Delicious Recipe Ideas Using Leftover Egg Yolks

Customers often ask what I do with all the egg yolks left over after baking a batch or two of delicious macarons. Leftover egg yolks are incredibly versatile and can add richness, texture, and flavour to many recipes, so instead of throwing them out, why not transform them into further tasty dishes and delectable treats.

In this post I'll share some practical and moreish ideas to help you make the most of those golden yolks. Look out for full recipes and links to recipes in future blogs.

Bowl of rich golden egg yolks ready for cooking

Why Use Egg Yolks?

Egg yolks are packed with fat, protein, and emulsifiers that enhance the texture and taste of many dishes. When you bake macarons, the recipe calls for egg whites only, leaving the yolks unused. - and to some extent unloved! Instead of ditching them, reduce your food waste and use your yolks to create creamy sauces, unctuous custards, zesty curds, and fabulous baked goods.

Creamy Custards and Puddings

One of the best ways to use egg yolks is in custards and puddings. Their natural thickening power creates smooth, creamy textures that are hard to beat.

Classic Crème Brûlée

This French dessert is a perfect way to use up egg yolks. The rich custard base is made by gently cooking yolks with cream, sugar, and vanilla. After baking, a layer of caramelised sugar forms a crisp top.

• Use 6 egg yolks for a standard recipe serving 4-6 people.

• Cook custard gently to avoid curdling.

• Finish with a torch to caramelise sugar.

  
  

Vanilla Pastry Cream

Pastry cream is a versatile filling for macarons, tarts, éclairs, and cakes. It uses egg yolks, milk, sugar, and cornstarch to create a thick, smooth cream.

• Whisk yolks with sugar and cornstarch before adding hot milk.

• Cook over medium heat until thickened.

• Chill before using as a filling or topping.

  
  

Chocolate Pots de Crème

For chocolate lovers, pots de crème offer a rich, velvety dessert. Egg yolks enrich the chocolate custard, making it silky and indulgent.

• Combine yolks with cream, sugar, and melted chocolate.

• Bake in water bath for even cooking.

• Serve chilled with whipped cream or berries.

  
  

Rich Sauces and Dressings

Egg yolks are essential in many classic sauces, adding body and smoothness.

Homemade Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise is a buttery, tangy sauce perfect for eggs Benedict, steamed vegetables, or fish.

• Whisk egg yolks with lemon juice over gentle heat.

• Slowly add melted butter to emulsify.

• Season with salt and cayenne pepper.

  
  

Classic Mayonnaise

Making mayonnaise from scratch is simple and rewarding. Egg yolks act as an emulsifier, blending oil and vinegar or lemon juice into a creamy dressing.

• Whisk yolks with mustard and acid.

• Slowly drizzle in oil while whisking vigorously.

• Season with salt and pepper.

  
  

Caesar Salad Dressing

Use egg yolks to create a creamy Caesar dressing with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. The yolks give the dressing a rich texture without heaviness.

Jar of creamy homemade mayonnaise

Curds

Citrus curds are a great way to use up the egg yolk left over when making a batch of macarons as the curd itself is a fabulous filling for the macaron.

Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a tangy, sweet spread that uses egg yolks to thicken and enrich the mixture.

• Cook yolks with lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter.

• Stir constantly until thickened.

• Use as a filling for macarons, cakes and tarts, or spread on buttered toast or crumpets.

Lemon curd macarons

Baked Goods and Pastries

Egg yolks add moisture, colour, and tenderness to many baked treats.

Brioche Bread

Brioche dough is enriched with egg yolks and butter, resulting in a soft, golden bread with a tender crumb.

• Use 4-6 yolks for a standard loaf.

• Knead dough well for gluten development.

• Let rise slowly for best texture.

Tender fresh brioche loaf on wooden board

Egg Yolk Cookies

Some cookie recipes call for extra egg yolks to create a chewy, rich texture. Try recipes like Italian amaretti or French sablés.

• Substitute whole eggs with yolks for a denser cookie.

• Chill dough before baking to maintain shape.

• Add almond or vanilla extract for flavour.

  
  

Savoury Dishes Using Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are not just for sweets. They can also enrich savoury dishes with their creamy texture.

Carbonara Pasta

Traditional Italian carbonara uses egg yolks to create a silky sauce.

• Toss hot pasta with raw yolks and grated Pecorino Romano.

• The heat from pasta cooks yolks gently.

• Add crispy pancetta for texture.

Aioli Sauce

Aioli is a garlic mayonnaise that pairs well with grilled vegetables, seafood, or sandwiches.

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• Whisk egg yolks with garlic and lemon juice.

• Slowly add olive oil to emulsify.

• Season with salt and pepper.

  
  

Tips for Storing and Using Leftover Egg Yolks

Egg yolks dry out quickly when exposed to air. To keep them fresh:

• Cover yolks with a little water in a sealed container.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Freeze yolks by mixing with a pinch of salt or sugar depending on future use.

  
  

Label frozen yolks with the date and intended use to avoid confusion.

Have Fun!

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