Egg Wash

Beaten egg, often thinned with a little water, milk, or cream, brushed on dough before baking. It gives the crust shine and deeper browning, and it works as glue for seeds and toppings. Whole egg gives a golden shine, yolk gives deeper color, and white alone gives shine with less browning.

By Henry Hunter · Updated October 1, 2026

Henry's notes from the bench

• Add a pinch of salt and strain it. It brushes on thinner and smoother, with no streaks.
• Don't let it pool in the creases. Puddles of egg bake into dark spots and can glue the dough down so it can't rise.