in the Middle East and beyond. Made from grilled or roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, baba ganoush has a zingy and vibrant flavor that will work perfectly on your egg sandwich. The complex flavor of the dip complements the richness of the eggs to create a satisfying combination.
Whipping up a fresh baba ganoush at home is straightforward and only takes a few minutes once the eggplant has been cooked. You can either roast or grill the eggplant; grilling will give more of a smoky flavor to the finished dish. Once the eggplant is soft and mushy, it can be blended with the other ingredients to make a rough paste, with a few chunks left in for texture.
Other Mediterranean ingredients will accompany the baba ganoush brilliantly, so throw in some sliced tomatoes, red onions, and even some crumbly feta cheese. Using baba ganoush in place of mayonnaise can transform your egg sandwich into a light and delicious lunch.