As you cleaned out your refrigerator a day after the holiday party, you stumbled upon an unexpected treasure: leftover egg yolks stored away in an airtight container. The yellow circles had been collecting since making meringue, pavlova, and macaron desserts, but instead of tossing them out, you can put them to good use. With so many creative recipes that utilize extras or leftovers, it’s a shame to let these golden yolks go to waste.
From savory options like Cajun Burgers to sweet treats like Chocolate And Plain Cheesecake, Egg Yolk Waffles and more, our collection of 25 egg yolk recipes is the perfect guide to help you use up every last yolk.
Cajun Burgers
Ditch the excess yolks and indulge in these mouthwatering Cajun burgers instead. Filled to the brim with an abundance of Cajun seasoning, they strike a perfect balance between sweet and savory notes, finishing off with just the right amount of zesty kick.
These Cajun burgers are sure to win over your taste buds; their unique flavor profile is a delightful combination that will leave you craving more.
To make them even more irresistible, serve them up with a creamy mac and cheese or this refreshing no-mayo coleslaw for the ultimate crowd-pleasing experience.
Cheesecake
While this mini cheesecake may seem straightforward, its complexity is revealed in the subtle harmonization of flavors as it’s devoured. The simplicity belies a rich tapestry of taste and texture that can be elevated further by creative toppings. Imagine finishing each bite with sweet strawberries or strawberry sauce, or indulging in a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a juicy cherry on top – the possibilities are endless.
Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars
The Oreo cheesecake bars are about to get some stiff competition from a new contender – the creme brulee cheesecake bars! This game-changing recipe combines the best of both worlds by blending the classic flavors of Graham cracker crust and vanilla bean cheesecake with the rich, caramelized goodness of a brûléed sugar topping. It’s a match made in heaven, where two beloved treats come together to create a truly decadent dessert experience.
Bite-Size Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
These scrumptious bite-sized sprinkle sugar cookies are a perfect treat for birthday celebrations and festive gatherings, boasting a soft and chewy texture wrapped in a vibrant blanket of colorful sprinkles. What truly sets them apart, however, is their remarkably quick preparation time: with no need to chill the dough, you can have these sweet treats ready in under an hour.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Indulge in a decadent treat that will leave even the most discerning palates satisfied – a rich, creamy ice cream that’s sure to become an obsession. The moment you take a bite, the velvety texture and authentic vanilla flavor transport you to a world of bliss. But what makes this ice cream truly exceptional? The secret lies in the clever combination of cornstarch and egg yolk, which adds depth and complexity to every spoonful.
Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll be hooked – and will find yourself coming back for more again and again.
Three Cheese Mac And Cheese
In mac and cheese, there’s no such thing as too much cheese – and this recipe proves it with a trifecta of cheddar goodness. The star of the show isn’t just the copious amounts of goat cheese, white cheddar, and parmesan, however, but rather the harmonious balance they bring to each bite. The true pièce de résistance is the subtle yet tantalizing aroma and satisfying texture that fresh thyme and sweet onion infuse into the dish.
Almond Joy Cookies
For those who adore the sweet essence of almonds, we’re thrilled to share this delightful treat – our 10-ingredient Almond Joy Cookies recipe. What sets these treats apart is the harmonious blend of almond and coconut flavors. But that’s not all; the addition of a delicate almond kiss at the center takes the cookies’ appearance to the next level, making them irresistibly adorable.
Peanut Butter Snickers Skillet Brownie
Imagine the warmth and comfort of a rich, fudgy brownie, now perfectly paired with the humble cast-iron skillet. This delightful recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a satisfying chocolate dessert without sacrificing time. The best part? You’ll only need one trusty skillet, a spatula, and a few pantry staples. Simply combine your ingredients, cook to perfection, and indulge in the gooey goodness topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Hollandaise Sauce
Looking for a creative way to use up leftover egg yolks? You might be surprised to find that hollandaise sauce is a game-changer. This rich and creamy condiment is surprisingly easy to whip up – it’ll take you less than 20 minutes to mix together. The best part? It pairs perfectly with poached eggs, asparagus, or other grilled veggies, adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of Tabasco for an extra boost of flavor.
Angel Hair Carbonara
Indulge in the rich flavors of this delectable angel hair carbonara, a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become an instant favorite. The harmonious blend of chicken breasts, dairy products, and aromatics creates a creamy sauce that will leave you craving more. To elevate the dish to new heights, sprinkle extra parmesan over the pasta before serving, adding an extra layer of depth to this already impressive meal.
Tiramisu
While tiramisu may seem like an intimidatingly luxurious dessert, it’s actually surprisingly easy to create at home. The key lies in its simple yet elegant composition: ladyfingers soaked in liqueur or rich coffee, layered with a light and airy mascarpone cream filling, and finished with the perfect touch of shaved chocolate.
Country Eggs Benedict
While maintaining the essence of the iconic eggs Benedict dish, this simplified recipe takes a creative approach to elevate its flavors. Gone are the traditional toasted English muffins, replaced by hearty whole-grain toast. The classic combination of crispy bacon and poached eggs also makes way for savory leftover ham and a satisfying fried egg, resulting in a delightful twist on the brunch favorite.
