15 Ways to Use Leftover Egg Yolk

15 Ways to Use Leftover Egg Yolk

Posted on: March 21st 2022

Whether you make a lot of meringues or just prefer egg whites for breakfast rather than whole scrambled eggs, you might find yourself with extra egg yolks that you’re not sure how to use. Luckily, there are many ways to put these leftover egg yolks to good use. This article provides a list of 15 tasty recipes that include egg yolks. These recipes are both a delicious addition to any meal and a functional way to clear up some space in your refrigerator. Let’s dive in!

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1. Creme Brulee

Craving a light yet rich dessert? Use your leftover egg yolks to make creme brulee, a classic and elegant French custard dish with a creamy consistency. This creme brulee recipe is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What You’ll Need:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 3 c. heavy cream
• ½ c. granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 300 F.
2. Boil 3 cups of water while your oven heats.
3. Place six ramekins in a roasting pan or 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan.
4. Place your egg yolks into a medium bowl and break them up with a whisk.
5. Add your powdered sugar and a dash of salt to your eggs, then continue to mix.
6. Add in your cream slowly and whisk to lighten the eggs.
7. Strain this custard mixture into a liquid measuring cup or pitcher, then add in your vanilla extract.
8. Pour the custard into your ramekins.
9. Pour your boiled water carefully into the baking pan surrounding your ramekins, then bake for 30-60 minutes depending on the size of your ramekins.
10. Remove the creme brulees from the oven to cool for at least five minutes, then refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes.
11. Remove them from the refrigerator, then sprinkle them with a thin layer of granulated sugar.
12. Place the creme brulees back in the oven and broil for 5-10 minutes.
13. Remove them from the oven and serve them warm, or refrigerate them for another 30-45 minutes to serve them cold.

2. Lemon Tarts

These sweet and tangy lemon tarts are a delightful dessert for citrus lovers, and they’re a great way to utilize leftover yolks. For extra flavor, top your lemon tarts with whipped cream or your favorite berries.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• ¾ c. granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. lemon zest
• ½ c. lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. heavy cream — optional
• ½ c. unsalted butter
• 1 baked tart shell

Directions:

1. Whisk your eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream in a medium bowl.
2. Set your bowl above a saucepan of simmering water.
3. Cook with moderate heat and continue whisking for 10-20 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove the mixture from heat and strain it through a sieve.
5. Cut your stick of butter into a few small pieces and add these to the mixture.
6. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, light, and airy.
7. Allow the lemon curd mixture to cool for a few minutes.
8. Start to fill your tart shell with lemon curd, then let it chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours.

3. Vanilla Bean Gelato

Fulfill your craving for a cold, sweet treat on a hot day with this delicious homemade gelato recipe. Who knew you could transform a few leftover yolks into a creamy, refreshing dessert?

What You’ll Need:

• ½ c. heavy cream
• 2 ½ c. whole milk
• ⅔ c. sugar
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 vanilla bean
• 6 large egg yolks

Directions:

1. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the inside.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and egg yolks.
3. Simmer the milk and heavy cream in a pot over medium heat.
4. Add the insides of the vanilla bean and the pod to the milk and cream.
5. Heat until bubbles form but be careful not to let the milk boil.
6. Whisk about ¼ cup of the milk mixture in with the yolks, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the pot with the remaining milk.
7. Return the pot to a medium-low heat setting and cook until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
8. Remove the mixture from heat and strain it into a bowl using a sieve, being sure to remove the vanilla bean pod.
9. Add the salt and mix well.
10. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
11. Place the mixture in the freezer for 10 minutes before putting it in an ice cream machine.
12. Churn the mixture with an ice cream machine to create a soft-serve consistency.

4. Custard

Here’s another sweet treat you can create with your leftover egg yolks — creamy homemade custard. This smooth, rich dessert can be paired with cinnamon or fresh berries to create an irresistible blend of flavor. Give this recipe a try!

What You’ll Need:

• 4 c. whole milk
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. butter
• 4 eggs
• ½ c. white sugar
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch

Directions:

1. Pour your milk, butter, and vanilla into a saucepan and stir over medium heat, then remove from heat right before it starts to boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk your sugar, cornstarch, and eggs until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Return the saucepan to a low heat setting, then slowly add in your egg mixture.
4. Whisk for 5-10 more minutes until the custard is thick.

5. Hollandaise Sauce

This buttery, mouthwatering hollandaise sauce creates a perfect topping for a variety of dishes — specifically eggs, meat, and vegetables. We highly recommend using your egg yolks for a hollandaise sauce to serve at your next breakfast or brunch gathering. Use less butter for a thicker sauce and more for a thinner sauce.

What You’ll Need:

• 8-16 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper — optional

Directions:

1. Cut your butter into a few large pieces and put them into a microwave-safe measuring cup.
2. Microwave the butter in 30-second increments until it melts completely.
3. Mix your lemon juice, yolks, and salt using a blender.
4. Slowly add your butter into the blender, then continue blending until it reaches a smooth consistency.
5. Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt or lemon juice if desired.

