Out of Egg wash, one case
Egg wash substitute, in depth
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Milk
Same amount as the egg wash
The best egg wash substitutes are milk, melted butter, or oil for general use. For vegan options, use plant milk, aquafaba, or oil. For breading, use milk or buttermilk. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, but adjust based on your recipe and dietary needs.
- Best for —
- pie crusts
One casethe full egg wash card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of egg wash |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milkpie crusts | Same amount |
| 2 | Melted butterpie crusts | Same amount |
| 3 | Plant milk (vegan)vegan baking | Same amount |
| 4 | Aquafaba (vegan)vegan baking | Same amount |
| 5 | Oilgeneral baking | Same amount |
| 6 | Buttermilkbreading chicken | Same amount |
| 7 | Heavy creampuff pastry | Same amount |
| 8 | Water + oil mixgeneral baking | 2:1 water to oil |
Milk
mild, creamy
Dairy milk provides similar liquid consistency and helps with browning. Good for general baking and glazing applications.
- Best for
- pie crusts, bread, pastries, bagels, general baking, when you want mild flavor
- Texture
- liquid, similar consistency
Milk provides good browning and shine. Use whole milk for best results. Brush on before baking for golden color.
Melted butter
rich, buttery
Melted butter provides rich flavor and excellent browning. Good for pastries, bread, and when you want buttery richness.
- Best for
- pie crusts, puff pastry, croissants, bread, pastries, when you want rich flavor
- Texture
- liquid when melted
Melted butter provides excellent browning and rich flavor. Brush on before baking for golden, shiny finish.
Plant milk (vegan)
varies by type
Plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk. Good for vegan baking and provides similar browning properties.
- Best for
- vegan baking, pie crusts, bread, pastries, when you want plant-based option
- Texture
- liquid, similar consistency
Use unsweetened plant milk for best results. Some varieties may brown differently than dairy milk.
Aquafaba (vegan)
neutral taste · liquid, similar consistency
Liquid from canned chickpeas that mimics egg properties. Excellent vegan substitute with good binding and browning capabilities.
- Best for
- vegan baking, pie crusts, pastries, when you want egg-like properties, binding applications
Aquafaba provides similar properties to egg wash. Use the liquid from canned chickpeas or make your own.
Oil
neutral taste, liquid texture
Neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Provides good browning and shine without adding flavor.
- Best for
- general baking, bread, when you want neutral flavor, frying applications
Oil provides good browning and shine. Use neutral oils for best results. Brush on before baking.
Buttermilk
tangy, creamy
Cultured milk with tangy flavor that provides excellent browning and tender texture. Good for breading and baking.
- Best for
- breading chicken, fried chicken, biscuits, bread, when you want tangy flavor
- Texture
- liquid, slightly thicker
Buttermilk provides excellent browning and tender texture. Great for breading applications and Southern-style baking.
Heavy cream
rich, creamy
Rich dairy cream that provides excellent browning and shine. Good for luxurious pastries and breads.
- Best for
- puff pastry, croissants, luxury pastries, when you want rich finish
- Texture
- liquid, thick
Heavy cream provides the richest browning and shine. Use for special pastries where you want maximum richness.
Water + oil mix
neutral taste · liquid, slightly thicker
Simple mixture of water and oil that provides good browning and shine. Good when you want a neutral option.
- Best for
- general baking, when you want simple option, neutral flavor applications
Mix 2 parts water with 1 part oil. This provides good browning without adding flavor. Shake well before using.
How it behaves in this recipe
Egg wash serves multiple purposes in cooking: it provides browning, shine, and helps with adhesion. When substituting, consider the specific application - baking, breading, or glazing - and choose alternatives that provide similar properties. Vegan options require different considerations for binding and browning.
Tips for substituting egg wash
15 tips- For pie crusts: Use milk or melted butter for best browning and shine
- For bagels: Use milk or water for traditional appearance, or egg wash for extra shine
- For puff pastry: Use melted butter or heavy cream for luxurious finish
- For bread: Use milk, butter, or oil for golden crust
- For fried chicken: Use buttermilk for best breading adhesion and flavor
- For vegan baking: Use plant milk, aquafaba, or oil for plant-based alternatives
- For breading: Use milk or buttermilk for best adhesion of breadcrumbs
- For pastries: Use melted butter for rich flavor and excellent browning
- For croissants: Use melted butter or heavy cream for authentic French finish
- For pretzels: Use water or milk for traditional appearance
- For challah: Use milk or egg wash for traditional Jewish bread finish
- For rolls: Use milk or butter for golden, shiny finish
- For cookies: Use milk or butter for browning and shine
- For buns: Use milk or butter for golden crust
- For binding: Use aquafaba or buttermilk for best adhesion properties
Notes on egg wash
- For general baking: Use milk, melted butter, or oil for good browning and shine
- For vegan baking: Use plant milk, aquafaba, or oil for plant-based alternatives
- For breading: Use buttermilk or regular milk for best adhesion
- For luxury pastries: Use heavy cream or melted butter for rich finish
- For traditional appearance: Use water or milk for authentic look
- For rich flavor: Use melted butter or heavy cream for buttery taste
- For neutral flavor: Use oil or water-oil mix for no added taste
- For binding: Use aquafaba or buttermilk for best adhesion properties
- Pie crustMilk or melted butterSame amountMilk provides good browning, butter adds rich flavor. Brush on before baking for golden crust.
