If you are looking for a delightful and refreshing dish that combines soft, herb-infused bread with a creamy egg salad and crisp apple bites, the Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures: the aromatic dill in the bread enhances every bite, while the egg salad adds richness, and the apple slices offer a sweet, crunchy contrast. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, an afternoon tea, or just want a light but satisfying snack, this recipe brings a unique and vibrant twist that’s both simple and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the fresh dill’s herbaceous punch to the crisp bite of the apple, each component contributes to making this dish as visually inviting as it is delicious.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dill bread, providing structure and softness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise and stay light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the bread and egg salad.
- 1 tablespoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: The signature herb that brings a refreshing taste throughout.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring tender bread.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bread’s softness.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and rich without heaviness.
- 6 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled: The heart of the creamy and protein-packed egg salad.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Gives the egg salad its luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle zing and depth to the egg salad.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill): Brings continuity with the dill flavor in the egg salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced: Offers a sweet and tart crunch that contrasts beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Prevents the apple slices from browning, keeping them fresh and inviting.
- Fresh dill sprigs (optional): A pretty garnish to complete the look and add extra aroma.
How to Make Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dill Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dill until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg along with the milk and vegetable oil to create the wet mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined—remember, don’t overmix or your bread could turn dense. Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let it cool completely before slicing the bread thinly for serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Salad
While the bread bakes and cools, chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the salad is creamy but still has some chunkiness from the eggs. Place the egg salad in the fridge to chill until ready to assemble your bites.
Step 3: Prep the Apple Slices
Take your crisp apple and slice it thinly so it’s easy to bite into and pairs nicely with the bread and egg salad. To keep those apple slices looking fresh and prevent any browning, drizzle them lightly with lemon juice right after slicing. This step keeps your dish looking as gorgeous as it tastes.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Cut the cooled dill bread into small squares or rounds, perfect for bite-sized snacks. On each piece, spoon a generous dollop of the egg salad, then place a thin apple slice on top. If you want to kick up the presentation and aroma, garnish the bites with a small fresh dill sprig. These little sandwiches come together quickly but make a splash at any gathering.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your delightful dill bread bites neatly on a serving platter. You can serve them right away or cover them loosely and chill for up to an hour before serving. This dish shines best fresh, but the flavors really meld nicely if given a little time to rest in the fridge.
How to Serve Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, fresh dill sprigs not only add a burst of green but enhance the herbal aroma that complements the dill bread and egg salad perfectly. You could even sprinkle a pinch of paprika or finely chopped chives for a pop of color and subtle flavor twists.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon can make the entire meal feel fresh and vibrant, balancing the creamy egg salad and bread perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving these bites on a wooden board or a tiered tray alongside other finger foods. You can also offer different apple varieties for a mix of flavors or turn the dill bread slices into mini open-faced sandwiches with various toppings. The possibilities are endless and always welcome attention!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover dill bread should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The egg salad can be stored separately in the fridge for up to two days. Store the sliced apples wrapped with a lemon juice coating to prevent browning, but enjoy them as soon as possible for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the dill bread before slicing by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. It is not recommended to freeze the egg salad or apple slices as those textures do not hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bread, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or oven at a low temperature until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving for long periods as this can make the bread chewy. The egg salad is best served chilled, so no reheating needed there.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?
Absolutely! Fresh dill will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor to both the bread and egg salad. Just remember to use double the amount of fresh dill compared to dried, as fresh herbs are generally less concentrated.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the egg salad?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute, providing creaminess with a tangy twist. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly for the best taste.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Crisp and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal, as they hold their texture and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy egg salad and soft dill bread.
Can I make the egg salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the egg salad up to two days in advance and keep it chilled. It will actually taste better after the flavors have melded together, making it an excellent make-ahead component.
Is the dill bread suitable for sandwiches other than this recipe?
Definitely! Dill bread’s herbaceous flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of sandwich fillings such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, or cucumber slices. It’s a versatile bread that can add a unique twist to many meals.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together with such ease. It’s a perfect marriage of textures and flavors, offering something bright and comforting at every bite. I truly encourage you to try it out—whether for a casual snack, a brunch party, or a thoughtful lunchbox surprise, this recipe is bound to become a personal favorite you reach for again and again.
Print
Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites recipe combines a savory homemade dill-flavored bread with a creamy egg salad topping and crisp apple slices for a refreshing and elegant appetizer or snack. The moist dill bread provides an aromatic base, complemented by the creamy, tangy egg salad and the sweet-tart crunch of apples, making it perfect for parties, brunches, or light gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dill Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Egg Salad:
- 6 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- Lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)
- Fresh dill sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dill Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and dill until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and vegetable oil, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until the ingredients are incorporated—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bread is golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing thinly. This ensures clean slices that hold their shape when topped.
- Prepare the Egg Salad: Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and place them into a bowl. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until the salad is creamy and well combined. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Prepare the Apples: Thinly slice the apple of your choice and lightly drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning, keeping the slices fresh and crisp.
- Assemble the Bites: Cut the cooled dill bread into small squares or rounds suitable for bite-sized servings. Top each piece with a spoonful of the egg salad and a slice of apple. Garnish with a fresh dill sprig if desired for an added touch of freshness and presentation.
- Serve: Arrange the assembled bites neatly on a platter and serve immediately to enjoy the textures at their best. Alternatively, cover and chill them for up to one hour before serving to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Use fresh dill whenever possible for a brighter flavor; dried dill works as a good substitute.
- Ensure the bread cools completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Adding a little lemon juice to the apple slices prevents browning and preserves their crisp texture.
- This appetizer can be made a few hours ahead and chilled, making it ideal for entertaining.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use low-fat mayonnaise.
