10 Culinary Creations Made With Canned Foods

Imagine: you’re insanely hungry…starving, even. You take one quick look inside your pantry, cabinets, and fridge, only to feel either completely underwhelmed or overwhelmed by the options you see. At this point, you’re contemplating simply giving up and heading for the drive-thru. Yet, you still have that small, flickering flame inside your belly that’s encouraging you to try something new.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there—it may seem like a daunting task to dream up and create a meal on your own (especially during your hungriest times). But on the contrary, this actually is the time to get experimental! It’s time to refill that belly with creative fire and become the Foodbeast we know you can be.

You can certainly draw culinary inspiration from foods you already have at home—like canned food—and to prove it, we’ve enlisted the creative input of some of your favorite foodies: Josh Scherer (Culinary Brodown), Janey Schafer (@foodsofjane), Nick Chipman (Dude Foods), Nick Neves (@dad_beets), Keith Prante (@haute_productions), and even our very own Pete “@Pham_Bot” Pham.

Check out what they’ve cooked up and see just how many ways you can play with your food.

White Bean Tuna Melt Dip

This White Bean Tuna Melt Dip from Janey Schafer (@foodsofjane) has multiple sources of protein including canned tuna and white cannellini beans, not to mention gooey Monterey Jack cheese! Grab some pita chips and prepare to take “chips and dip” to the next level.

Cheese and Green Bean Casserole Pasta

Creamy mac and cheese, canned green beans, and French onions all packaged within the convenience of a casserole? Yes please. Janey Schaffer (@foodsofjane) strategically layers your favorite comfort foods to create a delicious homestyle dish you’ll want to indulge in every night. 

Pear Stuffed Soft Pretzel Balls

Step away from the Hot Pockets. Nick Chipman’s (@dudefoods) recipe for Pear Stuffed Soft Pretzel Balls is sure to be your go-to the next time you’re craving a fun, goodie-filled snack. Buttery and salty on the outside, sweet on the inside—there’s no going back.

Mediterranean Naan Pizza with Spicy Greek Yogurt Hummus

When the moon hits your eye like this Mediterranean Naan Pizza pie—that’s amore! Brought to you by Nick Neves (@dad_beets), it’s made with warm naan bread covered in Spicy Greek Yogurt Hummus, chicken, cheese, and canned veggies galore. Who says you need to go to Italy to find a decent pizza?

Black Bean and Corn Double Deckers

Chef Keith Prante’s (@haute_productions) Black Bean and Corn Double Deckers are more or less of a revelation in Mexican-inspired cooking. This culinary genius layers tortillas that are stuffed with canned black beans, sweet corn, chicken, and of course, shredded cheese added to your heart’s content. Get the full instructions here.

Shakshuka Lasagna

This hearty recipe for Shakshuka Lasagna by Chef Keith Prante (@haute_productions) would bring Garfield to tears of joy. Prante puts together the hybrid masterpiece with stuffed layers of canned crushed tomatoes and Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, shallots, garlic, and poached eggs. We’re going to need some bigger plates!

Maple Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas

If you’re looking for a protein-packed dish that still packs flavor, try Josh Scherer’s (@CulinaryBrodown) Maple Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas. Baked in the oven and covered in a spicy-sweet maple chipotle sauce, these beans will satisfy your seasonal cravings any time of the year.

Chorizo Creamed Corn

Sometimes plain tortilla chips can be a real bummer. Why not give them a little color (and flavor) with this recipe for Chorizo Creamed Corn, courtesy of Josh Scherer (@culinarybrodown)? Beefy chorizo, canned sweet canned corn, onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, fresh lime, chipotle aioli…do I need to continue? Here’s the recipe.

Loaded Mashed Sweet Potatoes

What’s hot, sweet, and going to melt your heart? Pete Pham‘s (@pham_bot) recipe for Loaded Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and next they’re going to melt in your mouth. These taters are perfect for spooning by the fire on a cold and gloomy day, or any other time you’re jonesing for a little comfort food. Dig in!

Peach Bourbon Milkshake

This ain’t your mama’s milkshake—Pete Pham (@pham_bot) is shaking up the world of frozen treats with this boozy recipe for Peach Bourbon Milkshake. In this formula, vanilla ice cream is blended with canned peaches, cinnamon, and good ol’ bourbon to create your new favorite drink. Totally worth a possible brain freeze!

This post is sponsored by the Canned Food Alliance.