Common Ingredient Substitutions Chart

We have all been there. You are mid-recipe and realize you didn’t double check your ingredient list.

measuring cups with flour


 

Whenever I am in this bind, I take a deep breath and remember that there are plenty of substitutes that will give you a delicious as ever recipe without grabbing your car keys.

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Check out these easy work arounds. I keep this printed in my pantry or on the inside of a cupboard door for occasions just like this. 

*Unless noted, use equal parts called for in the recipe

Don’t have…Use this!
Baking PowderCream of Tartar & Baking Soda
Substitute ¼ teaspoon of baking soda mixed with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to fill in for 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
BreadcrumbsCrushed CrackersCrushed Bran Cereal
Broth (Chicken, Beef, Vegetable)Bouillon Cube w/ same flavor
***You can even switch up the flavors if you don’t have the specific cube you need. 
Brown SugarWhite Sugar & Molasses
1 cup white granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses
ButterVegetable ShorteningApple SauceOilCooking Spray (sauteeing only)
ButtermilkMilk & Lemon Juice
CinnamonAllspice or Nutmeg
*½ teaspoon = 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (a little goes a long way)
CornstarchAll-Purpose Flour
1 T cornstarch = 2 T AP flour
Chili Powder1 teaspoon = 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1⁄4 teaspoon dried cumin, and a dash of bottled hot sauce
Cream of TartarEqual parts vinegar and lemon juice
Creme Fraiche

Heavy Cream & Yogurt 
1 cup heavy cream + 1 tablespoon of yogurt = 1 cup creme fraiche
Dried HerbsFresh Herbs finely Chopped
***Fresh herbs are less potent so you may want to double the amount called for in the recipe.
Fresh HerbsDried herbs
***Dried herbs are more potent so you should use a third of the amount being called for. 
Garlic ClovesGarlic Powder or Granulated Garlic
½ tsp granulated garlic OR ⅛ tsp garlic powder = 1 garlic clove
Ginger (Fresh) Ground Ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger = 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
Heavy Cream*not for whippingWhole Milk + Unsalted Butter
⅔ cup whole milk + ⅓ cup melted butter
Honey Agave Syrup
***This one goes both ways.
Hot SauceCayenne + Vinegar
¾ tsp cayenne + 1 tsp white vinegar
Kosher SaltFine Table Salt
Use half or three quarters of the amount called for
Lemon JuiceVinegar
MayoPlain Yogurt or Sour Cream or Avocado
Maple SyrupHoney
***The flavor will vary some, but it works!
MilkEvaporated Milk + Water
½ cup evaporated milk + ½ cup water
Molasses¾ cup of brown sugar + ¼ cup waterOR
one cup of dark corn syrup or maple syrup or honey
***Flavor may vary
MustardDry Mustard + Vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard + 1-2 teaspoons vinegar = 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
NutsYou can use these interchangeably if you are out of the one your recipe calls for. 
OilApple Sauce
OnionOnion Powder or Granulated Onion
1 tsp onion powder OR 1 tbsp dried minced onion = 1 small onion
Parmesan CheeseToasted Bread Crumbs
Pastry FlourCake Flour & All-Purpose Flour
ingredient substitution chart


Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

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