64 Evaporated Milk Recipes That’ll Make You Want to Keep a Can In Your Pantry

Updated: May 24, 2024

This old-school pantry staple is more versatile than you'd think. Use every last drop in our delicious recipes for breakfast, dinner and dessert.

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Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake

This fluffy cake is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

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Healthy Pumpkin Pie

Don't worry, our healthy pumpkin pie recipe doesn't shy away from the classic fall flavor you love.

Don’t swap evaporated milk with condensed milk—they’re not interchangeable. Here’s what makes them different.

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Chicken and Asparagus Bake

Greet guests with a taste of springtime with this chicken and asparagus casserole on the menu. It bakes in just half an hour. People savor the rich cheesy sauce, and it freezes well too. —Ramona Ruskell, Columbia, Missouri
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Holiday Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Eggnog flavor is infused into the cookie and the glaze with this yummy recipe, perfect for the Christmas season.—Bonnie Massimino, Brookeville, Maryland
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Beef Enchiladas Verdes

These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Lemon Raspberry Cake

This lemon raspberry cake is rich, tender and full of lemon and raspberry flavors. If you like lemon and raspberry, this is a recipe you'll want to make as soon as you can.
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Party Meatballs

These meatballs in a sweet, tangy sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated. We usually serve them at birthday parties. - Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
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Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Bored with pumpkin pie? Our sweet potato cheesecake sings with the same fall flavors but features a creamy layered filling and a lovely graham cracker crust.
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Southern Mac and Cheese

Southern mac and cheese is an uncomplicated comfort food favorite that uses affordable ingredients for a super rich dish.
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Gob Cake

This gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. —Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
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Stroganoff Soup

My husband and I share a love for all kinds of soup and came up with this delicious recipe together. It really does taste like beef Stroganoff. With a crusty roll, it's a satisfying meal in itself. —Karen Shiveley, Springfield, Minnesota
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Fudge

No need to head to the candy store when you have this fudge recipe. We will show you how to make fudge that is rich, creamy and decadent.
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Pumpkin Spice Custard

Here's a traditional slow-cooker pumpkin spice custard with some espresso powder for a latte effect. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
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Caramel Cups

Yep, we've transformed your favorite candy bar into a whole 'nother bite-sized treat. Learn how to make Twix cookies—a riff on delicious caramel cups.
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Golden Clam Chowder

This is comfort food at its best! Yes, you can have a warm bowl of homemade clam chowder for dinner tonight or any night. The soup is seasoned expertly and thyme adds a great dimension of flavor. —Amanda Bowyer, Caldwell, Idaho
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Old-Fashioned Oat Bread

When this old-fashioned oat bread is baking, it reminds me of childhood and the warm, inviting aromas that greeted me after school. The light sweet flavor, crispy crust and hearty texture of this bread made for a special treat when Mom baked it for us. —Gloria Murtha, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
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Mexican Chicken Casserole

This Mexican chicken casserole is just the ticket when you want a substantial but simple meal. Cooked chicken, canned soup, evaporated milk and aromatic vegetables create a dish—and an aroma—that will make your mouth water.
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No-Bake Peanut Brownies

You can enlist the kids to help make these chocolaty peanut butter brownies. I like the fact that I can enjoy them but keep my kitchen cool, especially in summer. —Connie Ward, Mount Pleasant, IA
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Best Banana Ice Cream

The secret to this satisfying homemade banana ice cream is fresh fruit, and few fruits are more affordable or versatile than the humble banana. Betcha can’t stop at just one scoop!
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Best Seafood Chowder

This seafood chowder recipe will transport you to coastal Maine.
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Sweet Potato Souffle with Pecans

My grandmother makes this sweet potato souffle recipe every Thanksgiving. It's just so full of love and memories (and pecans!) that it needs to be shared. —Natalie Gray, Moreland, Georgia
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Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the perfect potluck dish, a hearty broccoli rice casserole topped with a rich cheese sauce. It's the perfect combination: easy to make and delicious to serve!
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Cake Mix Brownies

These cake mix brownies are a mashup of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I had a recipe for yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it. I've been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota
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Creamy Caramel Flan

A creamy, cheesy dessert with homemade caramel sauce on top? Count us in!
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Slow-Cooked Creamy Rice

This wonderful side dish goes well with any meat stew. I use whatever fresh herbs I have on hand along with the chopped parsley to add even more flavor. —Laura Crane, Leetonia, Ohio
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Chocolate Caramel Candy

This dazzling treat tastes like a homemade Snickers bar and has flavor beyond compare. When I entered it in a recipe contest at our harvest festival, it won five ribbons, including grand prize and the judges' special award. —Jane Meek, Pahrump, Nevada
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Comforting Tuna Patties

My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
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Beignets

The Big Easy is known for its fresh, doughy beignets. Here is our recipe for making these iconic doughnuts at home.
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Ribbon Fantasy Fudge

