Nutmeg is one of the spices most synonymous with the months between September and January. Why? Because she mulls the wine. She’ll spice the pie. She eggs the nog until you cry. But not only that! Nutmeg is what makes donuts taste like actual donuts, not just fried dough. It’s a key ingredient in alfredo sauce, in a ton of Caribbean and Louisiana Creole dishes, and much more. Given its criticality, every kitchen warrior ought to have some knowledge about potential nutmeg backups in their arsenal. Here are 7 such substitutes to get you started.
Allspice
Allspice is a great stand-in for nutmeg, which might be somewhat surprising since allspice just has a lot going on taste-wise. It’s not a nutmeg doppelgänger, but it does combine the good things about cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg all in one. It will lend itself well to the “warmth” we get from nutmeg.
Cardamom
In terms of versatility, cardamom is in the same category as nutmeg. It works well with savory, spicy recipes, and of course, it brings out the best in desserts such as apple pie and beverages like chai teas and coffee. Because of its sweetness, and bold fruitiness, you won’t need as much cardamom as you would nutmeg (start with a quarter the amount, and work your way up).
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another seasoning we associate with fall and winter, and so many sweet baked goods. As for being a nutmeg substitute, it works really well. Still, bear in mind that it is also going to be a much spicier option than nutmeg. That said, start small: If the recipe calls for a teaspoon of nutmeg, start with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon, then work your way up to taste if possible.
Black Peppercorn + Clove
These two can be used as substitutes separately, or you can combine their strengths for an alternative that achieves the sweet and peppery goodness of nutmeg. You will only need roughly half as much since these flavors (together or alone) can easily overpower.
Ginger
Ground ginger is another good 1-to-1 replacement for nutmeg. The flavor is distinctively different and ginger will deliver much more of a spicy bite and tanginess than nutmeg, without as much sweetness. However, the warmth is there, and you might appreciate the depth that ginger has. Ginger and nutmeg actually compliment each other well and are two of the essentials in pumpkin spice as well as apple pie spice. Incidentally, both of these dessert blends would be effective nutmeg substitutes as well.
Mace
Mace is an important element in the garam masala spice blend so often used in Indian cuisine. It is similar to nutmeg in many ways, and they literally grow on the same tree as parts of the same fruit. Mace is harvested from the covering around the seed or nut that becomes nutmeg as we know it. It is known to have a richer, spicier flair than nutmeg but is nonetheless a solid stand-in for pies, and desserts like bread pudding or beignets.