In the culinary arts, the term “EGG WASH” refers to a mixture of beaten eggs and some sort of liquid brushed onto bread and other baked goods before baking. Egg wash for bread and other baked goods makes your food pretty!
I never really knew how important an egg wash could be when making anything with pastry dough until after I used it for the first time. Honestly, I had to stop in the middle of a recipe to search for it and then find a recipe to make one.
Let me teach you the beautiful things egg wash can do to your bread, pastries, and baked goods.
What’s An Egg Wash?
In the culinary arts, the term “EGG WASH” refers to a mixture of beaten eggs and some sort of liquid brushed onto food, such as pastry, before baking to add a golden color and sheen to the cooked pastry.
Why Use Egg Wash?
The three main reasons egg wash is used are appearance, texture, and structure.
Appearance
How does it add color to the pastry? It’s simple. The proteins and fat in the egg yolk and egg white promote browning and sheen. When you brush it onto the pastry, it magically browns when it is baked in the oven. Pastry without the wash appears pale and dry looking.
Texture and Structure
This egg mixture sometimes acts as a barrier to the bottom of a pie crust before the filling goes in to help prevent it from becoming soggy. It can act as a glue to seal two pastry edges together.
What is the Ratio for an Egg Wash Mixture?
Typically a basic egg wash recipe is a 1:1 ratio, meaning only one egg per tablespoon of cold liquid. Water is the most common liquid, but milk or heavy cream can also be used in the mixture.
Different Types of Egg Wash
Variations in the mixture will have different effects on your baked goods. The chart below illustrates what different mixtures do for your baked goods and when to use a certain combination.
| Egg Wash | Browning | Sheen | What To Use It On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Egg & Milk | Medium browning | Medium | Pies and pastries |
| Whole Egg & Water | Light browning | Light | Puff pastry and bread |
| Egg White Only | Very Light Browning | High Shine | Sealing pastry edges |
| Egg White & Milk | Light browning | Light shine | Sprinkle with sugar on pie dough for sparkle |
How to Make and Use Egg Wash
It’s very simple to make an egg wash. All you do is blend the egg and water with a whisk or fork.
The best way to apply an egg wash to your pastry is with a pastry brush. A brush lets you spread the wash thinly over the pastry dough.
You can find a pastry brush just about anywhere that sells kitchen utensils. I have even seen these brushes on the grocery store aisles. I prefer natural bristles over silicone pastry brushes. Just remember to keep your brush clean! Wash the brush in soapy hot water immediately after each use so there is no threat of salmonella.
Recipe Tips
- Whisk the egg and liquid together well to ensure it distributes evenly.
- Brush on the egg wash evenly so that it isn’t streaky or too thick. Don’t miss areas, or it will show up after baking.
- Apply egg wash right before your baked goods go into the oven. If it sits on them too long, the dough can become soggy.
- Store leftover egg wash sealed tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Disadvantages
- Use caution when using puff pastry. Drips of egg wash in unwanted areas can glue the layers together and prevent the pastry from puffing when it bakes.
- It can seal up slits. If you need to score or cut slits in the top of pie or bread, apply the egg wash before cutting, or it may seal the slits closed.
Recipes That Use Egg Wash
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie – used to give the pie crust a nice golden brown color.
- Broccoli-Cauliflower Galette – applied to puff pastry to help it brown.
- Easy Mini Cherry Pies – acts as a glue and helps to brown the pastry dough.
- Mushroom Wellingtons – applied to puff pastry to help turn it golden brown.
Recipe FAQs
If you don’t have any baked goods to brush it on within the three days, it is stored in the fridge; you can add the mixture to your scrambled eggs.
Yes, for added flavor, you may add salt to the mixture.
No. In fact, the mixture could speed up browning, causing it to burn.
I hope learning about an egg wash helps your pastries become appetizing and golden brown!
Egg Wash
Useful Equipment:
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the water and egg; whisk until well incorporated.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the egg mixture onto pastry dough.
Andy says
I see my fatal flaw! I have never added any liquid to it, duh! I have wondered why I could never get it to work right. Thought it was just me, lol. Well, I guess it really was me 🙂
The Mountain Kitchen says
Glad I taught you something, Andy! Next time, you will have it just right! 🙂
Anna Buckley says
Your chicken pot pies look delicious!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thank you, my dear! xx
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
Great tip Debbie!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thank you! 🙂
Dawn Jibilian says
Why is it used on a rolled out dough before adding ingredient layers and rolling the dough up? Just wondering , I have a pepperoni roll recipe that calls for brushing an egg wash on the dough before adding the cheese and pepperoni and rolling it up. What would happen if I skipped that step? How important is it? Thanks!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Hi Dawn! I’m not sure why a recipe would say to brush the inside of the dough before rolling it up. If it acts as a “glue” it would only be applied to wear the dough meets and overlaps. I do not believe there is any other purpose for egg wash other than adding color to the dough or to serve as a glue to hold dough together. Personally, I would skip that step. Good luck!
Mark.s.vickery@gmail.com says
I have an egg wash question. I’m making some chicken pot pie and taking them to a sick friend an hour away. I plan to take them unbaked. Can I apply the egg wash as much as 2-3 hours before they go in the oven?
The Mountain Kitchen says
Hi Mark! Although eggwash will keep, it’s better to apply it right before baking. It needs to stay on the top of the crust in order for it to brown. Thanks for the great question. Hope your friend is feeling better!