10 Delicious Recipes to Make with Canned Sardines
Tiny Cottage Kitchen may earn money or products from the companies or product links mentioned in this post. This supports continued free recipes for you to enjoy.
When most people think of canned sardines, they picture a dusty tin hiding in the back of the pantry. But here’s the truth: sardines are one of the most underrated ingredients you can keep on hand. They’re affordable, packed with protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids — plus, they’re shelf-stable, which makes them perfect for quick, nourishing meals.
As a child, my parents gave us kids sardine sandwiches frequently, and I loved them. It's never been strange to me to eat them regularly; however depending on which culture you were raised in (my upbringing had a Scandinavian influence) they may seem like an off putting or odd pantry item to enjoy regularly.
If you're new to them and want some ideas for cheap protein meals or how to eat sardines, this list will help you to incorporate these tasty and affordable shelf stable treats into your meals regularly.
These 10 easy, flavorful recipes will help you turn a humble tin into something you’ll actually crave. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner, a Mediterranean-inspired snack, or a healthy lunch, there’s a sardine dish here for you.
1. Sardine Toast with Lemon & Herbs
Let’s start simple. Mash sardines with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread it over toasted rustic bread and top with parsley or dill. This easy recipe tastes like something straight out of a European café — rustic, bright, and satisfying.
2. Sardine Pasta Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, chili flakes — the classic Italian “aglio e olio” — gets an upgrade when you toss in a tin of sardines. They melt into the sauce, creating a rich, briny depth of flavor that clings to each strand of pasta. Add fresh parsley, and dinner is done in 15 minutes.
3. Mediterranean Sardine Salad Bowl
Build a hearty bowl with canned sardines, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Dress it with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for a refreshing, protein-packed meal. It’s like a Greek salad with extra staying power.
4. Sardine Fried Rice
Got leftover rice? Stir-fry it with garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and a can of sardines. Crack in an egg for extra protein and toss in some frozen peas or spinach for color. This quick dish is comforting, flavorful, and comes together in under 20 minutes.
5. Avocado & Sardine Smash
Move over avocado toast — sardines are the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Smash avocado on toast, layer sardines on top, and finish with red pepper flakes or “everything bagel” seasoning. It’s creamy, savory, and surprisingly addictive.
6. Sardine Flatbread Pizza
Use pita bread or naan as your base. Spread with tomato sauce, add shredded mozzarella, sardines, sliced red onion, and a few capers. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. It’s a fast, fun take on pizza night.
7. Sardine & Hummus Wrap
For a quick lunch, spread hummus on a tortilla or lavash wrap. Add sardines, baby spinach, roasted peppers, and cucumber. Roll it up, slice it in half, and you’ve got a portable Mediterranean-inspired wrap full of flavor and protein.
8. Sardine Crostini with Tomato
Perfect for entertaining (or snacking at home). Toast baguette slices, rub lightly with garlic, and top with diced tomato, olive oil, and sardines. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and basil. These little bites feel fancy, but they’re so easy.
9. Sardine Stuffed Peppers
Mix sardines with cooked rice, garlic, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Spoon the mixture into mini bell peppers, place them on a baking sheet, and roast until tender. It’s a colorful, satisfying dish that works as an appetizer or main course.
Check out the sardine table runner and napkins in the Etsy shop.
10. Sardine Breakfast Scramble
If you’ve never had sardines for breakfast, you’re missing out. Whisk eggs and scramble them in a skillet with a splash of milk. Add sardines and chopped chives right at the end. It’s hearty, savory, and keeps you full for hours — a high-protein, low-carb way to start the day.
Tips for Cooking with Canned Sardines
- Choose wisely: Sardines packed in olive oil tend to have richer flavor than those in water.
- Balance the flavor: Bright, acidic ingredients like lemon, tomato, or vinegar pair perfectly with sardines.
- Keep it simple: Because sardines are already cooked, most recipes take 15 minutes or less.
Canned sardines might not be glamorous, but once you try them in these recipes, you’ll see why they’ve been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries. Affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrition, sardines deserve a spot in your weekly meal plan.
So grab a tin (or three) the next time you’re at the store, and experiment with these 10 easy recipes. You might just find a new favorite dish.
You may also like these posts:
