Evaporated Milk Recipes: 35+ Best Ways to Use It

Wondering how to use up that can of evaporated milk? Here are 35+ amazingly delicious evaporated milk recipes. From sweet treats, to creamy dishes, soups and more!

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Evaporated milk is a versatile ingredient that adds richness and creaminess to a wide range of recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, incorporating evaporated milk into your dishes can elevate the flavor and texture.

In this post, we’ll explore 35 mouthwatering recipes that utilize evaporated milk and address common questions and concerns associated with this pantry staple.

Evaporated Milk FAQs

What is evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk is a concentrated form of milk where approximately 60% of the water content has been removed through a heating process. It has a creamy texture, slightly caramelized flavor, and a longer shelf life than regular milk.

Can evaporated milk be substituted for regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk for regular milk in most recipes. However, keep in mind that it has a richer and creamier consistency, so you may need to adjust the quantities accordingly.

Is evaporated milk the same as condensed milk?

No, evaporated milk and condensed milk are not the same. While both are concentrated forms of milk, condensed milk contains added sugar, making it sweeter and thicker than evaporated milk.

Can lactose-intolerant individuals consume evaporated milk?

Unfortunately, evaporated milk still contains lactose, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. However, lactose-free or dairy-free versions of evaporated milk are available in some markets.

How long does evaporated milk last?

Unopened cans of evaporated milk can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Once opened, transfer the remaining milk to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be consumed within 5-7 days.

Recipes that Use Evaporated Milk

Side Dishes

Learn how to make evaporated milk mashed potatoes that are incredibly creamy, delicious, and flavorful. 5 ingredients and 10 minutes prep!
Get the RECIPE from Country Hill Cottage
A super easy family friendly casserole of sweet creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a scrumptious crunchy brown sugar pecan topping.
Get the RECIPE from Small Town Woman
An easy Cheese Sauce for broccoli, the tastiest way to get everyone to eat more vegetables. It’s ready in 5 minutes with just 3 ingredients.
Get the RECIPE from Culinary Hill

Main Dishes

Overhead shot of mac and cheese in speckled bowl with spoon and grated cheddar scattered about.
This is the BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with evaporated milk plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese. It can be made in just 4 minutes with your electric pressure cooker.
Get the RECIPE
This Alfredo Sauce with Evaporated Milk comes together in less than 15 minutes. Toss this 3-ingredient sauce with pasta for a meal that is as easy as it is delicious.
Get the RECIPE from My Casual Pantry
This Quick Indian Chicken Curry recipe is ready in just 30 minutes! Learn how to make homemade chicken curry with this spicy and easy recipe.
Get the RECIPE from Every Day Easy Eats
Overhead close up of pumpkin mac & cheese in skillet.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese will quickly become your favorite fall meal. This family-friendly, easy recipe is a guaranteed winner!
Get the RECIPE
Lemon pasta in grey bowl with fork.
Create something special to share with family and friends. Our Creamy Lemon Pasta, is perfect for any occasion and delicious in every way!
Get the RECIPE from Very Best Baking
Seared chicken strips are mixed through this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, with garlic, mushrooms AND parmesan cheese!
Get the RECIPE from Cafe Delites
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a healthy 30-minute meal made right on the stove top. Bonus: it feeds a family of four for under $10!
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Filipino Spaghetti. Spaghetti, hot dogs, tomato sauce, and seasonings. So simple, so good.
Get the RECIPE from Pinch of Yum
This easy Broccoli Pasta comes out so creamy – and everything cooks in one single pot! Even the pasta cooks right in the sauce.
Get the RECIPE from Savory Nothings
Finished Mushroom risotto in dutch oven.
Risotto is a traditional creamy Italian rice dish that’s delicious served as a pasta course or your main dish. Be sure to use Italian or arborio rice for the right creamy texture and boil slowly.
Get the RECIPE from Carnation Milk

