We know how it goes. You’re all set to bake, but there’s no lard in sight. We’ve got some awesome substitutes that will save the day. Whether you’re whipping up a pie or some cookies, these alternatives will have you covered.
Personal story? One time, we were right in the middle of making our famous biscuits and—bam—no lard. Absolute disaster, right? Not quite!
Here, we’re spilling our secrets. Check out these six easy lard substitutes.
6 Easy Substitutes for Lard
As we all know, lard is basically just pig fat that has been rendered and clarified. While it may be a staple in some baking recipes, there are plenty of other ingredients that can provide similar results. Here are our top six picks:
1 – Butter
First off, butter is a classic. It’s rich and creamy, adding a delicious flavor to any recipe. You probably already have it in your fridge.
Butter can be used as a 1:1 substitute for lard, making it super convenient.
We once had to use butter instead of lard for our cookies, and they turned out amazing! The cookies had a nice, soft texture and a slightly sweet taste.
For more buttery alternatives, check out other butter substitutes.
2 – Shortening
The thing about shortening is it’s reliable. It has a neutral flavor, so it won’t overpower our baked goods.
We’ve found that it creates a wonderfully crumbly texture, perfect for pies and pastries. Unlike butter, it doesn’t add any extra moisture, which is great for keeping things crispy. We’ve used shortening in our pie crusts and they came out flakier than ever.
For more options, read our guide on shortening substitutes. With a 1:1 ratio, it’s as easy as it gets.
3 – Coconut Oil
The third substitute for lard is coconut oil.
Coconut oil is versatile. It has a subtle coconut flavor, adding a hint of tropical taste. This can make your baked goods unique.
We used coconut oil in muffins once, and they were moist with a light coconut aroma. The oil’s texture helps make brownies fudgy.
Use coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio with lard. For more info on alternatives, see our guide on coconut oil substitutes.
It’s a great option for both sweet and savory dishes. If you’re baking, give coconut oil a try!
4 – Ghee
As clarified butter, ghee brings a nutty, rich flavor that’s intense in our bakes. This substitute works wonders for savories like biscuits and pie crusts.
Ghee has a high smoke point, so our pastries don’t burn easily. Its texture is silky and makes everything tender.
Using a 1:1 ratio, ghee can replace lard effortlessly. We’ve baked cookies with ghee, and they were buttery with a hint of caramel.
For other butter options, see our guide on ghee substitutes. Try ghee for a richer taste experience.
5 – Bacon Grease
While bacon grease might sound unconventional, it’s a legit lard substitute. Bacon grease adds a smoky, savory flavor to our dishes. It’s perfect for savory bakes like biscuits or cornbread. We’ve tried it and loved the unique twist it brings.
This substitute is great for frying, too. Our fried chicken came out golden and crispy. The best part? You probably have bacon grease already. Use it at a 1:1 ratio.
For more options, check out our bacon grease substitutes.
6 – Olive Oil
The vibe with olive oil is smooth and rich. Its fruity essence makes our bakes divine. The slightly bitter tone enhances savory dishes.
It’s a solid substitute. We swapped olive oil for lard in our bread. The result? Crisp crust and a tender crumb.
It’s good for sautéing. High smoke point means no burning woes. Our garlic pasta tasted amazing.
Use it at a 3/4 cup olive oil to 1 cup lard ratio. For more alternatives, check out this olive oil substitutes guide.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.