The Best Homemade Egg Wash Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This simple egg wash recipe is a kitchen essential, perfect for adding a golden touch to your baked goods. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make, using just two ingredients you likely already have on hand. It gives your pastries a beautiful shine, making them look professional and irresistible. Plus, it helps toppings like sugar or seeds stick perfectly, adding texture and flavor. Best of all, it’s versatile, working wonders on everything from pie crusts to bread rolls.
Recipe

Egg wash is a simple mixture used to give baked goods a glossy, golden-brown finish. It’s a staple in baking and cooking, especially for pastries, bread, and pies. This recipe provides the perfect ratio for a classic egg wash.
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
Instructions:
- Crack the egg into a small bowl.
- Add the water or milk to the bowl.
- Whisk the mixture vigorously until fully combined and smooth.
- Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash evenly to the surface of your baked goods before baking.
Notes:
- For a richer color, use just the yolk or substitute milk with heavy cream.
- For a lighter finish, use egg whites only.
Equipment:
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Time:
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
Universal
Serving:
Makes enough egg wash for 1-2 batches of baked goods.
Nutrition
Egg wash is a simple mixture used to give baked goods a glossy finish. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a standard egg wash recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 54 kcal |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
| Fat | 3.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 93 mg |
| Sodium | 28 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love using egg wash for both breakfast and dinner, as it pairs perfectly with classics like pancakes, bacon, or toast for a hearty morning meal. When I’m cooking dinner, I’ll brush it on savory dishes like meat pies, pot pies, or breaded chicken for a golden crust that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a quick bite or a full spread, egg wash adds that extra touch of deliciousness to anything I’m serving.
Classic Breakfast Pairings
When you’ve got a golden, flaky pastry or a batch of freshly baked biscuits, it’s hard to resist digging in right away—but pairing them with the right breakfast dishes can make the meal even better. I love serving them with scrambled eggs or a fluffy omelet stuffed with cheese and veggies. A side of crispy bacon or savory sausage adds a satisfying crunch. For something sweet, fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of jam works wonders. And don’t forget a warm cup of coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice to complete the cozy, comforting spread. It’s breakfast heaven!
Savory Dinner Complements
Though I often think of egg wash as a breakfast staple, it’s surprisingly versatile and can elevate savory dinner dishes too. Brush it on golden-brown pot pies for a crisp, shiny crust, or use it to seal flaky empanadas stuffed with spiced beef. I love glazing homemade meatloaf with a mix of egg and mustard—it adds a rich, glossy finish. For a twist, try it on savory hand pies filled with mushrooms and cheese. Even roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts, get a tasty upgrade when tossed in egg wash and breadcrumbs before baking. Dinner just got a delicious makeover!