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Last Updated on December 16, 2023
If you’re a coffee lover, there’s no doubt you’ve considered adding coffee beans to your diet in some way, shape, or form. After all, coffee is delicious and packed with nutrients and antioxidants. So why not get your fix and your fill of healthy ingredients all at once?
Good quality coffee beans can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of them. You might want to look at sites providing coffee subscriptions and see if you can order in bulk to save money.
Adding coffee beans to your meals is a great way to boost energy and flavor. And it comes with many health benefits!
Plenty of recipes include coffee beans as an ingredient, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Here are exactly 12 great ideas to get you started:
1. Add them to a smoothie
A smoothie is a great way to get your daily dose of fruit and veg and coffee beans. Add a handful of beans to your blender and other ingredients and whizz until smooth. You can add a scoop of ice cream or yogurt to make a creamy frappe.
Add a tablespoon of honey or syrup if you like your smoothies on the sweeter side. If you want something more savory, consider adding a handful of spinach leaves or avocado.
2. Make a coffee rub for meat
If you’re a fan of barbecued meats or want to try a new version of sweet potato meatloaf, why not try making your coffee rub? Mix ground coffee beans, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over your chosen meat before cooking to infuse it with flavor.
This can work well with steak, chicken, pork, or lamb. It’s also a great and easy way to use up any leftover coffee grounds you might have.
3. Use them in baking
Coffee beans can be a great addition to baked goods. For example, add them to brownies or cookies for an extra caffeine kick. Or try crushing them and sprinkling them over the top of cakes or cupcakes before baking.
You could even make your coffee-flavored sugar by mixing ground beans with sugar in a food processor. This can be used in all sorts of recipes, from coffee-flavored frosting to tiramisu.
4. Add them to oatmeal
If you’re looking for a super healthy and filling breakfast, look no further than oatmeal. It’s packed with fiber and can be easily customized to your taste.
Try adding a handful of coffee beans to your oatmeal along with some milk or yogurt and a sweetener such as natural honey or syrup. You could add other toppings such as fruit, nuts, or seeds.
5. Make a coffee-flavored salad dressing
Salad dressings are usually pretty simple and can be easily jazzed up with different flavors. If you’re bored of the same old balsamic vinegar and olive oil combo, why not try something new?
Mix coffee beans, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make your coffee-flavored dressing. This would be great on a green salad or even used as a marinade for chicken or fish.
6. Sprinkle them over fruit
Coffee beans can be a great way to add flavor and texture to fruit salads or desserts. Simply sprinkle them over the top of your dish before serving.
This works well with fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You could try adding them to a classic fruit salad with grapes, melon, oranges.
7. Make coffee ice cream
If you love coffee, sweets and ice cream, why not combine the two and make your coffee ice cream? This is a way to use up any leftover coffee you might have.
Simply mix brewed coffee, milk, sugar, and cream together and freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s churned, add some chopped coffee beans and freeze until solid.
8. Use them as a garnish
Coffee beans can make a great garnish for all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. Simply sprinkle them over the top of your plate before serving.
This works well with desserts such as chocolate mousse or tiramisu. Or try using them to garnish savory dishes such as soup or grilled meats.
9. Add them to hot chocolate
If you’re looking for a real-deal delicacy, why not add some coffee beans to your hot chocolate? This will give it a lovely coffee flavor and some extra texture too.
Simply add a handful of beans to your mug and your usual hot chocolate powder or milk and sugar mixture. Stir until the beans are dissolved, and enjoy.
10. Make coffee sugar
If you’re a fan of coffee-flavored desserts, why not make your own coffee sugar? This can be used in all sorts of recipes, from cakes and cookies to frosting and ice cream.
Simply mix ground coffee beans and sugar together in a food processor until the beans are finely ground. Store in an proper airtight container and use as needed.
11. Use them in savory dishes
Coffee beans can also be used in savory dishes to add flavor. For example, you could try using them in a spice rub for meats or mixing them into a marinade.
You could also try adding them to soups or stews for an extra depth of flavor. Just be sure to add them to the cooking end, so they don’t become bitter.
12. Make coffee salt
If you’re looking for a way to add coffee flavor to all sorts of dishes, why not make your own coffee salt? This can be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, or even popcorn.
Simply mix together ground coffee beans and salt in a food processor until the beans are finely ground. Store in an tight container and use as needed.
These are just a few ideas for ways you can use coffee beans. So next time you have a few leftovers, don’t throw them away – put them to good use!
