You can use leftover egg yolks in a wide variety of delicious and creative ways, both savory and sweet. Here are some popular ideas:
Sweet Uses for Egg Yolks
- Custards and Creams: Make classic custards like crème brûlée, pastry cream (crème pâtissière), lemon curd, or vanilla pudding. These highlight the rich, creamy texture yolks provide
- Ice Cream: Use egg yolks to create rich, creamy homemade ice cream bases, such as vanilla or more adventurous flavors like sesame or gingerbread
- Baking: Incorporate yolks into rich baked goods like brioche, babka, or cookies such as egg yolk chocolate chip cookie bars. Yolks add moisture and tenderness to doughs and batters
- Tarts and Pies: Make key lime pie, lemon meringue pie, or Portuguese egg tarts, which rely on yolks for their custardy filling
Savory Uses for Egg Yolks
- Sauces: Whip up classic sauces like hollandaise, béarnaise, or mayonnaise, which depend on yolks for emulsification and richness
- Pasta and Risotto: Stir yolks into hot pasta dishes like carbonara or into risotto for added creaminess and flavor
- Egg Wash: Use yolks as an egg wash to give baked goods a glossy, golden finish
- Binding Agent: Use yolks to bind ingredients in recipes like meatballs or croquettes
Other Creative Ideas
- Salt-Cured Yolks: Salt cure yolks in soy sauce or salt for a savory snack or garnish
- Hair Mask: Mix yolks with honey and yogurt for a nourishing hair mask
If you have leftover yolks, consider freezing them for later use by whisking with a pinch of salt or sugar to prevent clumping
. In summary, egg yolks are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into custards, sauces, rich baked goods, creamy ice creams, and more, making them too valuable to waste
