If you’ve been craving something comforting and a little exciting, Crispy Egg Salad might just be your new kitchen crush. I know, I know—egg salad sounds basic at first glance. But stay with me, friend. This version is pan-fried until golden, slightly cheesy, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds without sending you running for a glass of milk.
As a busy woman juggling a million things (work, family, that never-ending laundry pile), I’m always on the hunt for recipes that feel special without asking for extra time or brainpower. This Crispy Egg Salad checks every box: quick, cozy, flexible, and downright satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you did something in the kitchen—even if it only took 20 minutes.
So grab a skillet, because we’re about to turn a humble egg salad into something magical.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Egg Salad
- It transforms a classic into something exciting. Familiar egg salad gets a golden, pan-fried upgrade that feels fresh, indulgent, and anything but boring.
- Crispy edges meet creamy centers. Every bite delivers the perfect contrast—warm, crunchy outsides with a soft, cheesy middle that’s deeply satisfying.
- It’s fast enough for busy days. From bowl to skillet to plate in minutes, this recipe fits effortlessly into packed schedules without sacrificing flavor.
- Brunch, lunch, or snack approved. Serve it on toast, tuck it into a sandwich, or enjoy it straight from the pan—it works whenever hunger hits.
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients. No specialty shopping required, just pantry staples coming together in a surprisingly bold way.
- Easy to customize for your mood. Keep it mild, turn up the heat, swap the toppings—this recipe flexes with your cravings.
- It feels comforting yet special. The kind of dish that tastes cozy and familiar, but still makes you feel like you did something extra in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Crispy Egg Salad
You won’t need anything fancy or hard to find. In fact, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your fridge.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggs: 6 hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese: Shredded low-moisture mozzarella (freshly grated works great)
- Mayonnaise: Regular mayo or kewpie mayo for extra richness
- Hot Sauce: Sriracha is my go-to
- Seasoning: A pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper
- Chives: Fresh, finely chopped
Optional for Serving
- Toasted bread
- Avocado (sliced or mashed)
- Jalapeño slices
Simple ingredients. Big payoff.
How to Make Crispy Egg Salad (Step-by-Step)
This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry—nothing complicated here. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be golden (literally).
Step 1: Mix the Egg Salad
Start by chopping your six hard-boiled eggs. I like a rough chop so there’s still some texture, but you can go finer if that’s your preference.
Add the chopped eggs to a mixing bowl along with:
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Chopped chives
- Shredded mozzarella
- Kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper
Mix everything gently but thoroughly. You want all the ingredients evenly combined without turning the eggs into mush. Think “creamy with personality,” not baby food.
Step 2: Pan Fry the Egg Salad
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray it with olive oil cooking spray. Once the pan is hot, scoop about ¼ cup of the egg mixture and carefully place it into the skillet like a little patty.
Let it pan fry for 1–2 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Carefully flip it (a thin spatula works best here) and sear the other side for about 1 more minute.
👉 Important tip: Don’t overcook it. If the cheese melts too much, the patties can lose their shape and become tricky to handle. We want crispy edges, not a cheesy puddle.
Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Toast your favorite bread until it’s golden. Add a layer of sliced or mashed avocado, then top with the warm Crispy Egg Salad. Finish with a few jalapeño slices if you like a little kick.
Serve immediately and enjoy while it’s warm and crispy. This recipe truly shines fresh from the pan.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Crispy Egg Salad
After making this more times than I can count, here are a few tips that make all the difference:
- Use low-moisture mozzarella. High-moisture cheese releases too much liquid and prevents crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each patty space so it can sear properly.
- Keep the heat medium-high. Too low and you’ll miss the crisp. Too high and it can burn fast.
- Flip gently. These patties are delicate, but worth the care.
And if one breaks apart? Congratulations—you’ve just discovered the cook’s snack.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made Crispy Egg Salad, it was purely accidental. I had leftover egg salad in the fridge and zero desire to eat it the same way again. On a whim, I scooped some into a pan with cheese and hoped for the best.
