Essential Ingredient Substitutions Every Cook Should Know

Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is every cook's nightmare. But many common ingredients have reliable substitutions that produce great results.

Dairy Substitutions

• Buttermilk (1 cup): 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): 3/4 cup milk + 1/3 cup melted butter (for cooking, not whipping).
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt (1:1 ratio).
• Whole milk: 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water.

Egg Substitutions

• 1 egg: 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for baking).
• 1 egg: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes).
• 1 egg: Half a mashed banana (adds sweetness).

Baking Substitutions

• Baking powder (1 tsp): 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar.
• Self-rising flour (1 cup): 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt.
• Cake flour (1 cup): 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): 1 cup white sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses.

Cooking Substitutions

• Fresh garlic (1 clove): 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Fresh herbs (1 tbsp): 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
• Chicken broth: Equal amount vegetable broth or water + 1 bouillon cube.
• Wine (in cooking): Equal amount broth + splash of vinegar.

Important Note

Substitutions work best in forgiving recipes like soups and casseroles. For precise baking (like French macarons), use the original ingredients when possible.