Desserts

This ultra-creamy Latin-style flan has a luxurious texture. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert!
Get the RECIPE from Once Upon a Chef
Tres Leches Cake has a soft and ultra-moist crumb. This authentic Tres Leches Cake recipe is soaked with a 3 milk mixture and topped with whipped cream.
Get the RECIPE from Natasha’s Kitchen
Homemade Caramels – yes, you can easily make candy at home!
Get the RECIPE from Salt & Lavender
A delicious southern favorite for rice pudding with evaporated milk – a recipe that has stood the test of time, for hundreds of years.
Get the RECIPE from The Cagle Diaries
Evaporated milk pumpkin pie is smooth, creamy, and perfectly spiced. A Thanksgiving classic and a must for the holiday season!
Get the RECIPE from Country Hill Cottage
You’ll love this light and airy no-bake Lemon Cheesecake! No eggs, no whipped cream, no oven necessary. This recipe is just smooth, silky, and delicious!
Get the RECIPE from Culinary Hill
Ice Cream With Evaporated Milk. Simple, creamy and delicious.
Get the RECIPE from Love to Know
An easy, from scratch, fudgy brownie is baked into a tart pan and topped with a classic coconut-pecan German frosting for a decadent dessert you won’t be able to resist!
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe. Make a warming, homemade dessert with this step-by-step guide.
Get the RECIPE from Carnation
Put your leftover bread to work with this dreamy Bread Pudding drizzled with quick and luscious caramel sauce. It’s perfect for weekends and holidays.
Get the RECIPE from Culinary Hill
My mom makes this fudge recipe every Christmas with marshmallows, evaporated milk, and chocolate chips for a decadent taste in every bite.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush

Appetizers & Soups

Tomato basil soup calls for a short list of ingredients and comes together in under an hour. Despite its simplicity, the finished product is exquisite.
Get the RECIPE from Two of a Kind Cooks
Try the Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe made with evaporated milk. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip prep time is 10 Min. and the bake time is 30 Min.
Get the RECIPE from Eagle Brand
This thick and creamy chowder is filled with bacon, corn, potatoes, and big flavor! The whole family will love Bacon Potato Corn Chowder.
Get the RECIPE from Lil Luna
This spiced up queso cheese dip skips the fake stuff and is made with real cheese instead, plus chorizo, chiles and every football fan’s favorite: BEER!
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Creamy pumpkin soup with an undertone of curry and turmeric giving lovely warmth and depth of flavor. Made so easy with canned pumpkin!
Get the RECIPE from Every Little Crumb
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.
Get the RECIPE from Dinners Dishes and Desserts
An easy Homemade Cheese Sauce for appetizers, cooked vegetables, pasta, and baked potatoes. It’s ready in 5 minutes with just 3 ingredients.
Get the RECIPE from Culinary Hill
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup gets it’s cream from evaporated milk. I know! Crazy right? But it won’t curdle and you can use the fat free stuff.
Get the RECIPE from Laughing Spatula

 More Dairy Guides

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Collage of evaporated milk recipes.

35+ Evaporated Milk Recipes: How to Use It

Wondering how to use up that can of evaporated milk? Here are 35+ amazingly delicious evaporated milk recipes. From sweet treats, to creamy dishes, soups and more! Try this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with evaporated milk plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 ounce can evaporated milk
  • 8 ounces Tillamook medium cheddar cheese (grated)
  • ¾ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Mix the macaroni, water, mustard, and salt in your Instant Pot.
  • Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Press “Manual” and adjust the timer to 4 minutes (or half the time on the macaroni cooking directions). Check that the cooking pressure is on “high” and that the release valve is set to “Sealing”.
  • When time is up, open the Instant Pot using “Quick Pressure Release”.
  • Stir the pasta to break it up. Add the evaporated milk, cheese, butter and nutmeg; stir until completely incorporated the and cheese has melted and coated the pasta.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Pressure cooker

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 580mg | Iron: 1.5mg

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