27 Recipes For When the Fridge is Empty
We’ve all been there. Staring into the abyss of an almost-empty fridge, wondering how on earth you’re going to conjure up a meal. Panic not, hungry friend! These aren’t your gourmet, five-course extravaganzas.
These are survival recipes, the culinary equivalent of a resourceful MacGyver move. Think simple, think versatile, think… “I can totally make that!”
So, ditch the delivery apps (for tonight, at least!) and get ready to transform those lonely pantry staples and sad-looking veggies into something edible, maybe even delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Garlic Pasta Recipe
Got pasta and garlic? Boom! You’re halfway to deliciousness. Sauté some minced garlic in olive oil, toss with cooked pasta, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you have ’em), and season with salt and pepper. Parmesan cheese is a bonus, but not required. It’s the perfect comfort food in its simplest form.
Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Leftover rice is a fridge’s best friend. Scramble an egg or two, chop up any lonely veggies (onions, carrots, peas are great), and stir-fry everything together with soy sauce. A dash of sesame oil adds a delightful aroma, making this a quick and satisfying meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
The ultimate comfort food for a reason. Bread, cheese, and butter. That’s all you need. Get that golden-brown goodness going in a pan for a perfect melty masterpiece. Add a slice of tomato if you’re feeling fancy!
Oatmeal Recipe
A breakfast staple that can easily be dinner. Cook oats with water or milk, and top with whatever you have on hand: a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of raisins, or even a spoonful of peanut butter.
Quesadilla Recipe
Tortillas and cheese? It’s quesadilla time! Melt cheese between two tortillas in a pan or microwave. Add any leftover cooked meat, beans, or veggies for extra flavor. Serve with salsa or sour cream if you have them.
Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe
Canned tuna is a pantry lifesaver. Mix it with mayonnaise, celery (if you have it), onion (if you have it), salt, and pepper. Slap it between two slices of bread and enjoy a classic, protein-packed sandwich.
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich Recipe
A simple yet satisfying combination. Spread peanut butter on bread, add sliced banana, and enjoy. This is a great option for a quick and easy meal or snack.
Scrambled Eggs Recipe
Eggs are a fridge essential. Whisk them with a splash of milk or water, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a pan until fluffy. Add cheese, herbs, or veggies for extra flavor.
Ramen Upgrade Recipe
Instant ramen gets a bad rap, but with a few simple additions, it can be a surprisingly satisfying meal. Add an egg, some frozen veggies, or a dollop of sriracha for a flavor boost.
Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe
A pantry staple that’s always a winner. Cook pasta, heat up tomato sauce, and combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you have it, and enjoy a classic Italian-inspired meal.
Baked Potato Recipe
Potatoes are incredibly versatile. Bake one until soft, then top with whatever you have: cheese, sour cream, salsa, beans, or even leftover chili. The possibilities are endless!
Bean and Cheese Burrito Recipe
Canned beans and cheese are a winning combination. Warm up some refried beans, sprinkle with cheese, and wrap in a tortilla. A simple yet satisfying meal.
Avocado Toast Recipe
If you have an avocado, you’re in luck! Toast some bread, mash avocado on top, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add a fried egg for extra protein.
Black Bean Soup Recipe
Canned black beans are a pantry powerhouse. Sauté some onion and garlic, add the beans, some broth (or water), and simmer until heated through. Top with sour cream or salsa if you have it.
Mac and Cheese (Boxed) Recipe
The ultimate comfort food, especially when you’re short on ingredients. Follow the instructions on the box, and add a little extra cheese if you have it on hand.
Cereal Recipe
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Pour yourself a bowl of cereal with milk and enjoy a quick and easy meal. Add fruit if you have it.
Soup and Crackers Recipe
Canned soup is a lifesaver when you’re short on ingredients. Heat it up and serve with crackers for a simple and satisfying meal.
Yogurt Parfait Recipe
Layer yogurt with granola and fruit (if you have it) in a glass or bowl. A quick and easy breakfast or snack that can also be a light meal.
Pizza Toast Recipe
Toast bread, spread with tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. A quick and easy pizza fix.
Chips and Salsa Recipe
Sometimes, you just need something quick and easy. Grab a bag of chips and a jar of salsa, and enjoy a no-cook snack or meal.
Hummus and Pita Recipe
If you have hummus and pita bread, you have a satisfying snack or light meal. Add some veggies like cucumber or carrots if you have them.
Pasta with Pesto Recipe
If you have pesto in the fridge or pantry, toss it with cooked pasta for a flavorful and easy meal. Add some cherry tomatoes or Parmesan cheese if you have them.
Simple Salad Recipe
If you have lettuce and any other veggies (cucumber, tomato, carrots), toss them together with a simple vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper). Add some croutons or cheese for extra flavor.
Tuna Melt Recipe
Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise, cheese, and onion (if you have it). Spread on bread and toast in a pan until the cheese is melted and bubbly. A classic and comforting sandwich.
Leftover Rice Bowl Recipe
Take that leftover rice and top it with whatever you have: a fried egg, some beans, some salsa, some veggies. A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers.
Cheese and Crackers Recipe
A simple and satisfying snack or light meal. Pair your favorite cheese with crackers and enjoy.
Fried Egg Sandwich Recipe
Fry an egg and place it between two slices of bread. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, or bacon if you have them. A quick and easy breakfast or lunch option.