Why Cook with Canned Foods?
February is Canned Food Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the convenience and versatility of canned goods! Whether you’re looking for an easy meal prep solution, doing a pantry cleanout, or just want to keep your kitchen stocked, canned foods are a lifesaver. They offer long shelf life, affordability, and year-round access to seasonal ingredients, ensuring you can always whip up a delicious dish.
Plus, canned foods became a kitchen staple during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people turned to pantry staples for home cooking1—and their popularity hasn’t faded. With economic shifts and an increased focus on cost-effective meal planning, many households continue to rely on canned ingredients.
Another reason to embrace canned food? Trendy tinned fish recipes have taken over social media2, especially on TikTok, proving that even simple canned ingredients can become gourmet meals.
Now, let’s dive into the best categories of canned foods and how you can use them in delicious, comforting meals with Martin’s Potato Rolls & Bread.
1. Soup, Broth & Stock
Condensed soup is one of the most versatile pantry staples, adding richness and depth to casseroles, dips, and more. Our creamy Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole comes together quickly with canned cream of chicken soup, while the classic Green Bean Casserole is made even easier with cream of mushroom soup. For a cozy meal, try Broccoli Cheddar Soup, swapping in canned cream of cheddar soup for extra richness. In the same way, canned broths and stocks are perfect for slow-cooked dishes like French Dip Sliders, where beef consommé, beef stock, and even cola help to add depth of flavor.
2. Spam & Other Canned Meats
Canned meats, including Spam, are an underrated pantry staple that can be transformed into delicious comfort food. While Spam is already cooked, pan-frying it gives it a crispy texture that works well in many dishes. It can also be used in breakfast sandwiches, pizza and pasta dishes, and even fried rice, making it a truly versatile canned protein.
Beyond Spam, other canned meats like deviled ham, canned pork, and canned corned beef are great for easy meal prep. Ham Salad Tea Sandwiches can be made using canned deviled ham for a simple yet tasty appetizer. Pineapple-Dijon Ham Sandwiches pair the savory-sweet flavors of ham (or Spam) with canned pineapple for a tropical-inspired meal. For a heartier option, Pork Carnitas Tacos could be made using canned pork, adding an easy twist to a slow-cooked favorite. These pantry-friendly meats are perfect for quick, protein-packed meals when fresh options aren’t available.
Featured Recipe: Spam Grilled Cheese
This twist on the classic grilled cheese combines crispy seared Spam with gooey melted cheese on Martin’s Butter Bread for the ultimate indulgent sandwich. Simply slice the Spam, pan-fry it until golden, then layer it with cheese between two slices of buttered bread. Grill to perfection and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/spam-grilled-cheese/
3. Beans
Far more convenient than dried beans, canned beans save time since they don’t require pre-soaking or long cook times. They’re a great source of protein and fiber, making them a staple in soups, salads, and chili. Our hearty Five Bean Chili recipe is a great way to use up multiple varieties of canned beans, along with canned tomatoes and tomato paste for a flavorful base. If you’re in the mood for a Mexican-inspired breakfast, our Green Chili Breakfast “Toastadas” utilize canned refried beans. For a lighter option, our White Bean Garlic Dip made with canned white beans makes the perfect snack or party appetizer.
4. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a versatile, plant-based protein used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They share all the benefits of canned beans—they’re convenient and packed with protein—and they work in both savory and sweet dishes. You can make a classic Hummus in minutes with just a can of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. For something heartier, try Falafel Sliders, which top homemade chickpea patties with avocado hummus and tahini sauce for a flavorful twist. (As an added bonus, you can even use the liquid from canned chickpeas, called “aquafaba,” as an egg substitute in baking!)
5. Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes come in many forms—diced, crushed, whole, sauce, and paste—making them an essential ingredient for pizza, pasta, soups, stews, and more. Our hearty Italian Sausage & Tortellini Soup recipe relies on canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste for deep flavor (Tip: try using frozen meatballs and premade tortellini to cut down on cook time). Meanwhile, our Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Bake can be made even easier by using condensed tomato soup.
6. Corn & Other Vegetables
Canned vegetables provide the same nutrients as fresh but at a lower cost and with greater convenience. Our Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder is made even easier with canned creamed corn, sweet corn, and chicken stock—plus, you can swap in canned chicken to simplify the recipe even further. For a quick and flavorful meal, Cheesy Taco Hoagies combine canned beans, corn, and salsa to create a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with Martin’s Hoagie Rolls.
Similarly, you can find numerous ways to use other canned vegetables like green beans, peas, carrots, and even potatoes, such as incorporating them into soups, stews, and even Chicken Pot Pie!
