Business Insider says 180 million eggs are purchased for Easter every year. Many families enjoy the tradition of spending creative quality time painting hard-boiled eggs together. But what do you do with the leftover eggs? Eggs are a versatile, nutrient-dense healthy source of protein. In fact, a large egg has about 78 calories and 6 grams of protein. A noteworthy key nutrient is choline, a B vitamin involved in building cell membranes and the brain’s signaling molecules.
Leftover hardboiled eggs can be used for a range of things like snacks, salads and sandwiches. Check out these sandwich ideas to make the most of the Easter leftovers:
Avocado Egg Toast with Fresh Sprouts
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
This protein-rich avocado toast features heart-healthy fats from the avocado, protein from the eggs and a host of health benefits from the seasonal sprouts. Sprouts are seeds that have germinated and have grown into tiny plants. In general, sprouted seeds are higher in nutrients than their grown counterparts and may be easier to digest.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tsp. olive oil for pan method
- ½ avocado
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, boiled to preference, sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- ½ cup fresh sprouts
Instructions:
- Toast sourdough in a toaster or in a pan. For the pan method, heat a medium-size skillet over medium-low heat with olive oil. Once warm, add bread and toast on each size until golden brown.
- On each piece of bread, mash ¼ of an avocado. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste along with 1 tsp. lemon juice. Top with sliced eggs, cherry tomatoes and fresh sprouts.
Scandinavian-inspired Smoked Salmon Egg Sandwich
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10
Total time: 15
This toast features Scandinavian influence of flavors including rye bread, smoked salmon with lemon, peppery arugula, crisp English cucumber and mustard. Sliced eggs add an extra pop of protein to help keep you full until your next meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices rye bread
- 2 tsp. olive oil, if using pan method
- 3 Tbsp. cream cheese
- ½ cup arugula
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- ¼ English cucumber, sliced thin
- 2 eggs, boiled to preference, sliced
- 4 oz. smoked salmon
- Honey mustard drizzle to taste (or mix 1 Tbsp. mustard with 1/2 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. olive oil)
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions:
- Toast sourdough in a toaster or on a pan. For the pan method, heat a medium-size skillet over medium-low heat with olive oil. Once warm, add bread and toast on each size until golden brown.
- Add 1.5 tablespoon cream cheese to each piece of bread. Top with cucumbers, arugula and a squeeze of lemon juice. Follow up with egg slices and salmon. Drizzle honey mustard to taste along with fresh cracked pepper. Enjoy!
Pesto and Sautéed Spinach Egg Sandwich
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10
Total time: 20
This nutrient-dense sandwich features garlicky pesto and sautéed spinach for a rich base. Tomatoes and mozzarella add additional Italian elements for this filling egg sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2 slices sourdough toast
- 2 Tbsp. pesto
- 1 Roma tomato, sliced
- 4 slices mozzarella
- 2 eggs, boiled to preference, sliced
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil. Once warm, add garlic and allow to cook until fragrant. Add spinach and stir until lightly wilted. Move spinach to a plate.
- In the same skillet, toast bread with remaining garlicky olive oil in pan until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side.
- Spread 1 tbsp. pesto on each toast, follow up with sautéed spinach, sliced mozzarella tomato and egg. Top with fresh cracked pepper. Enjoy!
Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.
Author: A Healthier Michigan
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
Our mission is to help everyone in Michigan get healthier from the inside out. This means everything from giving you resources to help you make better decisions about diet and exercise, as well as information on creating and sustaining nurturing communities and successful businesses — everything you need to help create a healthier Michigan.
