If you’ve ever thrown out food or found yourself at a loss over what to make for dinner, then these 30 recipes that’ll help you reduce food waste will help.
Over one-third of food produced in the United States ends up in a landfill. This not only wastes money, but adds harmful greenhouse gasses into the environment. The recipes below are economical staples that reduce food waste by using leftovers, veggies, fruits, eggs, and nutritious and delicious dairy foods.
Frittatas
Use up any leftover eggs, milk, mushrooms, meat, and veggies with this Frittata recipe. Follow the ingredient list or swap them for what’s already inside your refrigerator. Recipe link here.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers are a great way to use up kitchen leftovers. Follow this Taco Stuffed recipe or mix and match with your own ingredients! Recipe link here.
Smoothies
Smoothies are an excellent way to use your leftover milk, yogurt, fruits, and even veggies. They’re healthy, nutritious, delicious, and very easy to customize. Recipe link here.
Soups
There’s no easier way to use up leftovers than making soup! Try this Creamy Vegetable Soup or create your own. Recipe link here.
Crepes
Use up any leftover milk and eggs by making a crepe! Follow this Strawberry Orange Banana Sunrise Crepe recipe or create your own fillings and toppings with your other leftovers. Recipe link here.
Omelets
Omelets are a fun, easy to customize recipe that’s perfect for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try this Spanish Omelet or create your own. Recipe link here.
Croquettes
Tired of eating the same leftovers? Mix yesterday’s dinner with eggs to create a croquette! Recipe link here.
Dips
Dips are a fun and creative way to use up remaining ingredients. Try this Skinny Buffalo Dip that uses chicken, veggies, and even salad dressings! Recipe link here.
Parfaits
Yogurt, fruit, and granola is all you’ll need to whip up a parfait. Try it for breakfast or for a healthy afternoon snack. Recipe link here.
Avocado Toasts
Avocado Toast is an easy, customizable meal that's a perfect way to use up leftover ingredients. Try this Creamy Avocado Toast recipe for a protein-heavy meal. Recipe link here.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are an easy-to-make, healthy, and dairy delicious breakfast. Try this Raspberries and Pistachio Overnight Oats recipe or make your own. Recipe link here.
Chicken Alfredos
Go with a classic Chicken Alfredo dinner to use up leftover veggies, milk, and more. Recipe link here.
Tacos
Need to use up ingredients, try a taco? This Fish Taco with Mango Slaw is perfect for a fresh, summer dinner. Recipe link here.
Quiches
Have a pie crust still sitting in the freezer? Why not make a quiche? This Christmas Morning Quiche creates a colorful and healthy meal. Recipe link here.
Sauces
Use up leftover ingredients by making your own sauces. Try this customizable Creamy Tomato Sauce or create your own. Recipe link here.
Casseroles
A casserole is a classic way to reinvent dinner leftovers into something new and exciting. Recipe link here.
Empanadas
Make something fun for dinner with an empanada recipe. Try this Cheesy Churrasco Empanada or create your own filling with leftovers. Recipe link here.
Pot Pies
Enjoy a warm and cozy meal when you make a pot pie. Create your own using leftovers or try this Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie. Recipe link here.
Ice Cream Pies
Don’t know what to do with leftover cakes and pies? Create an ice cream pie like this Key Lime Ice Cream Pie. Recipe link here.
Dessert Bars
Dessert bars are a fun, delicious way to use up leftover milk and other baking ingredients. Follow this Fresh Strawberries and Cream Cheese Bar Recipe or customize with your own toppings. Recipe link here.
Lasagnas
Lasagna is a great, customizable way to use up leftovers. Switch out ingredients in this Summer Skillet Lasagna with extra food you need to use up. Recipe link here.
Gratins
A gratin is a classic way to use up leftover ingredients. This Super Cheesy Bacon and Onion Potato Gratin is a perfect party side-dish. Recipe link here.
Kabobs
Have fun experimenting with different kabob recipes, like this Fruit and Waffle Kabob, to use up ingredients. Recipe link here.
Scrambled Eggs
Add meat or veggies to scrambled eggs to create a filling meal and use up leftover ingredients. Try it with this Cheesy Bell Pepper Scrambled Eggs Recipe. Recipe link here.
Yogurt Barks
Yogurt Bark is a fun way to use up yogurt and fruits. Follow this Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bark recipe or create your own. Recipe link here.
Moon Milks
Moon milks are a great way to use up leftover milk and enjoy a calming and cozy drink like this Chamomile Moon Milk. Recipe link here.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a delicious, easy, and customizable meal. Enjoy this BBQ Pork Quesadilla or make your own recipe. Recipe link here.
Ramens
Have some fun with ramen for dinner to use up leftover ingredients. Blend flavors with this Taco Ramen or come up with your own fun ideas. Recipe link here.
Chowders
Need a dinner idea? Try a chowder like this Easy Pumpkin Chowder. It’s easy to customize so you can use up leftovers and reduce food waste. Recipe link here.
Popsicles
Make some popsicles to use up leftover fruits. Try these Berry Smoothie Pops or invent your own. Recipe link here.
Looking for more ways to reduce food waste? Click here for tips and tricks that will help you achieve a more sustainable kitchen, reduce food waste, and save money at the grocery store.
