11 Butter Substitutes for Cooking and Baking
Butter is one of those ingredients that you just can’t live without. It’s in practically everything these days—from sandwiches to coffee—so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of butter substitutes around that can help tide you over in case you run out.
Here are 11 great substitutes for butter.
1. Margarine
Margarine is a processed food that was meant to mimic butter. It is typically used in baking and cooking but is said to be the unhealthy version of butter due to its trans-fat content.
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a butter substitute. In fact, it is considered one of the most accurate substitutes for butter in baking and cooking. In some instances, margarine may affect the overall flavor of your recipe so it’s important to try a test batch first and adjust accordingly.
Margarine that contains trans-fats have been linked to adverse health effects. This is due to the partially hydrogenated vegetable oils found in certain margarine products. However, not all margarine products contain trans-fatty acids. Margarine that contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may offer some health benefits such as lower fasting blood lipids and lower bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Best for: cooking, baking, biscuits, corn bread, cookies, and spreads
How to Substitute Margarine for Butter
Substitute 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of margarine in your recipe.
Since the nutritional profile of margarine varies greatly, it’s important to check the label to ensure that the margarine you are using does not contain any hydrogenated oils.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine but it is also a good butter substitute. It is made from pressing whole olives and extracting the oil.
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?
Definitely. Olive oil is an excellent butter substitute for many of your favorite recipes. For cooking or sautéing, it is an easy swap given that olive oil has an even higher smoke point than butter. However, for baking, you may need to adjust your recipe since baking sometimes requires the saturated fat in butter, which helps add structure and moisture to baked goods.
Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health. Additionally, olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a helpful addition for those who suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, or Crohn’s disease.
Best for: cooking, pancakes, salad dressing, sautéing, breads, muffins, and savory dishes
How to Substitute Olive Oil for Butter
Substitute 1 tablespoon of butter with ¾ tablespoon of olive oil.
Make sure to use regular olive oil for this, as extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point and burns more easily. Regular olive oil is typically made up of a blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive oil, which can be used for cooking and baking at high temperatures.
3. Ghee
Ghee is a clarified butter that is made from extracting butter fat from unsalted butter. It is a fantastic butter substitute and is very similar in taste and texture.
Can I Use Ghee Instead of Butter?
Ghee has virtually no lactose or casein and is considered a superior choice for people with lactose intolerance. In baking, it has a strong butter flavor which makes it one of the best butter substitutes available. It can withstand high temperatures and may also be served warm or at room temperature for spreading on breads or muffins.
Ghee is said to be healthier than other oils and fats due to its medium-chain fatty acids content. Medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed directly by the liver as a faster supply of energy. Ghee has been found to have better digestibility and it also contains anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In addition, ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which is a biologically-active compound that may potentially decrease risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Best for: baking, cooking, cookies, breads, spreads, and sautéing