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Egg and Watercress Sandwiches

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These classic egg and watercress sandwiches are a quintessential British favourite, offering a delicate balance of creamy textures and peppery flavours. The richness of the mashed boiled eggs is perfectly offset by the fresh, biting crunch of the watercress leaves, making every mouthful feel light yet satisfying. Whether you choose soft, sliced wholemeal or a richer brioche-style loaf, the key is using quality mayonnaise and a generous seasoning of cracked black pepper.

This simple vegetarian recipe is ideal for a traditional afternoon tea, a quick weekday lunch, or packing into a weekend picnic basket. By trimming the crusts and cutting them into neat quarters, you achieve that elegant tea-room finish. For the best results, ensure your eggs are properly cooled before mashing to keep the filling fresh and firm.

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Ingredients for Egg and Watercress Sandwiches

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 4 slices soft challah or whole-wheat bread

  • 60ml watercress leaves, stems removed

How to make Egg and Watercress Sandwiches

  1. Mash the eggs with a fork until crumbly.

  2. Stir in half the mayonnaise and the salt and pepper.

  3. Spread the remaining mayonnaise on the bread.

  4. Assemble 2 sandwiches, dividing the egg salad and watercress evenly between them.

  5. Trim the crusts and cut each sandwich into quarters.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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