I developed this recipe especially for my husband, who likes anything that has chocolate and peanut butter together!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This bacon cheeseburger soup brings two of my absolute favorite foods together in one! The tomato, fresh lettuce and crisp bacon toppers make this soup taste as if it’s burger time. —Geoff Bales, Hemet, California
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Classic Swedish Meatballs

I’m a “Svenska flicka” (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It’s obviously a 20th century version of a 19th century favorite, since back then they didn’t have bouillon cubes or evaporated milk! I think you’ll agree that these modern-day “Kottbullar” are very tasty. —Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa
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Fluffy Waffles

A friend shared this fluffy waffle recipe with me a few years ago. The cinnamon cream syrup is a nice change from maple syrup, and it keeps quite well in the fridge. Our two children also like it on toast. —Amy Gilles, Ellsworth, Wisconsin
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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

For an easy meal that's equal parts cozy, comforting and satisfying, turn to this 30-minute creamy chicken and rice soup recipe.
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Chocolate Cream Pie

With a shortened baking window for the crust and a quickly cooked filling, our chocolate cream pie comes together with minimal hands-on time.
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Cheesy Chile Casserole

A short list of ingredients packs full flavor in this easy-to-assemble casserole. Serve it as the star of your next meal. —Phyllis Bidwell, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Broccoli-Mushroom Bubble Bake

I got bored with the same old breakfast casseroles served at our monthly moms' meeting, so I decided to create something new. Judging by the reactions of the other moms, this one's a keeper. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
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Garlicky Cheddar Cheese Bisque

I came up with a cheddar cheese soup a while ago and decided to give it a boost with a variety of root vegetables. Crushed pita chips and fresh parsley make fun garnishes. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
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Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
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Potato Leek Soup

Even though our potato leek soup is a lighter version of the French classic, the recipe packs tons of flavor.
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Irish Cream

This delicious, festive Irish cream recipe can be made with ingredients already in your refrigerator and cupboard.
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Saucy Scalloped Potatoes

For old-fashioned flavor, try these scalloped potatoes. They cook up tender, creamy and comforting and chopped ham adds a hearty touch. —Elaine Kane, Keizer, Oregon
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Cranberry Orange Pancakes

As special as the holidays, these fluffy pancakes are drop-dead gorgeous, ready in just minutes and brimming with sweet, tart and tangy flavor. Seconds, anyone? —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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Farmer’s Casserole

This brunch-friendly make-ahead farmer's casserole is a hearty combination of hash brown potatoes, Monterey jack cheese, ham and eggs.
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No-Fuss Potato Soup

For a busy-day supper, my family loves to have big steaming, delicious bowls of this soup, along with fresh bread from our bread machine. —Dotty Egge, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
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Raspberry Ribbons

I make these attractive, buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! —Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia
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Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Pretzel-Topped Sweet Potatoes

Everyone I've shared this recipe with says it's the tastiest way to serve sweet potatoes. I like to make it for special dinners and even for brunch as a colorful go-with dish. The mingled sweet, tart and salty flavors are an unusual treat. —Sue Mallory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Shrimp Chowder

Move over, clam chowder! This shrimp chowder recipe is family-approved and ready to hit the table.

Short a can? You can always use a substitute for evaporated milk.

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Butter Pecan Cake

This irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
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Polynesian Meatballs

With pretty bits of pineapple, these meatballs are sure to attract attention—and the sweet-tart sauce brings people back for seconds. —Carol Wakley, North East, Pennsylvania
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Butternut Squash Casserole

This sweet butternut squash casserole is the perfect side to pair with savory dishes during a big family feast. Just be warned: If you take it to a potluck, you'll come home with an empty dish.
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Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese

This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
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Cherry & Spice Rice Pudding

I live in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This slow-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
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Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
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Potato Salad

Everyone needs a reliable potato salad recipe in their repertoire, and this one is classic in its simplicity. It's quick and versatile, and it will go with just about anything.
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Three-Chocolate Fudge

I make this fudge at Christmastime to give to friends and neighbors. That tradition started years ago when I made more candy than my husband, three sons and I could eat, so we shared it. It's a tasty tradition I'm glad to continue. —Betty Grantham, Hanceville, Alabama
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Cream of Wild Rice Soup

Tender cubes of chicken, fresh vegetables and wild rice make this soup hearty enough for a meal. You can't beat the down-home comfort of a warm bowlful. I like to serve it with whole wheat rolls. —J. Beatrice Hintz, Neenah, Wisconsin
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Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
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Coconut Clouds

Coconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
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Pumpkin Pie Smoothies

My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
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Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Sweet potato pecan pie pairs two southern classics in one delicious layered dessert.
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Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee

This decadent drink can stand alone as a final course or as a complement to dessert. Our family loves it for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio