12 Dishes You Didn’t Know Have Eggs
Posted on: June 21st 2022
Like flour, sugar, salt, and milk, eggs are an essential ingredient for baking and cooking. However, you may not realize just how important they are to many dishes, from sauces to soups to desserts. Without eggs, many of these dishes wouldn’t be able to achieve the distinctive flavors we know and love.
If you’re interested in learning more about specific cuisines that contain eggs, as well as how eggs give them their unique flavors and textures, we’ve crafted this complete guide to egg-based dishes. Read on to explore 12 dishes you may be surprised to know have eggs in them!
Why Are Eggs Important for Cooking?
Due to their unique properties, eggs serve many purposes in cooking and baking. They help bind ingredients, emulsify liquids, thicken and volumize batters, add color, and provide richer flavor overall. Depending on the dish, you can use egg whites, egg yolks, or both. To give you a better idea of this, we’ll look at some examples of dishes that rely on eggs for prime texture and flavor.
What Dishes Have Eggs in Them?
Browse this list of 12 surprising dishes that contain eggs. Not only is this a great learning experience, but these cuisines may even help inspire your next meal or dessert!
1. Fresh Pasta
Did you know that when you were twirling up that plate of spaghetti and meatballs, it more than likely had eggs in it? While most dry pastas made from water and flour are egg-free, fresh pastas such as spaghetti, fettuccine, and Pomodoro usually contain eggs and flour.
In fact, eggs are largely responsible for giving pasta a richer, fuller flavor. Kneading flour with moisture from the eggs forms protein-rich gluten strands, which gives the pasta strength and structure. In addition, the eggs provide water for the gluten and fat to enrich the dough, giving it a silky smooth and delicious finish.
If you’re looking for some tasty pasta dishes with this essential ingredient, here are some ideas to help inspire your next meal:
- Soba noodle bowl: The ultimate comfort dish, savory soba noodles are often just what we need to unwind after a long day. This tasty soba noodle bowl recipe combines rich ingredients like chicken broth, fresh ginger and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh eggs for a delicious lunch or dinner meal.
- Vegetarian pasta salad: If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious pasta dish, this vegetarian pasta salad uses eggs, fresh veggies, and rotini pasta for a rich flavorful blend.
- Spicy pad Thai: For a dish that thrills the tastebuds, try making this spicy pad Thai for your next meal. Crisp vegetables, rice noodles, fresh spices, crunchy peanuts, and eggs come together to create this amazing dish.
2. Arroz con Leche
If you aren’t familiar with this dish, Arroz con Leche is essentially a Mexican variation of rice pudding. Its name translates to “rice with milk.” Depending on the recipe, this creamy and sweet rice dessert may contain ingredients like whole or condensed milk, cinnamon, sugar or another sweetener, vanilla, raisins, eggs, and — you guessed it — rice. Together, these ingredients create a uniquely delicious flavor with a slightly solid and creamy consistency.
While some prefer to use Basmati rice for its unique aroma, flavor, and starchiness, traditional Arroz con Leche is typically made from long-grain white rice. Rice may be its key ingredient, but eggs are also important for achieving ideal texture and flavor. They help give the Arroz con Leche a thick and fluffy texture, as well as a velvety smooth and custard-like flavor.
If you’re searching for a tasty dessert with just the right amount of sweetness and a light yet rich flavor, consider trying Arroz con Leche if you haven’t before. Luckily, it’s both delicious and simple to make, especially with this easy Arroz con Leche recipe! Not only is it a creamy and delectable combination of ingredients, but it also adds a touch of variety to your dessert.
3. Meatballs
It’s no secret that meatballs are a delicious, meaty, and savory addition to a variety of pasta dishes. However, you may or may not know that they also contain eggs. In fact, eggs play a key role in holding meatballs together.
Some believe the egg’s main purpose is to provide moisture for the meat. While this is true, it also serves as a binding agent. It helps the bread crumbs, meat, and flavorings stick together so the meatball doesn’t fall apart.
If you don’t add eggs to your meatballs, they’ll likely come out cracked and dry with pieces falling off. The ground meat may also feel hard when you bite into it. Eggs help lock moisture into the meatballs when frying or cooking them.
Next time you indulge in a meatball sub or a steaming plate of spaghetti and meatballs, remember how important those eggs are for keeping your meatballs strong, juicy, and tender. If you’d like to make it an Italian night for dinner, try cooking some homemade classic Italian meatballs for yourself! This recipe combines ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and fresh spices for rich, authentic Italian flavors.
If you decide to make these meatballs, see if you can detect the essential moisture, flavor, and texture the eggs provide.
4. Meringue
Commonly associated with French, Italian, Polish, and Swiss cuisines, meringue is a dessert made from whipped egg whites and granulated sugar. Depending on the recipe, it may also include an acidic ingredient like vinegar, lemon, or cream of tartar.
Slightly resembling marshmallow fluff, meringue has a smooth, shiny white finish and a sweet and sugary taste that isn’t overpowering. It’s also known for its wonderfully fluffy yet crisp texture that melts in your mouth. This makes it an ideal topping for cakes, pies, and other desserts, as well as a great additive to frosting.