Peanut Butter Pudding
This indulgent pudding is a masterclass in textures, courtesy of its luscious combination of chocolate whipped cream and peanut butter. The result is a rich dessert that serves six, perfect for satisfying even the most sudden sweet cravings. And the best part? It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish.
To elevate this treat to new heights, simply top it with caramelized bananas and crunchy graham crackers – the perfect union of smooth and satisfying textures.
Italian Cream Puffs
Indulge in Italian cream puffs any time of the year, not just on St. Joseph’s Day! The homemade custard icing is surprisingly easy to prepare, using a combination of egg yolks, sugar, flour, dairy products, and vanilla extract. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving these sweet treats more often than just once a year – it’s the perfect excuse to get creative with your ingredients. Add a secret ingredient that will take your puffs to the next level: rum.
With this unique combination, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Prosciutto And Asparagus Eggs Benedict
Elevate your holiday breakfast game by serving a show-stopping eggs Benedict dish that combines the richness of prosciutto, the tender crunch of steamed asparagus, and the indulgent creaminess of homemade hollandaise sauce. The latter, made with egg yolks, lemon juice, and butter, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, prompting you to grab an extra English muffin (or two) to soak up every last drop.
Eggnog
For many Southern households, a holiday gathering isn’t complete without a glass of rich, creamy eggnog in hand. This beloved beverage is a staple of the season, evoking memories of cozy nights by the fire and laughter with loved ones. But what if you could make this festive favorite at home, with just a few simple ingredients? The answer lies in this 6-minute recipe, which yields a velvety-smooth eggnog infused with the subtle warmth of nutmeg.
Once you take your first sip, store-bought versions will be a distant memory, replaced by the comforting familiarity of homemade goodness.
Crab and Avocado Eggs Benedict
Elevate the humble egg benedict by incorporating creamy avocado slices, succulent crab meat seasoned with smoky paprika and a pinch of fresh black pepper. The harmonious union of these flavors, textures, and temperatures perfectly balances the richness of the hollandaise sauce, while the subtle addition of tomato adds a pop of freshness. Serve warm and indulge in this delightful twist on a classic dish!
Salted Caramel Ice Cream
While this salted caramel ice cream recipe may require a bit of time to prepare, the end result is well worth the effort. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. What makes this dessert so alluring is its rich, creamy texture – and it’s even more indulgent with the addition of mix-ins like crunchy chocolate-covered pretzels. Serve your masterpiece in a crispy waffle cone for the ultimate treat.
Chicken Avgolemono
Indulge in the warmth of a classic Greek dish as you add this beloved chicken avgolemono soup to your culinary arsenal. This comforting recipe is designed to soothe even the chilliest of nights, with its harmonious blend of rich egg-lemon sauce, wholesome homemade chicken stock, tender and flavorful chicken pieces, and a tangy splash of lemon juice.
Duchess Potatoes
Indulge your royal cravings by whipping up a batch of duchess potatoes. This decadent side dish boasts an irresistible combination of creamy insides and crunchy, golden-brown edges that are sure to impress. To elevate the experience even further, consider pairing these regal spuds with a perfectly roasted chicken or some sweet and succulent glazed veggies.
Paleo Caesar Dressing
Consider skipping the store-bought Caesar dressing and opting to create your own at home instead. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have a lighter and fresher version that’s ready in just a few minutes. To make it, combine equal parts garlic cloves, anchovy fillets, and egg yolk, then whisk in some lemon juice and Dijon mustard. The best part?
This homemade dressing keeps for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep or whenever you need a quick and tasty addition to your meals.
Sugar-free Alfajores
Indulge in the heavenly taste of these sugar-free caramel sandwich cookies, which can be whipped up in no time at all! While they may lack sugar, they certainly don’t compromise on flavor. The real showstopper is the creamy dulce de leche filling, infused with a burst of citrusy freshness from lemon zest that adds a delightful brightness to each bite.
Egg Yolk Waffles
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of these exceptional egg yolk waffles, characterized by their tender interior and satisfying crunch on the outside, evoking the familiar comfort of potato bread. Beyond their versatility as a burger bun or hotdog roll substitute, they also offer a unique canvas for creative experimentation.
To achieve this delightful treat, you’ll need just four fundamental components: the star of the show, egg yolks, combined with butter, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to taste. For an added layer of depth, consider incorporating a hint of sweetness from liquid stevia or a drizzle of vanilla extract.
Salt-Cured Egg Yolks
When culinary creativity seems to be dwindling, salt-cured egg yolks can serve as a reliable game-changer in your pasta or dessert recipes. The resulting flavor profile is reminiscent of fine cheese, yet boasts an unmistakable salty undertone that stems from the curing process itself.
One way to shake things up is by incorporating sugar into the mix, effectively marrying sweet and salty flavors in a delightful harmony.
French-Style Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The allure of ice cream is undeniable, but French-style desserts take it to the next level. The rich, creamy texture and subtle vanilla bean flavors are sure to elicit a joyful scream from anyone who tries it. However, making this decadent treat requires an ice cream maker – so if you don’t have one on hand, consider this a gentle nudge to invest in one.
The bottom line
Transforming leftover egg yolks into a culinary masterpiece is entirely possible. By thinking outside the box and exploring innovative recipe ideas, you can give new life to what would otherwise be discarded. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you can turn humble excess egg yolks into something truly remarkable.