6. Mayonnaise

This savory, versatile condiment can be spread on a cheeseburger or sandwich or used to make delicious dipping sauces. If you’re looking to use up some of your extra eggs, homemade mayonnaise is a great solution.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp. lemon juice or vinegar
• ½ tsp. dry mustard — optional
• 1 c. canola or olive oil

Directions:

1. Mix your eggs, salt, mustard, and lemon juice using a blender.
2. Slowly add in your oil.
3. Transfer your mayonnaise to a storage container and keep it refrigerated regularly.

7. Duchess Potatoes

With a wide variety of creative uses, it’s no wonder the potato is such a popular and beloved vegetable. These creamy, delectable duchess potatoes simply melt in your mouth, and we won’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting a second helping. Pick up some fresh potatoes, grab your leftover egg yolks and try this recipe!

What You’ll Need:

• 5 lbs. boiled and peeled russet potatoes
• 8 egg yolks
• 1 stick softened butter
• 2 tsp. salt
• Black pepper
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
• 1 ¼ c. heavy cream
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375 F.
2. Place your boiled, peeled potatoes on a baking sheet, then bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove your potatoes from the oven and process them through a food mill or ricer.
4. Let the potatoes cool in a bowl for 5 minutes.
5. Add in your butter, ¾ cup of cream, egg yolks, one or two dashes of salt, a pinch of pepper, and some nutmeg.
6. Stir your mixture with a rubber spatula, then transfer it to a large pastry bag.
7. Pipe the potatoes in an upward, circular motion.
8. In a separate small dish, combine one egg with ½ cup of cream to create an egg wash.
9. Brush the potatoes gently with egg wash.
10. Bake your potatoes at 375 F until the edges appear golden brown.

8. Egg Rolls

Planning Chinese food for dinner? Make some delicious homemade egg rolls to accompany your meal. Egg rolls are a great way to put those extra egg yolks to use. For an added touch of flavor, garnish your egg rolls with sesame seeds or dip them in a sweet and sour duck sauce.

What You’ll Need:

• 8 c. shredded savoy cabbage
• 8 c. shredded green cabbage
• 2 c. shredded carrot
• 2 c. shredded celery
• 3 chopped scallions
• 2 ½ tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil
• ¼ tsp. white pepper
• 3 c. shredded roast pork
• 1 package egg roll wrappers
• 1 beaten egg yolk

Directions:

1. Boil a large pot of water and cook your shredded carrots, celery, and cabbage for about two minutes.
2. Drain and squeeze the excess water thoroughly from your vegetables, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add your salt, sugar, sesame oil, scallions, oil, white pepper, and roast pork to the bowl, then toss everything together.
4. Grab a small handful of filling and place it onto the wrapper, then roll it up like a burrito.
5. Seal the roll with a thin layer of egg.
6. Continue forming your rolls on a lightly floured surface until you’ve used all of your ingredients.
7. Heat more oil to 325 in a small pot, then use it to fry a couple of your egg rolls at a time until they are golden brown.
8. Let your egg rolls cool slightly before serving.

9. Eggnog

You can’t go wrong with this signature Christmas beverage! This delicious eggnog recipe combines the strong taste of cinnamon with cool, sweet cream for a festive blend of flavor. Why purchase eggnog in a store when you can use your leftover eggs to make your very own?

What You’ll Need:

• 4 c. milk
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• 12 egg yolks
• 1 ½ c. sugar
• 2 ½ c. light rum
• 4 c. light cream

Directions:

1. Heat your cloves, cinnamon, milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla in a saucepan on low for about five minutes, then slowly bring it to a boil.
2. Whisk your egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until it is fluffy, then whisk your hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs.
3. Pour this mixture back into your saucepan and cook over medium heat.
4. Stir consistently for about three minutes or until it thickens.
5. Use a strainer to remove the cloves and let the mixture cool for about an hour.
6. Stir in your cream, rum, nutmeg, and two teaspoons of vanilla, then refrigerate for at least eight hours before serving.

10. Aioli

We’re back with another irresistible condiment — this fresh, savory garlic aioli can be served with vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, French fries or meat. Grab the ingredients below and give this tasty recipe a try!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 egg yolks
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• ¾ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• ½ c. vegetable oil
• ½ c. olive oil

Directions:

1. Whisk your yolks, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, lemon juice, black pepper, and a teaspoon of water in a medium bowl.
2. Add in a few drops of vegetable oil while continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens.
3. Start to add in the olive oil slowly and keep whisking.
4. Serve as is or cover and refrigerate.