Eggs are essential for giving meringue its soft and fluffy texture. When beaten, egg whites can expand significantly. You’ll likely want to add sugar as it can help stabilize the egg and prevent it from drying out quickly.
However, adding too much sugar can decrease the lightness and volume of the meringue, so be sure to do this gradually. It’s also a good idea to add a binding agent like flour, salt, or gelatin to the eggs.
If you’d like to experience this delicate flavor and texture for yourself, try whipping up some silky smooth banana pudding with meringue! With fresh milk and eggs, vanilla wafers, bananas, and other tasty ingredients, this delectable dessert will melt in your mouth. When making this recipe, be sure not to beat the egg whites for too long, as this can result in a grainy consistency.
5. Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli is a cold sauce typically made from egg, olive oil, salt, and freshly crushed garlic. It can also include ingredients like mustard and lemon juice, or you can add additional flavorings if desired. Its Italian name translates to “garlic and oil.”
This sauce is commonly found in northwest Mediterranean cuisines. It’s distinguished by a pale yellow-orange color as well as a creamy, fluffy, and supple texture. It pairs wonderfully with meat, French fries, vegetables, and other savory dishes.
Garlic aioli’s appearance slightly resembles mayonnaise, but the two condiments have distinctly different flavors. Garlic aioli has a more firey and intense garlic flavor, creating a uniquely seasoned twist on traditional mayo. In more basic terms, garlic aioli is essentially mayonnaise with some garlic, lemon, and other flavorings added in.
Like with many other dishes, eggs are critical for helping the garlic aioli achieve a light fluffy texture. If you’d like to give this tasty sauce a try, this egg aioli recipe creates the ideal mixture of eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, and seasonings for thrilling flavors.
6. Hollandaise Sauce
If you’ve ever tasted hollandaise sauce, you know it’s a creamy, delectable, and savory addition to meats, fish, vegetables, and breakfast dishes. Formerly known as “Dutch sauce,” hollandaise is typically made from egg yolk, heavy cream, lemon juice, and melted butter. It’s often seasoned with salt and either cayenne or white pepper.
This egg-based culinary delight has a rich, creamy, and buttery flavor. It can also have a slight tang or sweetness, depending on the style and recipe. The ideal hollandaise sauce has a silky air-light texture achieved by its key ingredients — eggs and butter. Without these crucial components, the sauce will have an undesirable bland flavor and texture.
If you’d like to enrich your savory dishes, try making your own hollandaise sauce! This classic hollandaise sauce recipe is perfect for eggs Benedict, fish dishes, asparagus, and other cooked vegetables.
7. Soufflé
Soufflé is a French egg-based cuisine usually made with beaten egg whites, egg yolks, and other ingredients, depending on the type. Its name comes from the French word souffler, which means “to blow” or “inflate.” This dish comes in a range of sweet and savory varieties, including cheese, chocolate, chicken, lemon, apple, and many more. This versatility allows it to be served as a savory dish or dessert.
This dish is characterized by a light and airy texture, as well as a sweet or savory flavor depending on the type of soufflé. Eggs help inflate the soufflé to create this distinctive texture. Beating the egg whites helps trap air into the mix, and the protein seals around pockets of air to create bubbles. The yolks are typically separated from this mixture as their fat can prevent bubbles from forming.
Whether you have a hankering for a savory comfort meal or a sweet, rich dessert, there are many ways to enjoy a delicious soufflé. Consider making a classic cheese soufflé to delight your tastebuds. This recipe calls for ingredients such as finely grated parmesan and cheddar cheese, eggs, dried mustard, whole milk, butter, and fresh spices to create an irresistible blend of flavor.
If you’d prefer a sweeter soufflé over a savory one, try out this French lemon soufflé recipe to satisfy your dessert cravings. A sweet and tangy combination of lemon zest, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg whites and yolks, this dish will surely fulfill your desire for a rich, delicate French dessert. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish your soufflé with a few plump berries and a dusting of confectioners sugar if desired.
8. Mayonnaise
With its cool, smooth, and creamy consistency and savory flavor, mayonnaise complements a variety of sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats and veggies, dips, and more. It typically consists of oil, eggs, and an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar. While it tends to have a more neutral taste, it can also be accompanied by a slight tang.
Egg yolk serves multiple purposes in mayo. Not only does it add richness, but the lecithin — a mixture of fats essential to cells — in the yolk serves as an emulsifier that helps mix and distribute the water and oil. “Emulsifying” means combining two ingredients that don’t tend to mix easily. It’s a good idea to whip the yolk before adding the oil — this helps lock air into the mayonnaise so that it doesn’t become too dense.
While it’s easy to find mayo in nearly any grocery store, making it yourself can be even more delicious. Consider trying out this recipe to whip up some homemade mayo! All you’ll need is one large egg, some mustard, red wine vinegar, salt and sugar, canola oil, and a freshly sliced lemon.
