Don’t let that milk go to waste! Use up milk in these tasty recipes instead of pouring it down the drain.
They say, “Don’t cry over spilled milk.”
I say, “Don’t cry over milk about to expire. Use it up!”
Wasting food is akin to wasting money. We can salvage our grocery budgets when we reduce waste. And sometimes you have to be on your toes, keeping an eye on expiration dates so something doesn’t slip under your radar.
How Do You Use Up Milk Before It Goes Bad?
There can be times when you’ve got milk on hand that will expire before you can just drink it. Perhaps you’re about to leave on a trip or your people have been under the weather and not up to their usual milk-drinking prowess. Or maybe you find a great deal at the store. Snatch it up to reap savings.
First, know that you can freeze milk.
- Simply remove about an inch’s worth from the container to allow for expansion once frozen.
- Secure the lid and place the container in the freezer.
- About a day before you want to use the milk, remove it from the freezer and place it on a tray in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, shake the container well. The water and fat in milk separate so you want to mix them back together.
- Use the milk as you would normally.
Need to use the milk right away?
That’s when it’s time to get creative and start cooking. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can use it, especially when you dive into one of these yummy recipes I’m going to share today.
Many times you can make a recipe with milk then freeze it so that you don’t have to consume it all in that moment. If you’ve got any about to expire, make homemade yogurt, bake up some pancakes, prepare a homemade pudding, or mix up a white sauce or gravy.
Try one of these recipes that are good cheap eats.
14 Recipes To Use Up Milk
This rich and creamy soup is super comforting and freezes beautifully.
Ditch the can, man. Make your own cream of celery soup to use in cooking.
Homemade macaroni and cheese is delicious, especially when made with a touch of Alfredo.
White sauces are the base of a myriad of amazing recipes. Use this in lasagna, croque-monsieurs, casseroles, and even soups.
This cheesy soup is just what the doctor ordered!
Better than the box, this mac and cheese will having you coming back for second and thirds.
Learn to make your own homemade yogurt without a fancy machine!
Pancakes are delicious for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Make your own from scratch!
This milk and honey cornbread is incredibly comforting -- and super easy to stir up, no mix required.
Move over, Egg Nog. Milk Nog has arrived.
No need for packets of dry mix when you can make your very own hot cocoa on the stovetop.
Skip the packaged mixes. This homemade chocolate pudding is the real deal. And super-duper chocolatey.
Yes, you can make your very own chocolate cream pie. It will be amazing!
Enjoy this vintage layered dessert in minutes. Layered chocolate pudding and a cream cheese filling sit atop a tender crust. Yum!
How Do You Freeze Milk?
These are all delicious recipes that will help you to take care of that leftover gallon. But you know what, if you don’t have the energy to mess with it right now, stash it in the freezer and use it another time. Just be mindful that it’s close to its date.
Just simply place the milk (in the original container) or in a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer. Just make sure to leave room at the top for it to expand. Then when ready to use, just simply let it thaw in the fridge.
What’s your favorite way to use up milk?
Sandi says
Milk that needs to go is usually turned into yogurt, occasionally used for pudding, and sometimes used to make french toast. Stale bread to use up at the same time is an extra bonus!
Lee says
I freeze it in 1 cup portions to use in baking. I don’t usually have extra milk, but my husband wasn’t feeling well last week, and left nearly 3/4 of a gallon. I cooked day of, and then got out all the jars I had laying around and started freezing. 🙂
ks grandma says
I’m with Lee. I don’t usually have milk around, but when the grandkids come. . . Almost always there is some left after they go home. I freeze it in 1/2 C portions – in small containers. Once frozen, I pop them into a freezer bag so I have the use of my small containers for other bits.
Janet says
Potato pancakes (great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes) and bacon; grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup; and oldie from my Grandmother ‘s recipe box, tuna noodle casserole with peas.
the1chery says
I live alone but have grandchildren that visit so I need to have a lot of milk sometimes and not so much at other times. I often have milk that I need to use up! I like to make strata or a quiche with it.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Like you, I use it as a good reason to make hot cocoa on the stove top, unless it is summer and then I make chocolate milk. Another great use is using it to stretch buttermilk (there is a post on my blog, if you are interested in how I do it). You are so right, one of the best ways to keep grocery spending down is not to let anything go to waste. Thanks for sharing the links. That Cheddar Cheese Soup needs to be my lunch soon.
Miriam says
There is a yummy Dutch cake that takes a litre of milk. I usually make that when I have milk needing to be finished.
Ingredients:
1kg brown sugar
1kg self-raising flour
4 tbsp golden syrup or honey
1L milk
Cinnamon
Mixed Spice
Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer. Pour mixture into 4 loaf tins and bake in moderate oven until cooked (about 40min I think).
It’s such an easy recipe and it tastes great even if it’s not so healthy! 🙂
Jessica Fisher says
Thanks for sharing!
vb says
I’m having a little trouble converting kilograms to American cups. I’ve looked at a few converters but they don’t seem to convert properly. Can anyone help? Thank you!
Junco says
Unfortunately kg are a weight measure and cups are a liquid measure. What I’ve done in the past is figure out how much one cup of the item weighs then go from there. If your scale doesn’t do “tare” then weigh the empty cup first and subtract that amount from the final number.
Rachel Bassett says
Hi recipe looks good but what temperature does it cook at please?
Rose says
I am so happy i found your site. I was looking for recipes to use milk, I have so much. Your recipes are easy to follow and delicious!! Cheap and simple are my way of life. Plus not too time consuming which is great for a busy mom. I wanted to know if you offer any sugar-free recipes?
Jessica Fisher says
Hi Rose! Nice to meet you. I’m so glad the recipes have been helpful. I do have sugar free/naturally sweetened recipes, however, I don’t have them marked as such. If you check out the Whole 30 recipes, there will for sure be some there.
Felicia says
I’ve used it for making ricotta cheese to make stuffed shells. Then I save the whey for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and anything that calls for water or milk in my recipe.
Jessica Fisher says
Great idea! Thanks for the suggestion.
Corina says
I make crepes, or cook oatmeal in milk when it’s on its way out. Also biscuits and gravy.
Heather W says
Rice pudding is a good way to use up milk or egg custard
Jessica Fisher says
Yes!