A Substitute For Nutmeg Already In Your Kitchen posted by Taylor Munsell Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. When cooking, you might discover that you’re out of nutmeg. Don’t panic — this article discusses the best substitute for nutmeg. In this article, we’ll also explore the history of nutmeg and how it became a common spice in modern cooking. We’ll also list a worthy substitute for nutmeg when you run out of it. About Nutmeg Nutmeg Uses Nutmeg is a very versatile spice, which can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Nutmeg has an aromatic flavor that blends well with cheese sauces, baked goods like cakes or pastries; it’s also great for flavoring eggnog drinks. Click To Tweet You can use nutmeg to make mild creamy soups such as béchamel sauce (or white cream soup) but you’ll find this ingredient mostly in tomato-based recipes. Custards and quiches can get a bit boring, so it’s best to add some cinnamon for that warm undertone. It also adds an unexpected spice to roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes. The nutmeg is often used as a supporting spice in baking, like cinnamon or ginger. It works well with allspice to give baked goods their flavor. Some people are willing to buy the whole nutmeg because they want the freshest spice possible. Freshly grated, it is hard for pre-ground versions of this spice to replicate that taste. Why Use a Substitute for Nutmeg Some people are allergic to nutmeg, and for others, it just doesn’t taste that good. It’s not the only spice out there. Although the word “nut” is in its name, nutmeg doesn’t come from nuts so it’s not an allergen like tree nuts. That being said, if you have a nut allergy then it might be best to avoid cooking with this spice. Those who don’t like the taste of nutmeg can easily substitute it for a different spice. This is not an issue in recipes that call for only one or two teaspoons. Substitutes for Nutmeg Mace There is a substitute for nutmeg. Many of the same flavors can be found in Nutmeg because it is the outer membrane that surrounds Nutmeg. Don’t be afraid to add some flavor to your recipe with some mace. Many other spices work if you don’t have the ingredients for them in your pantry. Cinnamon If you want to use cinnamon in place of nutmeg, try using half the amount first and then taste it. Cinnamon has a similar flavor profile but is more pungent so start with less. Garam Masala If you are cooking Indian, Pakistani, or other Asian dishes and find yourself without nutmeg for your garam masala recipe – no worries! Just substitute it with this blend of spices. This spice mix typically includes mace, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns which make a great replacement in savory recipes such as curries. Pumpkin Pie Spice If you’re in the mood for a fall favorite, this is one of your best bets. It has nutmeg and allspice, ginger, and cinnamon so it’s got some real spice to it. But don’t worry about having too much – just add an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice instead. Final Words There’s no need to worry or fret when you discover there’s no nutmeg for cooking. You can easily substitute it with one of these alternatives. Just make sure that if you’re using a substitute for nutmeg or an almond-based paste, the measurements are correct.