9. Italian Wedding Soup
Eggs are used in a variety of stews and soups, one of them being Italian wedding soup. This hearty soup usually consists of noodles, eggs, meatballs, vegetables, and broth. It was originally referred to as a “peasant dish,” meaning it was made from inexpensive and easily accessible ingredients. Now, it’s a popular dish across the United States and a staple in many Italian restaurants.
Despite its name, this soup isn’t actually associated with weddings. Its name stems from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, which translates to “married soup.” This refers to the marriage of ingredients and the delicious flavor it creates.
Adding eggs to Italian wedding soup — or any other soup for that matter — adds an excellent touch of flavor and texture. When the egg comes in contact with simmering soup, threads or drops create a distinctive savory flavor and marbelized pattern on the soup’s surface.
To experience these delicious flavors for yourself, try out this Italian wedding soup recipe! A hot savory blend of ground beef and pork, eggs, salt and pepper, grated parmesan, and other fresh ingredients, this mouthwatering soup is the perfect meal on a chilly day.
In addition to Italian wedding soup, feel free to try out these other delicious soups that contain eggs:
- A hot and sour soup with soy sauce, tofu, chicken broth, onions, and mushrooms
- A spicy chickpea and lemon soup with fresh spices and veggies, olive oil, and lemon juice
- A kale and potato soup with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, vegetable stock, potatoes, and fresh spices
- A PA Dutch-style chicken corn soup with chicken, bacon, corn, potatoes, and celery
10. Pastries
You likely know that eggs are an essential baking ingredient. Most recipes — especially desserts — include eggs on the ingredient list. It’s no surprise that eggs are used in a wide variety of sweet pastries — pies, croissants, biscuits, eclairs, macarons, and so much more.
Eggs provide structure, color, leavening, and richness to baked goods. They also help expand the pastry to achieve a light and airy texture, as discussed earlier with meringue.
If you’d like to try out some rich, delicious pastries that incorporate eggs, here are some great recipes to consider:
- Pumpkin pie: Craving the perfect autumn dessert? This pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust is a must-try. This recipe creates the perfect combination of eggs, warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and other ingredients.
- French silk pie: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich, delicate French silk pie recipe. With four large eggs, some whipping cream, Pillsbury pie crust, unsweetened chocolate, and the other ingredients on this list, you can make a delicious French dessert from the comfort of your kitchen!
- Cream puffs: With their perfectly airy texture and lightly sweet flavor, homemade cream puffs are an amazing dessert. Grab some eggs, instant vanilla pudding mix, sour cream, and confectioners sugar to give this recipe a go!
11. Fried Chicken
A traditional fried chicken recipe will likely call for eggs. Typically, each piece of chicken is dipped into an egg batter, which helps the flour stick before the chicken is ready to be fried. As mentioned, egg serves as an excellent binding agent in many recipes.
To taste some delicious fried chicken and experience the comfort of southern-style cooking, try making a classic fried chicken sandwich with egg and sausage gravy. This tasty sandwich combines buttermilk biscuits, eggs, fried chicken, and your choice of sausage for the ultimate lunch or dinner combo.
Next time you bite into a hot crispy piece of fried chicken, remember how important eggs are in keeping it together!
12. Frosting
While not every frosting recipe contains eggs, it’s common to use egg whites in many frostings to give it some extra fluff. In fact, thanks to pasteurized egg whites, you likely won’t need to whip some meringue into your icing.
Here are three popular types of frosting that usually contain eggs:
- Buttercream: Probably the most common type of frosting, buttercream often uses eggs to impart a smooth, light, and airy consistency. It can also contain sugar, milk or water, butter, cream cheese, or other flavorings.
- Whipped icing: Whipped egg whites are essential for giving whipped icing a perfectly stiff yet fluffy texture. Depending on the recipe, it may also contain powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, whipped cream, or additional flavorings.
- Royal icing: Royal icing is typically made from icing sugar, lightly beaten egg whites, and sometimes lime or lemon juice. What differentiates it from other frostings is that it hardens when it cools, making it ideal for decorating wedding cakes, Christmas cakes, gingerbread houses, and cookies.
Try making your own icing with this delicious buttercream frosting recipe. A simple yet tasty combo of beaten egg yolks, softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and confectioners sugar, this frosting is excellent to spread over cookies and cakes. Whether you’re making desserts for a party or just have a hankering for some baked goods, use this creamy frosting to enhance your sweet dishes!
The Many Uses of Eggs
As you can see, eggs are an essential ingredient for various savory and sweet recipes. If you ever decide to try out one or more of these homemade cuisines, it’s important to invest in fresh, excellent eggs for the best recipe results.
At Sauder’s Eggs, providing you with high-quality eggs is our top priority. To ensure optimal freshness each step of the way, we carefully hand-gather our eggs each morning, process them with the best technology, and transport them to retailers on the same day they’re gathered. When you purchase our eggs, you can rest assured you’re getting amazing quality from an enterprise that values you, its employees, and community.
Whether it’s traditional white or brown, organic, or free-range we have quality products for everyone to enjoy. Find a store near you to purchase your eggs today!
