If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances fresh herbs, creamy textures, and a hint of crisp fruitiness, you’ve got to try this Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of fluffy dill-infused bread topped with a rich, tangy egg salad and crowned with crisp apple slices, creating bite-sized morsels that are just bursting with flavor. This recipe is as satisfying to make as it is to eat, effortlessly combining simple ingredients into something truly special for brunch, tea time, or even a light lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each adding a crucial layer of taste and texture. The fresh dill brings a bright herbal note to the bread and salad, while the apples add delicious crunch and subtle sweetness that contrast perfectly with the creamy egg salad.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Your secret weapon for a light, fluffy bread rise without heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the apples.
- 1 tablespoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: Infuses the bread with a fragrant, garden-fresh herby kick.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender while blending the flavors.
- 1 egg: Adds richness and helps bind the bread together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Ensures the bread stays soft and fresh for longer.
- 6 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled: The star ingredient in the creamy, protein-packed egg salad.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Brings a smooth, velvety texture to the egg salad.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the egg mixture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill): Continues the herbaceous theme, tying everything together in the egg salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Ensures your egg salad is perfectly seasoned.
- 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced: Offers a refreshing crunch and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice: Prevents the apple slices from browning, keeping your bites looking as inviting as they taste.
- Fresh dill sprigs (optional for garnish): Adds a beautiful touch of green and herbal aroma for presentation.
How to Make Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Flavorful Dill Bread
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and dill. Meanwhile, beat the egg with milk and vegetable oil until smooth. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients just until the flour disappears—overmixing can make your bread tough. Pour this batter into a greased loaf pan, pop it in the oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. After slowly cooling, slice the bread pale and thin, ready to become the perfect base for your bites.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Salad
While your bread is baking and cooling, make the star topping by chopping the hard-boiled eggs into small chunks. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly chopped dill, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and inviting. Pop this in the fridge to chill and let the flavors marry while you prepare the apples.
Step 3: Prepare Crisp Apple Slices
Thinly slice your chosen crisp apple—Honeycrisp gives sweetness, Granny Smith offers a tangy snap—either works wonderfully here. To keep those beautiful slices fresh and bright, drizzle lightly with lemon juice. This simple touch keeps your bites looking as fresh as they taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Delightful Bites
Cut your cooled dill bread slices into small squares or rounds that fit comfortably in your hand—bite-sized is the aim here! Take each piece, dollop a generous spoonful of egg salad, and top with a delicate slice of apple. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with an extra sprig of dill for that fresh herbal finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange these charming bites on a beautiful platter ready for your guests or family. You can serve immediately for the freshest crunch or cover them and chill for up to an hour before serving without losing any of that fresh flavor or creamy texture.
How to Serve Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs or a light sprinkle of finely chopped dill make exquisite garnishes, enhancing the dish’s color and giving an extra burst of herbaceous aroma. For a bit of visual contrast and subtle flavor enhancement, consider a tiny lemon zest twist or a few cracked black peppercorns atop each bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands so well on its own, but if you’re itching to round out your spread, try serving these bites alongside a crisp green salad or a light cucumber and yogurt dip. The freshness of vegetables complements the richness of the egg salad beautifully, and some roasted nuts or olives add a nice salty kick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, arrange your apple-topped bites around a small bowl of extra egg salad for a no-fuss, elegant look. Layering the bites on a rustic wooden board with clusters of grapes and fresh herbs makes your platter look irresistible and ready for sharing. Another fun idea is to skewer each bite with a decorative toothpick, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the egg salad separate from the bread and apples to prevent sogginess. Store the egg salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while the baked dill bread can stay fresh wrapped tightly at room temperature or refrigerated.
Freezing
The dill bread freezes beautifully if wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil; slice before freezing for quick use later. Egg salad and apple slices do not freeze well due to texture changes, so it’s best to prepare those fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To enjoy your dill bread warm and fluffy, simply toast or heat slices briefly in the oven. Avoid microwaving the egg salad; serve it chilled for the creamiest texture. Apples are best fresh, so slice them right before serving to maintain their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh dill adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor to both the bread and egg salad. Just remember that dried dill is more concentrated, so use twice the amount of fresh dill to achieve the same impact.
What’s the best apple variety to use?
For this recipe, crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith are fantastic if you want a bit of tang, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a sweeter note. Choose based on your flavor preference and the contrast you want against the creamy egg salad.
Can I prepare the egg salad in advance?
Yes! Egg salad can be made a day ahead and chilled in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld nicely. Just be sure to keep it covered tightly for freshness.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize, replace the eggs and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like chickpea salad and vegan mayo. You can also substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use flax eggs for the bread. The dill and apple combination will still shine wonderfully.
How long do the apple slices stay fresh with lemon juice?
Lemon juice helps prevent browning for a good 1 to 2 hours when refrigerated. For best results, prepare and assemble your bites shortly before serving to enjoy the apples at their crispiest and brightest.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend giving this Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe a try enough—it’s a charming, flavorful dish that feels both homemade and a little special. Whether you’re serving it at a casual brunch or looking for a standout appetizer, this recipe brings together the best of fresh herbs, creamy egg salad, and crisp apples in a bite that’s impossible to resist. So grab your ingredients, get comfy in the kitchen, and prepare to impress your friends and family with something truly delightful.
Print
Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 to 20 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Dill Bread with Egg Salad and Apple Bites recipe offers a perfect blend of savory and fresh flavors, combining herbed homemade bread with creamy egg salad and crisp apple slices. Ideal for entertaining or a light snack, these bite-sized appetizers are easy to prepare and beautifully presented.
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
- Prepare Dill Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dill until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and vegetable oil. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Transfer the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing thinly.
- Make Egg Salad: Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes creamy and well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the bites.
- Prepare Apples: Thinly slice the crisp apple and drizzle the slices with a little lemon juice. This prevents the apple slices from browning and keeps them fresh and appealing.
- Assemble Bites: Cut the cooled dill bread slices into small bite-sized squares or rounds. Top each piece with a spoonful of the prepared egg salad followed by a slice of the treated apple. Optionally, garnish each bite with a small sprig of fresh dill for an elegant touch.
- Serve: Arrange the assembled bites on a serving platter. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, or cover and chill for up to 1 hour before serving to keep them fresh.
Notes
- The bread must be cooled completely before slicing to maintain structure and ease of cutting.
- If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill is a suitable substitute for both the bread and egg salad.
- Lemon juice on the apple slices is essential to prevent oxidation and maintain color.
- These bites can be prepared in advance and chilled but are best served within an hour for optimal freshness.
- Use a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to provide a nice contrast to the creamy egg salad.