11. Croquettes

Though most breaded foods use whole eggs, you can try using your leftover yolks to make these crispy and tender chicken croquettes! These are excellent side dishes to serve alongside your dinner entree and delicious to eat on their own.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 c. minced roasted chicken
• ½ c. chopped Serrano ham
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• Ground pepper and salt
• ¼ c. all-purpose flour
• ¾ c. plus 2 tbsp. whole milk
• 2-3 egg yolks
• 1 c. dry bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Lemon wedges

Directions:

1. Melt your butter with the olive oil using a large skillet, then add in your chicken, nutmeg, ham, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Stir for about three minutes while cooking over moderate heat.
3. Add in your flour and whisk in ¾ cup of milk, then stir and simmer for about three more minutes.
4. Scrape this mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Divide your mixture into 16 portions and roll them into oval-shaped croquettes.
6. Preheat your oven to 325 F.
7. Beat your egg yolks with two tablespoons of milk in a bowl.
8. Spread your flour and bread crumbs in two more bowls.
9. Dunk each croquette in the flour, then in the egg, then the bread crumbs and move it to a plate.
10. Simmer ½ inch of vegetable oil in a saucepan and fry four croquettes at a time for at least three minutes or until golden brown.
11. Warm your fried croquettes in the oven while frying the rest, and serve with lemon wedges.

12. French Buttercream

If you’re looking for another creamy, custard-inspired dessert, this rich and smooth French buttercream recipe won’t let you down. Transform your egg yolks into this delightful French masterpiece!

What You’ll Need:

• ½ c. granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp. water
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 c. unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Heat your water and sugar on low in a medium saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to a medium-high setting and bring it to a boil.
3. Pour your eggs into a stand mixer and beat until they are thick.
4. Continue to cook your water and sugar until it reaches about 240 F, then remove from heat.
5. Drizzle the water and sugar syrup gently into your bowl of yolks, then mix until it has cooled to room temperature.
6. Add in a cube of butter at a time, then pour in your vanilla.
7. Mix your buttercream until it is smooth.

13. Creamy Bacon Carbonara

Make it an Italian night for dinner and cook up some delicious creamy bacon carbonara. This pasta dish could be your answer to making use of your leftover yolks — try it out for your next meal!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 c. grated parmesan
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 12 oz. pasta
• 6 slices of bacon, cut into pieces
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 5 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 1 ½ tsp. parsley
• Zest and juice from 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the bacon, onion, and garlic, then add the parsley and pepper.
2. Boil a large pot of lightly salted water over high heat and cook pasta according to the package directions.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of the cooking water.
4. Add the drained pasta, ½ cup of the reserved water and ½ cup parmesan to the frying pan.
5. Remove the pan from the heat.
6. Add the egg yolks and more water if needed to make sure the sauce covers the pasta evenly.
7. Add the lemon juice, zest, salt, and remaining cheese.
8. Toss the pasta once more to coat evenly, then serve.

14. Flan

This famous rich Spanish dessert uses eggs to create a light and fluffy treat for everyone to enjoy. Pick up the ingredients, and try out this delicious flan recipe.

What You’ll Need:

• ¾ c. white sugar
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 c. boiling water

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 325 F.
2. Place a metal pie tin in a deep baking dish and pour boiling water into the baking dish to cover the pie tin halfway.
3. Using a medium saucepan and a medium-low heat setting, melt ½ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon of water until it liquefies and turns golden.
4. Pour your hot sugar syrup gently into the warmed pie tin and set aside.
5. Whisk your egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.
6. Gently pour your egg mixture into the tin and cover the entire baking pan with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 45-60 minutes until the custard is set.
8. Remove the foil and refrigerate the entire baking pan until it’s cool completely.

15. Tiramisu

We’ve got yet another delicious dessert recipe in store for you. This delicious and easy tiramisu recipe combines the rich taste of coffee, sweet velvety cream, and delicate ladyfingers. With this remarkable blend of flavors, you’ll likely fall in love after just one bite.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 c. heavy whipping cream
• 6 large egg yolks
• 16 oz. cold mascarpone cheese
• ¾ c. granulated sugar
• 1 ½ c. room temperature espresso
• 6 tbsp. golden rum
• 40 ladyfingers
• Cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Stir your espresso and 3 tablespoons of rum in a bowl, then gently dip in half of your ladyfingers one at a time.
2. Lay your dipped ladyfingers close together across a 9-by-13 baking dish.
3. Whisk your sugar and yolks in a separate glass bowl, then place it over a saucepan of simmering water to steam it.
4. Whisk this mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Remove the mixture from heat and whisk it for a few more minutes while it cools.
6. Use an electric mixer to beat your mascarpone and 3 tablespoons of rum, then add in your yolk mixture.
7. Beat your heavy whipping cream in another bowl, then use a spatula to fold it into the mascarpone in two parts.
8. Spread half of this cream over the ladyfingers, then add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top.
9. Spread the remaining cream on top, then top it off with a dusting of cocoa powder.
10. Refrigerate your tiramisu overnight before serving.

Use Sauder’s Eggs For Delicious Egg Recipes

We hope this extensive recipe list provides you with ways to use your leftover egg yolks and helps inspire your next tasty creation. For high-quality eggs to accompany your homemade dishes, browse our wide selection of products at Sauder’s Eggs. To purchase a carton of our fresh eggs, find a store near you today!