What To Do With Leftover Blueberries (5 Delicious and Easy Ideas to Try)

Blueberries are a popular fruit, often eaten fresh in breakfasts and desserts or added to smoothies.

But what happens when the blueberry season passes, and you’re left with a surplus of this beloved berry?

What should you do with leftover blueberries? Leftover blueberries can be used for many delicious recipes! You can make pancakes and waffles, bake a quick bread or muffins, use them in yogurt parfaits, make a tasty jam or jelly, or even create an indulgent ice cream.

Looking for some easy ways to use up your stockpile of blueberries without running out of ideas?

We have five delicious and easy recipes to try here. Let’s explore how best to make the most of your leftover blueberries!

Baked Goods

Baked goods are a classic choice. Whether you prefer muffins, scones, or something else entirely, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Muffins

Blueberry muffins are a breakfast staple for good reason. They’re easy to make, delicious, and portable. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat together oil, egg, and milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, and fold in the blueberries. Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Scones

If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, blueberry scones are a great option. Here’s a recipe that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the tanginess of lemon:

Ingredients:	Instructions:
2 cups all-purpose flour	Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
1/4 cup white sugar	In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2 teaspoons baking powder	Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
1/4 teaspoon salt	Stir in the blueberries and lemon zest.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed	In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cream.
1 cup fresh blueberries	Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined.
1 tablespoon lemon zest	Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently.
1 egg	Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
1/2 cup heavy cream	Cut the circle into wedges, and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Desserts

Blueberries are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of desserts. Here are a few ideas for what to do with leftover blueberries:

Popsicles

Blueberry popsicles are a refreshing and healthy treat that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day. To make blueberry popsicles, blend fresh blueberries with yogurt and honey, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. You can also add other fruits like strawberries or raspberries to the mix for added flavor.

Parfaits

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/278026976989415556/

Blueberry parfaits are a great way to enjoy blueberries for breakfast or dessert. Layer fresh blueberries with Greek yogurt and granola in a glass or bowl for a delicious and healthy treat. You can also add other fruits like bananas or kiwis to the mix for added flavor and texture.

If you want to make a more decadent parfait, try adding whipped cream or cream cheese to the mix. You can also top the parfait with chocolate chips or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

Blueberry desserts are a great way to use up leftover blueberries and create delicious treats that everyone will love. Whether you make popsicles or parfaits, you can’t go wrong with this versatile fruit.

Beverages

Leftover blueberries can be a great addition to your morning smoothie or afternoon drink. Here are some ideas:

Smoothies

You can easily turn your leftover blueberries into a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup leftover blueberries
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp honey

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!

If you want to switch things up, try adding some kale or spinach for some extra greens.

Savory Dishes

If you’re looking for a way to use up leftover blueberries in a savory dish, there are plenty of options to choose from. Blueberries add a sweet-tart flavor to savory dishes that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

Blueberries make a refreshing addition to salads, adding a burst of color and flavor. Try tossing them with some of your favorite salad greens, along with some chopped nuts, crumbled cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. Here’s a recipe to try:

Blueberry Salad	Ingredients
6 cups mixed salad greens	1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts	1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

To make the salad, simply toss the salad greens with the blueberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and serve.

Grilled Meats

Blueberries make a delicious sauce for grilled meats, adding a sweet-tart flavor that complements the smoky flavor of the meat. Try making a blueberry barbecue sauce to brush on chicken, pork, or beef. Here’s a recipe to try:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

To make the sauce, simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the blueberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Brush the sauce on grilled meats during the last few minutes of cooking.

Stir-Fries

Blueberries add a burst of flavor to stir-fries, adding a sweet-tart note that pairs well with savory ingredients like chicken, beef, and vegetables. Try adding them to your favorite stir-fry recipe, or try this simple recipe:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

To make the stir-fry, heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Add the blueberries, bell pepper, and green onions and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and cornstarch. Add the sauce to the pan and stir-fry for another minute, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken and vegetables are coated.

Conclusion

Leftover blueberries can be a delicious addition to many recipes. Whether you have a handful or a pint, there are plenty of ways to use them up before they go bad. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add them to smoothies for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
• Bake them into muffins, scones, or pancakes for a tasty breakfast treat.
• Make a simple syrup with blueberries to use in cocktails or to sweeten lemonade or iced tea.
• Freeze them for later use in smoothies, baked goods, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
• Use them to make a homemade jam or jelly to spread on toast or biscuits.

Remember to always store your blueberries properly to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Rinse them just before using them, and discard any that are moldy or squishy. With these ideas, you can enjoy your blueberries to the fullest and reduce food waste at the same time.