For most southerners, milk is a staple that you will always find in their refrigerator. Whether you’re down a gallon too many or your milk is about to expire, these milk recipes will help you use up what you have on hand. Not only is milk used in many breakfast recipesit’s also used in a variety of dinner recipes, side dishes, and, of course, desserts.
From French toast to meatloaf to mashed potatoes and more, here are our best recipes for using milk.
Jessica Furnis
We used white bread for this classic French toast recipe, but you can use any bread you like. This recipe makes 2 servings, but can easily be doubled (or tripled!).
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you’re craving a sweet treat, this edible cookie dough comes together in just 15 minutes and doesn’t require turning on the oven. Plus, it comes with a handful of pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Although it may be hard to resist, we recommend letting the banana pudding cool a bit before serving so that it thickens.
From Magnolia Painting by Joanna Gaines, this traditional mashed potato recipe requires only potatoes, milk, butter, salt and pepper. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
This strawberry cobbler comes with just 15 minutes of hands-on time. After removing from the oven, we recommend cooling the cobbler on a rack for about 20 minutes before serving.
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Props Stylist: Christina Daley
Our best homemade mac and cheese recipe uses 3 1/2 cups of milk, plus plenty of butter and cheese.
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Accessories stylist: Christine Keely
For this recipe, let the milk come to room temperature before starting to mix the dough.
Don’t be intimidated by the total time it takes to prepare these rolls. Just 25 minutes is practical time and, in our opinion, homemade dinner rolls are always worth the extra effort.
This recipe is here to prove that tater tots aren’t just for dinner. Assemble this casserole the day before serving and put it in the oven the next morning.
Antonis Achilleos; Props Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Three cups of milk help form the creamy sauce for this pasta dish. We recommend starting the sausage in a cold pan to encourage flavor development.
Greg DuPree; Food stylist: Ali Ramey; Props Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
This recipe enhances homemade cinnamon rolls by combining them with the flavors of ragweed.
Perhaps one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to use milk is to make a homemade milkshake. This sweet treat will be ready to sip in just 5 minutes.
STACY ALLEN; FOOD STYLIST: KAREN RANKIN; ACCESSORIES STYLIST: LINDSEY LOWER
Milk is one of the key ingredients that helps bind meatloaf. Plus, it keeps it from drying out while cooking.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Not only will this frittata recipe help you use up some of the milk in your fridge, but it’s also great for using up any leftover vegetables, meats, and cheeses you have on hand.
Antonis Achilleos; Props Stylist: Lydia Purcell; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
If you think rice is just a side dish, think again. This recipe turns it into a decadent dessert.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Props Stylist: Julia Bayless
Although homemade lasagna requires spending a little time in the kitchen, it is easy to prepare. Plus, it can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours until you’re ready to put it in the oven.
Caitlin Bensell; Food styling: Torie Cox
In addition to whole milk, Tres Leches Cake also requires one can of sweetened condensed milk and one can of condensed milk. The milk mixture is poured over the cooked cake and absorbed while it cools in the refrigerator overnight.
The best thing about this corn soup is that it comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s also made with milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, which makes it a little lighter.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Accessories stylist: Christine Keely
Orange marmalade adds a fresh, tangy flavor to homemade orange rolls, while cinnamon adds a bit of heat.
Caitlin Bensell; Food styling: Torie Cox
Everyone will I love eating their green vegetables when serving this creamy side dish. The Pepper Jack cheese gives it a little heat.
Stacy K. Allen, food stylist: Torie Cox; Props Stylist: Shell Royster
These cheesy grits are perfect for breakfast or dinner. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Antonis Achilleos; Props Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Honey is used in both the batter and the frosting of these cupcakes. Edible flowers are optional, but are a great addition if you’re serving these sweet treats for a special occasion.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Milk, cream cheese and mozzarella give this dip a creamy finish. You can serve with sandwich bread or tortilla chips.
Caitlin Bensell; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Use milk and ripe bananas with this recipe for homemade banana muffins. We recommend mixing by hand so as not to overmix them.
If the idea of making crepes intimidates you, we’re here to help you with an easy recipe. Just think of them as thin pancakes.