Best Ghee Substitutes
Out of ghee? These are the best ghee substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 4 options will have you covered.
Ghee Substitution Options
½ cup Unsalted Butter
Use instead of ½ cup Ghee
Ghee is made from butter, so butter is the most natural swap — just note butter has a lower smoke point (~300°F vs ghee's ~485°F). In baking and lower-heat cooking the results are nearly identical.
½ cup Refined Coconut Oil
Use instead of ½ cup Ghee
Refined coconut oil is dairy-free with a similar high smoke point (~450°F). It has no coconut flavor and works as a 1:1 swap for cooking, roasting, and baking. A good vegan option.
½ cup Vegan Butter (e.g., Miyoko's)
Use instead of ½ cup Ghee
For dairy-free cooking, vegan butter works well in most ghee applications. It has a lower smoke point, so it's better for baking and sautéing over medium heat rather than high-heat cooking.
½ cup Avocado Oil (for high-heat cooking)
Use instead of ½ cup Ghee
Avocado oil's ~500°F smoke point matches ghee's suitability for high-heat cooking. Use it for searing, stir-frying, and roasting. It has a very neutral flavor and is dairy-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for ghee?
The best substitutes for ghee are ½ cup Unsalted Butter, ½ cup Refined Coconut Oil, ½ cup Vegan Butter (e.g., Miyoko's). Ghee is made from butter, so butter is the most natural swap — just note butter has a lower smoke point (~300°F vs ghee's ~485°F). In baking and lower-heat cooking the results are nearly identical.
Can I use ½ cup Refined Coconut Oil instead of ghee?
Refined coconut oil is dairy-free with a similar high smoke point (~450°F). It has no coconut flavor and works as a 1:1 swap for cooking, roasting, and baking. A good vegan option.
How do I substitute ghee in baking?
When substituting ghee in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.