15 Common Ingredient Substitutions Every Home Cook Needs
Midway through cooking and realized you’re out of buttermilk, heavy cream, or cornstarch? Here are 15 dependable kitchen swaps that actually work.
1. Buttermilk (1 cup)
Swap: 1 cup whole milk + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. Let stand 5 minutes to curdle.
2. Heavy Cream (1 cup, in sauces)
Swap: 3/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (whisked together). Note: will not whip into peaks.
3. Cornstarch (1 tbsp, thickening)
Swap: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour OR 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder.
4. Baking Powder (1 tsp)
Swap: 1/4 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar.
5. Fresh Herbs (1 tbsp)
Swap: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rule of 1:3 ratio, as dried herbs are more concentrated).
6. Brown Sugar (1 cup)
Swap: 1 cup granulated white sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses (mix with a fork).
7. Dry White Wine (1/2 cup)
Swap: 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth + 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
8. Sour Cream (1 cup)
Swap: 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt (1:1 ratio).