If you are like most people, you probably use cloves to add flavor to your dishes. But sometimes you might not have cloves on hand, or you might want something a little different.
When I was out of cloves one day, I tried using some substitutes that I had never used before. And let me tell you, it was an adventure! I ended up using a combination of different spices to create a dish that my family loved. And the best part is that it saved me time and money. So if you are looking for a cloves substitute, or just want to try something new, check out the substitutes below!
Best Clove Substitutes
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Mace
- White or black peppercorns
- Star anise
- Five-spice powder
- Ground cloves
- Cinnamon + nutmeg
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a great substitute for cloves because it has a similar flavor profile. I’ve used nutmeg in dishes like pumpkin spice lattes, apple pies, and even spiced baked chicken. Nutmeg is a warm and aromatic spice that’s often used in sweet and savory dishes alike.
When using nutmeg as a substitute for cloves, I usually start with a smaller amount and then adjust to taste. Nutmeg is also a versatile spice that can be used in sweet or savory dishes, so feel free to experiment!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of my favorite substitutes for clove. I use it in dishes where I want the sweetness of cinnamon with a little bit of warmth and spice. Cinnamon is a great addition to oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt. It’s also delicious in baked goods, like cookies, cakes, and quick bread.
When substituting cinnamon for clove, I usually use about half as much cinnamon as I would clove. This ensures that the flavor of Cinnamon is present without overpowering the other flavors in the dish. However, you can always opt to use it in a 1:1 ratio.
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. I encourage you to experiment with it in your cooking and baking to find new ways to enjoy its flavor.
Allspice
Allspice is often used as a substitute for cloves in dishes because it has a similar flavor profile. I have used allspice in both sweet and savory dishes and it always adds a warmth and depth of flavor that is very similar to cloves.
When substituting allspice for cloves, I usually use a 1:1 ratio. This means that if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cloves, I would use 1 tablespoon of allspice instead.
Allspice is a very versatile spice and can be used in many different types of dishes.
I think it pairs particularly well with pork, but it can also be used in desserts, soups, and stews. If you’re looking for a clove substitute, give allspice a try!
Cardamom
I often use cardamom as a substitute for cloves. Cardamom has a similar flavor profile to cloves, but it is a bit more versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. I find that cardamom works well in dishes that also include other spices, such as cinnamon and ginger.
When substituting cardamom for cloves, I typically use a 1:1 ratio. However, you may need to adjust the ratio depending on the other ingredients in the dish. If you are using cardamom in a sweet dish, you may want to experiment with adding a bit more sugar to balance out the flavors.
Overall, cardamom is a great substitute for cloves and can help to add a bit of flavor to any dish
Pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute for clove in recipes. I’ve used it in a variety of dishes, and it always adds a delicious warmth and depth of flavor.
The best ratio to use is 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for every 1 teaspoon of clove. This substitution works well in gingerbread recipes, spiced cakes, and even savory dishes like roasted squash.
Pumpkin pie spice is a versatile ingredient that can really elevate your cooking.
So next time you’re out of cloves, don’t panic – just reach for the pumpkin pie spice!
Mace
Mace is the lacy, reddish covering that surrounds the nutmeg seed. Mace is a great substitute for clove because it has a sweet, woody taste.
I’ve used mace in dishes like apple pies and cinnamon buns and it tastes just like clove. Mace can be substituted in the same amount as clove.
Mace is also a great spice to use in savory dishes like stews and sauces. Mace is a good alternative to clove because it is less pungent and has a sweeter flavor.
Mace is also cheaper than clove, so it is a great option if you are on a budget. However, it can be slightly harder to find.
Most times Mace can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
White or black peppercorns
White or black peppercorns are the best substitute for cloves.
They have a slightly different flavor and can be found in most grocery stores. The only downside I found was that is that they need to be ground before use depending on the recipe.
I typically use a 1:1 ratio of peppercorns to cloves. So, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cloves, I would use 1 tablespoon of peppercorns. If your recipe doesn’t require grounded cloves, you can also skip out on grounding your peppercorns.
This substitution works well in most dishes, though the flavor is not identical. Dishes that contain other strong flavors, such as curry or chili, will taste the best with peppercorns.
Peppercorns are also a great way to add some spice to a dish. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable clove substitute, peppercorns are the way to go!
Star anise
Star anise is a common ingredient in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, and it has a similar flavor to cloves.
I often use it as a substitute for cloves in dishes such as pho and stir-fry. The best ratio to use is 1:1, meaning that for every clove called for in the recipe, you would use one star anise.
Star anise is also a good substitute for cloves in baked goods, such as gingerbread or spice cakes. When substituting star anise for cloves in baking, I usually use a little less than the recipe calls for, as star anise has a stronger flavor.
Overall, star anise is a versatile spice that can be used as a substitute for cloves in many different dishes.
Five-spice powder
Five-spice powder is a great substitute for clove. I personally use it in dishes such as apple pie or gingerbread cookies. It gives the dish a similar flavor to if you were to use cloves, but with a little bit of a different twist that I think is pleasant.
The Five-spice powder ratio I usually use is a 1:1 ratio with cloves. I think this gives the dish the perfect amount of flavor without being overpowering.
Five-spice powder can also be used as a substitution for other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice.
So if you’re ever in a pinch and don’t have cloves, five-spice powder is a great alternative.
Ground cloves
Ground cloves can be used as a substitute for cloves in recipes. I have personally used this substitution in dishes such as apple pie and cinnamon rolls.
Ground cloves can also be used to make clove-infused oil or vinegar. To do this, simply add a few tablespoons of ground cloves to a jar of olive oil or vinegar. Allow the mixture to infuse for a few weeks before using it in salad dressings or marinades.
When using ground cloves as a substitute for cloves, I would recommend using a ¾ to 1 ratio. So you can use ¾ tsp of grounded cloves for 1 tsp of whole cloves.
Cinnamon + nutmeg
Cinnamon and nutmeg are one of my favorite substitute combinations for clove. I love the warm and spicy flavor it adds to dishes. I’ve used it in a variety of dishes, including sweet and savory ones.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are also a great way to add depth of flavor to savory dishes like curries, stews, and roasted meats.
The best ratio to use depends on the dish you’re making and your personal preferences.
I usually start with a 1:1 ratio of cinnamon to nutmeg and adjust from there.
Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a clove substitute- you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!
FAQ
Ground cloves to whole cloves
When substituting cloves with ground cloves in a recipe, use 1 whole clove for every ¾ teaspoon of ground cloves and vice versa. So 1 whole clove to ground cloves would be ¾ tsp.
How many cloves in a teaspoon of 4 whole cloves to ground?
To substitute 4 whole cloves to ground would require about 3 tsp ground cloves to 4 tsp of whole cloves.
Substitute for cloves in curry
The best substitute for cloves in curry is peppercorns or allspice. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable clove substitute, peppercorns are the way to go!
Substitute for cloves in pumpkin pie
The best substitute for cloves in pumpkin pie is pumpkin pie spice which is made from cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger.
Clove Alternatives for ham
Nothing will truly replace the effects of cloves in ham, however, there are many different cloves alternatives you could try. Some of the most popular substitutes include:
- ground cloves
- star anise
- five-spice powder
- cinnamon + nutmeg
- peppercorns
- allspice
Conclusion
Cloves are a popular spice that can be used in many different dishes. However, if you’re ever without cloves or simply looking for a substitution, there are many different options on the list to choose from. All of these substitutes will give your dish a similar flavor to cloves, but with their own unique twist.
Now that you’ve got a few different substitutes for cloves, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen and start experimenting!