What to Do With Leftover Egg Yolks

If you've ever made a recipe that only uses egg whites, such as meringue, angel food cake, macarons, or coconut macaroons, you've probably found yourself staring at a bowl of leftover egg yolks wondering what to do with them.

Jump to:

• How Long Do Leftover Egg Yolks Last?
• Can You Freeze Egg Yolks?
• Make Scrambled Egg Yolks
• Make an Omelet
• Bake Egg Cups
• Make a Frittata
• Make Homemade Mayonnaise
• Hollandaise Sauce
• Make Flan
• Make Custard
• Make Crème Brûlée
• Make Eggnog
• Use Them as an Egg Wash
• Add Them to Fried Rice or Noodles
• What About Feeding Egg Yolks to Dogs?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pin for later!

The good news is that egg yolks are incredibly versatile. They add richness, flavor, and color to all kinds of recipes, from savory breakfasts to creamy sauces and decadent desserts.

Instead of letting those extra egg yolks go to waste, here are some easy and delicious ways to use them up.

How Long Do Leftover Egg Yolks Last?

Leftover egg yolks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days.

To keep them from drying out, place the yolks in a small container and cover them with a little cold water. When you're ready to use them, simply drain off the water.

Can You Freeze Egg Yolks?

Yes, but egg yolks tend to thicken when frozen.

For best results, lightly beat the yolks before freezing. If you plan to use them in savory dishes, add a small pinch of salt. If they're destined for desserts, add a pinch of sugar. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Make Scrambled Egg Yolks

One of the easiest ways to use extra egg yolks is to scramble them just like you would whole eggs.

Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or cheese for a richer breakfast scramble.

Make an Omelet

Egg yolks make incredibly rich and flavorful omelets.

Add your favorite fillings such as vegetables, cheese, ham, bacon, or herbs for an easy breakfast or brunch.

Bake Egg Cups

Egg cups are a fun and easy meal prep option.

You can pour whisked egg yolks into ham cups, vegetable cups, or muffin tins and bake until set. They're perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Make a Frittata

Frittatas are another great way to use extra egg yolks.

Mix them with vegetables, cooked meats, cheese, and herbs for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or light dinner.

Make Homemade Mayonnaise

Homemade mayonnaise is one of the most popular uses for leftover egg yolks.

Fresh mayo can be used in:

• Egg salad
• Chicken salad
• Tuna salad
• Sandwiches
• Salad dressings
• Dips and sauces

Recipe here.

Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce is a rich, buttery sauce made primarily from egg yolks.

It's delicious served with:

• Eggs Benedict
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Salmon
• Crab cakes

Here's a recipe on how to make the sauce, and here's another one on using it with an asparagus side dish.

Make Flan

Flan is a creamy custard dessert that often uses several egg yolks.

If you love smooth, silky desserts, flan is a delicious way to use up leftover yolks.

Some recipes:

• Paleo Flan
• Gluten-Free Paleo Slow Cooker Chocolate Flan with Toasted Almonds

Make Custard

Custard is another classic egg yolk dessert.

Depending on the recipe, it can be served as:

A pudding
A pie filling
A dessert sauce
A baked custard  

Here's a baked custard recipe.

Make Crème Brûlée

Crème brûlée is one of the most luxurious ways to use extra egg yolks.

The creamy custard base relies heavily on egg yolks, while the caramelized sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch. Here are some examples:

• Paleo Crème Brûlée with organic raw honey on top
• Coconut Crème Brûlée with coconut palm sugar

Make Eggnog

During the holiday season, homemade eggnog is a fantastic use for leftover yolks.

The yolks create the rich, creamy texture that makes eggnog so comforting and festive.

Use Them as an Egg Wash

If you're baking bread, pastries, hand pies, or turnovers, egg yolks can be mixed with a little water or milk and brushed over the surface before baking.

This creates a beautiful golden brown finish.

Add Them to Fried Rice or Noodles

Egg yolks can add richness and color to fried rice and noodle dishes.

Try whisking a yolk into hot rice, fried rice, ramen, or stir-fried noodles for extra flavor and a silky texture.

Make Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a simple and comforting way to use leftover egg yolks.

Bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer, slowly drizzle in the whisked egg yolks while stirring, and you'll get delicate ribbons of egg throughout the soup. You can add green onions, white pepper, sesame oil, corn, or tofu for extra flavor.

If you have just one or two leftover yolks, this is one of the easiest ways to use them up without needing a bunch of additional ingredients.

So many different ones to make too!

• Egg Drop Soup
• Chinese Corn Egg Drop Soup
• Tomato Egg Drop Soup
• Chicken Egg Drop Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
• Seaweed Egg Drop Soup

What About Feeding Egg Yolks to Dogs?

Some readers have mentioned giving cooked egg yolks to their dogs as an occasional treat.

If you choose to do so, make sure the egg yolks are fully cooked and served plain without added salt, oil, butter, or seasoning. As always, check with your veterinarian if your dog has any dietary restrictions or health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save egg yolks for later?

Yes. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days.

Why do some recipes use only egg yolks?

Egg yolks add richness, fat, color, and a creamy texture to recipes.

Can I use leftover egg yolks in fried rice?

Absolutely. Egg yolks add richness and can help create a silky texture in fried rice and noodle dishes.

What desserts use lots of egg yolks?

Flan, custard, crème brûlée, pastry cream, lemon curd, and ice cream are all great options.

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