Want to know the secret to the most amazing egg salad you’ve ever tasted? It’s cream cheese! This creamy twist on classic egg salad with cream cheese will become your new favorite sandwich filling. Let me show you how to make this super easy recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Why Add Cream Cheese to Egg Salad?
I discovered this game-changing ingredient by accident when I ran out of mayonnaise one day. The cream cheese makes the egg salad extra creamy and adds a rich, tangy flavor that regular mayo just can’t match. Now, I never make egg salad without it!
What You’ll Need for This Egg Salad Recipe
* 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh dill (optional)
Making the Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
The key to great egg salad starts with perfectly boiled eggs. Here’s my foolproof method: Learn more about perfect egg-boiling techniques
1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water
2. Bring water to a boil
3. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 12 minutes
4. Transfer eggs to an ice bath
5. Peel under running water for easy shell removal
How to Make This Creamy Egg Salad
First, chop your peeled boiled eggs into small pieces. Some people use an egg slicer, but I prefer chopping by hand for better texture control. You want the pieces finely chopped but not mushed.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. This is important – room temperature cream cheese blends much better than cold. Mix in your finely chopped celery and red onion.
Add the chopped eggs to your cream cheese mixture and gently fold everything together. Season with salt and pepper and add fresh dill if you’re using it. The dill adds a lovely fresh flavor that works well with the eggs and cream cheese.
Tips for the Best Egg Salad with Cream Cheese
* Let your cream cheese soften naturally on the counter for about 30 minutes
* Don’t overmix – you want to keep some texture in the eggs
* Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
* Chill for at least an hour to let flavors blend
Can You Freeze Egg Salad?
People often ask me if they can freeze egg salad. While technically you can freeze egg salad, I don’t recommend it. The texture changes quite a bit after thawing, and the cream cheese might separate. It’s best to make this fresh and eat it within 3-4 days.
Ways to Serve Your Egg Salad
This creamy egg salad recipe is super versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
* On toasted bread as a sandwich
* Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
* Stuffed in cherry tomatoes for a party appetizer
* Scooped onto a bed of mixed greens
* Spread on crackers for a quick snack – ”Browse more healthy lunch ideas“
Make-Ahead Tips
While you can’t freeze egg salad, you can prep some components ahead of time. Hard-boiled eggs will keep in the fridge for up to a week, so you can cook them in advance. Just wait to mix everything together until you’re ready to serve.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of cream cheese and mayonnaise creates the perfect balance. The cream cheese adds richness and body, while the mayo keeps things light and familiar. The finely chopped celery and onion add just the right amount of crunch and flavor without overwhelming the eggs.
Final Tips for Success
Remember these key points for the best egg salad with cream cheese:
* Use fresh eggs for boiling
* Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened
* Don’t skip the chilling time
* Store in an airtight container in the fridge
Give this recipe for egg salad with cream cheese a try, and I bet it’ll become your go-to version. It’s simple enough for everyday lunches but special enough for parties and gatherings. Happy cooking!