7. Pickled Ingredients
Pickled vegetables add a bright, tangy contrast to sandwiches, hot dogs, and other savory dishes. A Chicago Dog wouldn’t be complete without pickles, relish, or pickled peppers, in much the same way that an Italian Beef Sandwich gets its signature kick from pickled Giardiniera. If you love Mediterranean flavors, an Antipasto Sandwich is a delicious mix of deli meats, fresh mozzarella cheese, marinated artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and pickled peppers, all layered on a hearty Martin’s Hoagie Roll.
8. Fruit
Canned fruit offers year-round convenience and is a great way to add natural sweetness to desserts and savory dishes alike. Our toasty Peach Bread Pudding and Baked Pineapple Casserole can be made with their respective canned fruits, while Cherry Hand Pies and Fruit Mountain Pies come together effortlessly using canned pie filling. For a unique grilled cheese variation, try our Honey & Peach Grilled Cheese using canned peaches or Hawaiian Grilled Cheese made with ham and canned sliced pineapple.
9. Salmon
Canned salmon is an affordable and nutritious option that’s high in omega-3 fats. It can be added to salads, egg dishes, fish cakes, and even crackers for a quick snack. Try using it for Smoked Salmon Veggie Sliders, Salmon Salad Sandwiches, or our featured recipe below!
Featured Recipe: Salmon Cakes
These crispy, golden salmon cakes are made using canned salmon mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. They’re pan-fried until crispy and served on Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls for a flavorful seafood-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: https://potatorolls.com/recipes/salmon-cakes/
10. Tuna
Canned tuna is a high-protein staple that can be used in everything from salads to sandwiches. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal. A Tangy Tuna Salad Sandwich is a quick and easy lunch, while these Tuna Melt Sliders take it up a notch with melted cheese and toasted buns. For a heartier dish, Tuna Burgers turn canned tuna into a protein-packed meal that’s perfect on Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls.
11. Sardines & Anchovies
Sardines and anchovies have gained popularity in recent years, particularly for their bold flavors and impressive nutritional benefits. Sardines are a great addition to pasta and salads while anchovies add a deep umami richness to dressings and sauces. Our Tuna Niçoise Salad makes great use of canned tuna, olives, and anchovies for a Mediterranean-inspired dish, while Classic Caesar Salad can be made even more authentic with the addition of canned anchovies blended into the dressing or garnished on top.
12. Crab
Canned crab meat is a delicious and convenient seafood option that works well in both hot and cold dishes. It can be used to make creamy dips, sandwiches, or even crab cakes. Crab Grilled Cheese takes this seafood favorite and pairs it with melted cheese on toasted Martin’s Potato Bread for an indulgent twist. If you’re looking for a party appetizer, Crab Cake Bites offer a bite-sized, crispy take on the classic crab cake, while Cold Crab Dip is a simple and refreshing spread that’s perfect for crackers or toasted bread.
13. Chicken
Canned chicken is an incredibly convenient option that can last several years in the pantry while still providing high-quality protein. It’s perfect for easy meals like Cajun Chicken Salad, which combines canned chicken with sundried tomatoes for a flavorful, no-cook lunch. Southwest Corn & Chicken Dip is another great option, featuring canned chicken, tomatoes, chilies, and corn—plus, you can make it even creamier by stirring in canned cheddar soup. And if you’re craving something handheld, Chicken Enchilada Bites use canned enchilada sauce, tomatoes, and chilies for a Tex-Mex-inspired appetizer.
14. Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
Canned dairy products like evaporated milk, condensed milk, and coconut milk help to add creaminess to a variety of dishes. Our Campfire Mac & Cheese Burgers use evaporated milk to build a smooth, rich cheese sauce, while Coconut Cream Pie Sweet Rolls take advantage of canned coconut milk for a dairy-free, silky filling. Coconut milk is especially popular in Thai and Indian cuisine, as it thickens soups and helps tone down spicy dishes, all while adding a unique burst of flavor.
Stock Your Pantry & Get Cooking!
Canned foods make meal prep easy, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you’re making a quick dip, a hearty soup, or a delicious sandwich, keeping your pantry stocked with these essentials ensures you’ll always have ingredients on hand to create something tasty.
Ready to cook? Try one of these canned food-inspired recipes using Martin’s Potato Rolls & Bread, and let us know your favorites!
Sources:
- https://www.tastingtable.com/892417/the-real-reason-the-canned-food-market-has-been-booming/
- https://time.com/6250195/tinned-fish-tiktok-shortage
- https://www.tastingtable.com/907746/the-absolute-best-canned-foods-to-stock-your-pantry/
- https://www.eatingwell.com/the-best-canned-foods-to-have-on-hand-8733891
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