- BagelsMilk or waterSame amountMilk provides better browning, water gives traditional appearance. Add seeds after brushing.
- Puff pastryMelted butter or heavy creamSame amountButter or cream provides luxurious finish. Brush on before baking for golden, shiny finish.
- BreadMilk, melted butter, or oilSame amountMilk for browning, butter for flavor, oil for neutral taste. Brush on before baking.
- Fried chickenButtermilk or regular milkSame amountButtermilk provides tangy flavor and excellent adhesion. Dip chicken before breading.
- BreadingMilk or buttermilkSame amountMilk provides good adhesion for breadcrumbs. Dip items before breading for best results.
- CroissantsMelted butter or heavy creamSame amountButter or cream provides authentic French finish. Brush on before baking for golden color.
- Vegan bakingPlant milk, aquafaba, or oilSame amountPlant milk is most accessible, aquafaba provides egg-like properties, oil gives neutral taste.
- PretzelsWater or milkSame amountWater provides traditional appearance, milk adds browning. Brush on before baking.
- ChallahMilk or egg washSame amountMilk provides good browning for traditional Jewish bread. Brush on before baking.
- PastriesMelted butter or heavy creamSame amountButter or cream provides rich flavor and excellent browning. Brush on before baking.
- CookiesMilk or melted butterSame amountMilk or butter provides browning and shine. Brush on before baking for golden color.
Questions
15 questionsWhat's the best substitute for egg wash on pie crust?
For pie crusts, milk or melted butter work best as egg wash substitutes. Milk provides good browning, while melted butter adds rich flavor and excellent shine. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking.
Can I use milk instead of egg wash?
Yes, milk is an excellent substitute for egg wash. It provides good browning and shine, though it may not be as glossy as egg wash. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking.
What's the best vegan substitute for egg wash?
For vegan egg wash substitutes, use plant milk (almond, soy, or oat), aquafaba (chickpea liquid), or oil. Aquafaba provides the most similar properties to egg wash, while plant milk is the most accessible option.
Can I substitute butter for egg wash?
Yes, melted butter is an excellent substitute for egg wash. It provides rich flavor and excellent browning. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking for best results.
What's the best substitute for egg wash on bagels?
For bagels, milk or water work well as egg wash substitutes. Milk provides better browning, while water gives a more traditional appearance. Brush on before baking and add seeds if desired.
Can I use oil instead of egg wash?
Yes, oil can substitute for egg wash and provides good browning and shine. Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. Brush on before baking for best results.
What's the best substitute for egg wash in breading?
For breading, buttermilk or regular milk work best as egg wash substitutes. They provide excellent adhesion for breadcrumbs and help create crispy coating. Use 1:1 ratio and dip items before breading.
Can I use aquafaba instead of egg wash?
Yes, aquafaba is an excellent substitute for egg wash, especially for vegan baking. It provides similar properties to egg wash with good binding and browning capabilities. Use 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for egg wash on puff pastry?
For puff pastry, melted butter or heavy cream work best as egg wash substitutes. They provide luxurious finish and excellent browning. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking.
Can I use buttermilk instead of egg wash?
Yes, buttermilk is an excellent substitute for egg wash, especially for breading and Southern-style baking. It provides tangy flavor and excellent browning. Use 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for egg wash on bread?
For bread, milk, melted butter, or oil work well as egg wash substitutes. Milk provides good browning, butter adds rich flavor, and oil gives neutral taste. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking.
Can I use heavy cream instead of egg wash?
Yes, heavy cream is an excellent substitute for egg wash, especially for luxury pastries. It provides the richest browning and shine. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking.
What's the best substitute for egg wash for frying?
For frying, buttermilk or regular milk work best as egg wash substitutes. They provide excellent adhesion for breading and help create crispy coating. Use 1:1 ratio and dip items before breading.
Can I use plant milk instead of egg wash?
Yes, plant milk (almond, soy, or oat) can substitute for egg wash, especially for vegan baking. Use unsweetened varieties for best results. Some may brown differently than dairy milk.
What's the best substitute for egg wash on croissants?
For croissants, melted butter or heavy cream work best as egg wash substitutes. They provide authentic French finish with excellent browning and shine. Use 1:1 ratio and brush on before baking.