What came out was golden, crunchy, and so good that I immediately made another batch. My family hovered around the stove like it was a street food stand. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to for quick lunches, lazy dinners, and even brunch when I want something different from the usual eggs-on-toast routine.
Sometimes the best recipes come from a little kitchen curiosity—and a slightly full fridge.

FAQs About Crispy Egg Salad
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella gives the best melt and crisp, mild cheddar or Monterey Jack can also work. Just avoid very wet cheeses.
Is Crispy Egg Salad spicy?
It has a gentle heat from the sriracha, but you can easily adjust it. Use less for mild or add more if you like a bolder kick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the un-fried egg salad in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Pan fry just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Extra un-fried egg salad keeps well in the fridge. Once fried, it’s best enjoyed immediately, as the crispiness fades when stored.
Can I skip the bread?
Absolutely. Serve the crispy patties over greens, with roasted veggies, or alongside fruit for a lighter meal.
Serving Ideas You’ll Want to Try
This Crispy Egg Salad isn’t a one-note dish. Here are a few ways to mix it up:
- As a breakfast toast with avocado and microgreens
- In a sandwich with lettuce and tomato
- On a brunch platter with fresh fruit
- Wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option
It’s flexible, forgiving, and always satisfying.
Let’s Make Egg Salad Exciting Again
If you’ve ever felt bored by the same old lunches, this Crispy Egg Salad is your gentle nudge to try something new without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. It’s cozy, crispy, a little spicy, and full of flavor—proof that simple ingredients can still surprise you.
From my kitchen at Chicken Magic Recipes to yours, I hope this dish brings a little joy (and crunch) to your day. So heat up that skillet, trust the process, and let Crispy Egg Salad remind you that even the classics can shine with a fresh twist. Happy cooking
Next Up: Easy Dishes You’ll Love Just as Much
If this Crispy Egg Salad hit the spot and you’re in the mood to keep the cozy, crave-worthy vibes going, here are a few reader-favorite recipes you’ll absolutely love exploring next. Think of these as little kitchen detours—each one perfect for brunch spreads, easy lunches, or snacky moments when you want something fun but fuss-free:
- Million Dollar Bacon Deviled Eggs – Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy bacon, these are a must if you love classic eggs with a bold, indulgent twist.
- Crispy Feta Fried Eggs – Golden edges, salty feta, and serious breakfast joy. Perfect when you want another quick egg dish with big flavor.
- Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites – Melty, cheesy, and wrapped in savory prosciutto, these are ideal for entertaining—or snacking straight from the pan.
- Jalapeño Corn Nuggets – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and just a little spicy… these pair beautifully with egg-based dishes or make a fun side all on their own.
Whether you’re planning your next brunch, looking for an easy appetizer, or just browsing for inspiration, these recipes are ready to keep the magic going in your kitchen. Happy cooking—and happy clicking!
Print
Crispy Egg Salad
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Egg Salad is a bold twist on classic egg salad, pan-fried until golden with melted mozzarella, fresh chives, and a touch of heat. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or an elevated snack on toast.
Ingredients
-
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
-
½ cup mayonnaise (or kewpie mayonnaise)
-
1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
-
½ cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
-
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
-
Kosher salt, to taste
-
Cracked black pepper, to taste
-
Olive oil cooking spray (for the pan)
For serving (optional):
-
Toasted bread
-
Mashed or sliced avocado
-
Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
-
Mix the egg salad
Chop the hard-boiled eggs and add them to a mixing bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, sriracha, mozzarella cheese, chives, salt, and black pepper until well combined. -
Heat the skillet
Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. -
Pan fry the egg salad
Scoop about ¼ cup of the egg mixture into the hot skillet, gently pressing it into a small mound. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp. Carefully flip and cook for 1 more minute on the other side. -
Repeat and serve
Repeat with remaining egg salad mixture. Serve warm on toasted bread with avocado and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Notes
-
Do not overcook or the cheese will melt too much and make flipping difficult.
Low-moisture mozzarella works best for crisp edges.
Best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy.
Unfried egg salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 285 mg