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Evaporated milk is a perfect substitute for fresh milk or cream, making it an ideal pantry staple to keep on hand at all times. There are so many great uses for evaporated milk and what’s leftover in a can, from pumpkin pie to cheese sauce to rice pudding, so don’t let those unopened cans in the cupboard go to waste!
Be sure to stir up a batch of our Fantasy Fudge for a fun gift or amaze your family with this easy Crockpot Chocolate Fondue – two of our most delicious recipes for evaporated milk. It’s a great substitute for fresh milk in our easy Bechamel Sauce and adds a creamy texture to the gravy for Easy Swedish Meatballs.
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No milk? You can easily save dinner (or dessert!) when you prep your favorite recipes calling for regular milk with this handy substitute: canned evaporated milk! It works well in both sweet recipes and savory recipes as a versatile ingredient to replace whole milk or heavy cream.
Not to be confused with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk is a canned dairy product. It is sold as whole, low-fat, and skim milk from which 60% of the water has been removed.
As shelf-stable dairy products go, it’s a super versatile replacement for cream or fresh milk. Less expensive than fresh milk, this concentrated form of milk can be used in all kinds of recipes that call for dairy.
It’s one of those simple ingredients that often goes on sale, so stock up at the grocery store next time you see a special. The best part is that a can lasts for several months in the pantry, so it’s a great grocery staple to keep on hand.
FAQs
What is evaporated milk used for?
With a shelf life of years, canned evaporated milk is a great substitute for fresh milk in recipes and tends not to curdle as fresh milk can in cooked recipes, especially slow cooker recipes. It’s perfect in creamy soups and southern baked mac and cheese as well as creamy desserts. You can even make a homemade Irish Cream liqueur with it!
Can you use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, use it as a substitute for milk. The main difference is that canned evaporated milk has had some of the water removed. Since it has a reduced water content, you can dilute it with water when you use it to make it more like fresh milk. Leave it at full strength for a cream substitute.
How long is it good after opening?
Evaporated milk is good for up to a week, tightly covered and refrigerated. Freeze it for longer storage.
What else can you use evaporated milk for?
It is good in delicious desserts, comfort food dinners, and other savory dishes. You can even use it as creamer in a hot cup of coffee. When slightly frozen, you can whip it and use it as a substitute for whipping cream.
How to Store Evaporated Milk
If you can’t use a full can in your recipe, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Freeze it for longer storage.
How to FreezeLeftover Evaporated Milk
Depending on how much leftover you have, you’ll want to freeze leftover evaporated milk in small portions to use in future milk recipes. Freezing in ice cube trays is a perfect way to save just a few tablespoons of this versatile product.
You can add the frozen cubes to chicken broth or hot cocoa to cool it down without diluting the flavor like ice cubes or thaw the frozen milk and use as a substitute for all types of milk.
- Divide the milk into ice cube trays or small containers.
- Place in the freezer until firm.
- Store in a ziptop bag in the freezer until ready to use.
If you’re freezing evaporated milk to whip it for your favorite desserts, pour it into a small mixing bowl and place the beaters in the bowl. Set in the freezer until ice crystals appear at the edges of the liquid, about half an hour. Beat the cold milk with a hand beater on high just until frothy. Add sugar and seasonings, then continue beating until it’s stiff.
Recipes that Use Evaporated Milk
The following recipes either call for evaporated milk specifically or are good easy recipes where you can substitute canned milk for fresh. Your taste buds won’t know the difference!
Iced Mocha Coffee
An iced mocha is a delightful cold beverage to enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up. Give your wallet a boost as well by making it yourself at home.
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Crock Pot Hot Chocolate
Crock Pot Hot Chocolate is a must make for cold days. Rich in flavor from cocoa and spices, it’ll warm your tummy this winter.
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Self-Rising Flour Biscuits
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Bulk Batch Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Bake someone happy with a batch of these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. Easy and delicious, they are perfect for breakfast and for tucking into lunch boxes.
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Oaty Maple Breakfast Cake
Bake up some maple-oat deliciousness in this easy to prep breakfast cake, almost like a maple oat scones.
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Sourdough French Toast
Use up sourdough bread that might be near its end in this tasty Sourdough French toast, accented with honey for just the right balance of tang and sweetness.
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Buttered Maple French Toast Casserole
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch with this buttered maple French toast casserole. It’s make-ahead and will make someone happy. Very happy.
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Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Homemade Sausage Gravy and Biscuits are a real treat! The spicy meat in white sauce is packed with flavor and perfectly complements the taste and texture of buttermilk biscuits. With just a handful of ingredients, you can mix them up in a flash.
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Puffed Pancake with Apples
This Puffed Pancake bakes in the oven for the easiest breakfast ever. Bake apple compote in a dish alongside for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
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Protein Overnight Oats
With Greek yogurt, almond milk, protein powder, chia seeds, and rolled oats, Protein Overnight Oats is an easy, make-ahead Meal Prep Breakfast that's delicious and comforting.
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Cream of Rice Pudding
Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this homemade cream of rice pudding is like a rice porridge that you can vary with all kinds of toppings.
