This spice is usually a staple in the kitchen pantry, especially for those who love to bake and make homemade desserts. But every cook knows, there are times when you’re about to start a recipe, only to realize you’re out of a certain ingredient that you need. And sometimes you’re at the grocery store, shopping for items for a specific recipe you’re planning to make that day only to find that nutmeg is not on the shelves. So, what do you do if you can’t get a hold of nutmeg? Try one of these 13 spices for nutmeg substitutes instead!
Best Nutmeg Substitutes
Mace makes an excellent substitution for nutmeg because mace and nutmeg are derived from the same plant. “Mace is the membrane of the nutmeg seed giving it a similar flavor profile,” explains Michelle Rauch, a registered dietitian in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Mace does have a stronger taste, so it is recommended to start with a small amount and taste as you add. “Too much mace may be too strong and overpowering,” Rauch adds. The downside to this spice is that it may be harder to find, as it’s not widely used in American cuisine and it is thus unlikely that you have it on hand at home. Rauch recommends shopping on stores that carry Asian, Caribbean and Moroccan products. Mace can be a nice addition to baked goods, or served on top of beverages such as eggnog, hot toddies, or even certain cocktails. Ground ginger can be used in place of nutmeg, but it will likely work better when used for savory dishes versus sweet dishes due the heat it will bring to the dish. “While it comes from a flowering plant, it is the root that is used for its spice,” Rauch explains. “Fresh ginger might be grated into curries and stir-fries and the powdered form works better in baked goods.” You can sprinkle it into smoothies and benefit from its anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Allspice is derived from ground allspice berries. The flavor, says Rauch, mimics a combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorn. This spice works well as a substitute for nutmeg and is not quite as pungent. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean cultures often incorporate allspice in their cuisines. “Allspice can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. “It’s a key flavor in Jamaican Jerk seasoning and is used frequently in brining of fish and pickles,” adds Rauch. “During the holiday, allspice may be included in spice cakes and gingerbread.” Cloves, which originate from Indonesia, are usually described as sweet with a pepper-like taste, similar to nutmeg. “If I have to substitute nutmeg in a recipe, cloves are a really good option because, like mace, you can swap ground cloves for ground nutmeg in equal parts,” says Anna Vocino, author of Eat Happy and Eat Happy Too. Cloves can be purchased whole but for cooking purposes, you’ll likely want to stick with ground, as they blend better into most recipes. They add a nice touch of warmth to a comforting dessert, especially around the holidays. Cinnamon is commonly used as a substitution for nutmeg, given its warm woody and sweet flavor profile. This is a spice that most people have handy in their pantry, which is also a bonus when you’re looking for a nutmeg swap.” Since ground cinnamon has a much stronger flavor than nutmeg, start with a lesser amount (less than what the recipe calls for) and gradually increase until you achieve the desired flavor,” says Rauch. “Cinnamon is found in many cuisines throughout the world and works extremely well in both sweet and savory dishes including baked goods, teas, and even chili.” “Cardamom is a suitable replacement for nutmeg, but it can be really tricky because it has such a distinct flavor,” says Vocino. She recommends using it as a nutmeg substitute, but only if your recipe calls for a small amount of nutmeg—“otherwise, it has a chance of overpowering your dish.” Martha Stewart has raved about adding cardamom to her famous Bundt Cake recipe! Garam masala is a blend of spices that include mace, cinnamon, peppercorn, coriander and nutmeg. You’ll find it in many curry recipes. Similar to nutmeg, garam masala adds warmth and just a little bit of heat. “You can use it in a pinch—literally,” says Vocino. “Garam Masala has so many flavors, it can be overpowering, so only use a small amount. Swap this for nutmeg in savory dishes in lieu of dessert recipes. You may think of Indian or Mexican food when you think of cumin. But it can make a great nutmeg substitute for non-dessert dishes. It has a sweet and nutty element, which is a similar profile to nutmeg, which can add a nice flavor profile to a dish, even the occasional dessert. Try these Pepper Cumin Cookies. Pumpkin pie is a great go-to baking spice. This blend contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and ground cloves. If you can’t find nutmeg at your local store, check the spice section for pumpkin pie spice. This can be used in place of ingredients that require nutmeg and often includes additional ingredients a recipe calls for. It can add another layer of sweetness to a dish and is a great way to enhance the flavor, giving baked goods that comfort food profile you’re craving. This is another spice blend that you can purchase in the grocery store. It includes a mixture of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cardamom, giving it a sweet and savory flavor profile. With nutmeg and cardamom, this blend can have a little nutty flavor to it. If you can’t find nutmeg in your cupboards or local store, try this instead. This spice originates from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, which is a shrub found in China. It has a mild licorice flavor and is mildly sweet and warm. It also has a bit of a spicy element to it. This spice works in sweet as well as savory dishes and can be combined with other spices like cinnamon in desserts and appetizers, like this Figs with Goat Cheese recipe. Purchase it ground so that it blends better with dishes. Want to add a little zest to your baking recipes? Forgo the nutmeg and sprinkle in some turmeric. This yellow spice is warm and peppery and adds a fun flavor to baked goods. Try this recipe for Golden Turmeric and Honey Cookies. A bonus to cooking with turmeric is that it has some added health benefits. The curcumin found in turmeric is anti-inflammatory, good for your metabolism and has even been shown to reduce anxiety. Forget the nutty and sweet flavor profile of nutmeg. If you’re looking for your desserts to take on an extra kick, substitute chili powder. This feisty spice pairs very well with chocolate and makes a baked dish unique. Try this recipe for chef David Burtka’s Ancho Chile-Mexican Chocolate Cookies. Next up: 5 Spices to Up Your Flavor Game
Sources:
Michelle Rauch, a registered dietitian in Fair Lawn, New JerseyAnna Vocino, author of Eat Happy and Eat Happy Too
