
milk
Milk is an excellent source of complete protein, calcium, and phosphorus; it also provides B vitamins (particularly B12 and riboflavin) and vitamin A. The fat-soluble vitamin content and bioavailability of minerals is enhanced by the milk's fat content.
About
Milk is a nutrient-dense liquid secreted by the mammary glands of lactating mammals to nourish their offspring. In culinary contexts, cow's milk is the most widely used type globally, though goat, sheep, buffalo, and camel milk are significant in various regions. Milk consists primarily of water (approximately 87%), lactose (milk sugar), casein and whey proteins, and milk fat, with the precise composition varying by species, breed, diet, and lactation stage.
Whole milk typically contains 3.5-4% fat; lower-fat versions include reduced-fat (2%), low-fat (1%), and skim milk (0-0.5% fat). Raw milk differs from pasteurized milk in microbial content and enzyme activity; ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing allows longer shelf stability. Milk flavor ranges from neutral to slightly sweet and creamy, with variations influenced by animal diet, breed, and freshness.
Culinary Uses
Milk functions as both a foundational ingredient and a finished beverage across virtually all culinary traditions. It serves as a primary component in dairy products including cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream; appears in baked goods, sauces, custards, and desserts; and is essential to beverages from hot chocolate to latte preparations. In cooking, milk provides moisture, richness, and structure to béchamel and other classic sauce foundations, contributes to emulsification in soups and gravies, and facilitates the development of tender crumb in cakes and pastries.
Different milk fat contents suit specific applications: whole milk is preferred for drinking and cream-based applications, while skim or low-fat milk works well in lighter sauces and beverages. Milk can be reduced, scalded, or fermented to concentrate flavors and alter texture. Its interactions with heat, acid, and salt are fundamental to cheese-making, sauce preparation, and bread-making.
Used In
Recipes Using milk (1,275)
Maandazi
Maandazi from the Recidemia collection
Macadamia Bread
300px| Macadamia Bread
Macadamia Nut Cream Pie
Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group
Macadamia Nut Fudge
Family and friends look forward to this creamy fudge every holiday season. The macadamia nuts make it extra special. -Kristine Sokowski, Tremont, Illinois SERVINGS 44 CATEGORY Dessert METHOD Other stovetop PREP 15 min. COOK 15 min. TOTAL 30 min.
Macadamia Upside-down Cake
I just remembered! The cake was absolutely marvelous — as we thought it might be :) There's not a crumb left!
Macanese Steamed Egg Custard
Macanese Steamed Egg Custard from the Recidemia collection
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese from Recipes for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment by the National Cancer Institute, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Soft, moist, and nourishing, this recipe is just as popular with or without milk.
Macedonian Coconut Cake
Macedonian Coconut Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mahamri
Mahamri from the Recidemia collection
Make Ahead French Toast Soufflé
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Prep Time 20 min.
Malibu Milk Shake
Contributed by The Bartending School
Malibu Rice
Makes 4 servings.
Maltese Bread (Hobz)
Serves 4.
Maltese Rice Pudding
Serves 4.
Mandarin orange cake
Mandarin orange cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Mango-Banana Oatmeal Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Mango Coconut Pie
Mango Coconut Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mango Crumb Cake
Mango Crumb Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake
Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango Ham Loaf
Mango Ham Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Mango Kheer
Mango Kheer
Mango-Lime Pudding
Makes 6 servings.
Mango Milchshake
Description
Mango-Raspberry Frost
Mango-Raspberry Frost from the Recidemia collection
Mango Rum Runner
This is great summer drink.
Maple Crème Brûlée
Maple Crème Brûlée from the Recidemia collection
Maple Hot Chocolate
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.
Marc Veyrat's Pumpkin Soup with Bacon-flavoured Whipped Cream
Marc Veyrat is a famous French chef. This recipe is very simple, but has a lot of flavour through the whipped cream topping. It is so easy to prepare, that even beginners would succeed. In his restaurant it is served in small pumpkins.
Marengo Meat Balls with Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Maryland's Best Fried Chicken
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Makes 6 servings
Mashed spinach with fried eggs
In Romanian: Pire de spanac pentru ochiuri.
Massa Sovada
Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group
Matzo Meal Pancakes
These are kosher for Passover
Maya Angelou's Banana Pudding
Created by Maya Angelou
Mbatata Cookies
Malawi is known as the "warm heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of Malawian people. These cookies can be cut in the shape of hearts to commemorate the Malawian people.
Meatball - Appetizers
This is a wonderful little appetizer we serve after Christmas Midnight Mass in our house.

Meat Balls
Meat balls are a quick and simple addition to any meal.
Meat-filled pancake
A pancake filled with a filling that is made out of meat and Mushrooms. Can be eaten as lunch, or as an appetizer.
Meatloaf Cheese
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

Meat Loaf I
Meat loaf
Meatloaf with Forethought
This recipe says not to have the gravy with the meatloaf, but have baked potatoes with the meatloaf. Have gravy later in the week over rice, noodles, or cold meatloaf. I think I'd have it over whatever I wanted.
Melkkos I
Milk food
Melktert I
Melktert. Good traditional Zambian and South African custard pie recipe. Try it! This is no Quick Melktert (microwave) recipe. This is the game traditional Zambian way.
Meringue-topped Pineapple Rice Pudding
Makes 8 servings.
Mexican Chocolate Cake with Mocha Buttercream
Mexican cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Holiday Recipes
Mexican Cocoa
Mexican Cocoa from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Corn Casserole
Mexican Corn Casserole from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Sausage Pie
Mexican Sausage Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Surprise Meatballs
Mexican Surprise Meatballs from the Recidemia collection