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Overnight Egg Bake with Bacon and Cheddar
Breakfast comes together easily in this hearty egg casserole. Studded with bacon and cheddar cheese this egg bake is one you’ll want on repeat.
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Sausage Egg Hash Brown Casserole
Enjoy a flavorful breakfast or brunch with thisSausage Egg Hash Brown Casserole. It’s very make-ahead, making it a great way to start the day.
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Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Ditch the boxed mac and cheese, you can make your own tastier and better version at home. Use this Stovetop Mac and Cheese and free yourself from mixes!
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Croque-Monsieur
A Croque-Monsieur is the French answer to the grilled cheese sandwich. Gruyere cheese, ham, and bread are topped with a creamy Beschamel sauce.
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Creamy Turkey Enchiladas
Fold cooked turkey into corn tortillas and top with this creamy homemade sauce for the best turkey enchiladas ever to meet Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Turkey Pot Pie with Easy Biscuit Topping
Turkey, vegetables, and gravy make a luscious filling for an easy biscuit topping in this simple turkey pot pie.
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Chicken and Biscuit Pizza
This 30-minute pizza has a quick biscuit crust and a delicious alfredo style sauce topped with chicken and cheese. Like chicken and biscuits on pizza.
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Overnight Casserole
Overnight Casserole is one of the easiest you can assemble. No need to boil the noodles, just stir together all the ingredients and chill overnight. Top with bread crumbs and bake.
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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole comes together quickly, freezes beautifully, and makes for a delicious and hearty main dish. Make a double batch so you can repeat the experience next week!
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Spicy Sausage Lasagna with Mushrooms and Peppers
This Sausage Lasagna, dotted with mushrooms and peppers, is flavorful and hearty. It comes together quickly and is very freezer-friendly.
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Burning Love Mashed Potatoes
Burning Love Mashed Potatoes is an old Danish dish that uses simple ingredients: potatoes, milk, bacon, and onions, and transforms them into something amazing. These loaded mashed potatoes are a perfect main dish or decadent side.
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Creamy Mushroom Pilaf
This Creamy Mushroom Pilaf is a quick and easy side dish to serve with your favorite meats and vegetable main dishes. It will put those boxed mixes to shame.
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Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is a wonderful, flavorful, healthy alternative to commercial canned cream soups. It’s easy to make and freezes beautifully.
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Homemade Cream Of Celery Soup
Homemade Cream of Celery Soup is so much better than the canned variety. Make a bulk batch this week to have your casserole and eat more healthfully, too.
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Easy Homemade Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
Doesn’t Broccoli Cauliflower Soup sound delicious? This easy homemade version is full of vegetables and cheese for ultimate comfort in a bowl.
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Vegetable Cheddar Cheese Soup
This recipe for Cheddar Cheese Soup is creamy and comforting. Filled with bits of zucchini, broccoli, and carrots, it’s healthy comfort food.
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Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Enjoy your favorite cafe-style Broccoli Cheese Soup at home for less money. I’ll show you how easy it is with both stovetop and Instant Pot directions!
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Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup – a thick and creamy wild rice soup that will warm you up and not leave you feeling guilty! So hearty but actually good for you too.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Get cozy this season with a bowl of this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. It comes together quickly with just five basic ingredients.
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Instant Pot Potato Soup
Seasoned with bacon and tarragon, this Instant Pot Potato Soup is perfect comfort food. Doll it up with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for the loaded baked potato soup experience.
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Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Tomato Soup is smooth, creamy, and packed with tomato flavor. It's a perfect soup lunch or dinner.
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Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes for the freezer is a great recipe to save time, money, and kitchen clean-up. Stir up a few batches for comfort food in the bank!
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Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Also known as Church Potatoes, this Cheesy Potatoes Casserole is ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and absolutely addicting.
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Chocolate Frosting Without Powdered Sugar
Just five ingredients are needed for this glossy chocolate frosting; no powdered sugar needed! It's great for glazing cakes, cupcakes or even donuts.
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Fantasy Fudge with Marshmallow Cream
Nanna’s Fantasy Fudge is foolproof. You don’t need any special equipment. It’s creamy, chocolatey, delicious homemade candy.
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Crockpot Chocolate Fondue with Fruit and Poundcake
Crockpot Chocolate Fondue couldn't be easier when it's made in the slow cooker with just two ingredients! Evaporated milk and chocolate chips make a great sauce for fruit and poundcake.
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Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Enjoy the ice cream shop experience with this homemade Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream made with just a few whole ingredients.
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Milk & Berries Cake
Simple white cake layers filled with a whipped cream and fresh berry filling and soaked in a tres leches syrup.
Evaporated Milk Sweet Potato Pie
This classic evaporated milk sweet potato pie is creamy, luscious, and warmly spiced.
Tres Leches Cake (3 Milk Cake)
Soft and SO moist, with a trio of sweet milks that soak into the light sponge cake below, this Tres Leches Cake recipe is an authentic Mexican dessert!
Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake Recipe
Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake Recipe is a light and fluffy, no-bake dessert with a hint of lemon flavor on top of a graham cracker crust.
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