Half-and-half is a delightful dairy product—it works just as well as a coffee creamer as it does for making luscious, rich mashed potatoes. But sometimes, you run out because life happens and you need a substitute for half-and-half. That’s where these genius swaps come in. Next time you’re using a recipe that calls for half-and-half and all you have is milk or cream in the fridge, turn to these savvy substitutions.
What Is Half-and-Half?
Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Half-and-half is a dairy product that is made by hom*ogenizing a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, which is the governing body that defines things like the difference between half-and-half and heavy whipping cream, half-and-half must contain at least 10.5 percent milkfat, but not more than 18 percent milkfat. Unlike heavy cream, half-and-half doesn’t hold its structure when whipped, so you can’t use it to make whipped cream. However, we have plenty of other brilliant recipes, like our Creamed Spinach & Parsnips, this refreshing, award-winning Lemon Basil Sherbet, and Cauliflower Gratin With Mornay Sauce.
Half-and-Half Substitutes
If you have whole milk and heavy cream on hand, you can make half-and-half. Using a measuring cup, simply combine 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream (aka whipping cream). Use this mixture just as you would if you had half-and-half, like mixing it into a cup of coffee or tea or churning homemade ice cream.
Another good way to make a substitute for half-and-half is to combine equal parts of milk and light cream (½ cup of each). This is the exact formula for half-and-half, but home cooks are more likely to have heavy cream on hand than light cream, which is why we think the first recipe is the best method.
You can also use skim milk to make half-and-half. Instead of using equal parts of milk and cream, use 2/3 cup of low-fat milk and 1/3 cup of heavy cream to make a seamless substitution.
Another suitable swap for half-and-half is evaporated milk. All you need is to substitute an equal amount of evaporated milk for half-and-half; so if your recipe calls for ½ cup of half-and-half, just use ½ cup of evaporated milk in its place.
There are other ingredients that you can use in place of half-and-half such as melted butter, silken tofu, cornstarch, and Greek yogurt, but those methods are less tried-and-true.
What is your favorite substitute for half-and-half? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
If it's heavy cream that's in your fridge, for 1 cup half-and-half, substitute ¾ cup milk plus ¼ cup heavy cream. If your household is more of a low-fat milk kind of place, adjust the ratio to account for the missing fat: 2/3 cup low-fat milk plus 1/3 cup heavy cream.
What is the substitute for half-and-half? ›
Since we now know that half and half is equal parts milk and cream, we can make a substitute. Get a liquid measuring cup, fill it to the 1/2 cup line with whole milk and then add heavy cream to the 1 cup line. You just made a substitute for half and half.
What is something that is half-and-half? ›
Half-and-half is simply a mixture of half whole milk and half cream. It's what you use when you need something richer than milk, but not quite as thick as cream. You'll find it in rich and velvety sauces, soups, and desserts.
What can I use as a substitute for heavy whipping cream? ›
The 10 Best Substitutes for Heavy Cream
- Milk and butter.
- Soy milk and olive oil.
- Milk and cornstarch.
- Half-and-half.
- Tofu and soy.
- Yogurt and milk.
- Evaporated milk.
- Cottage cheese and milk.
One tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of almond milk will give you a consistency most similar to half and half. Be sure to add the cornstarch a little at a time to help prevent clumping. If you're mixing with a whisk, it'll blend better if it's a little warm.
What is a good substitute for half-and-half in coffee? ›
Whole milk and heavy cream
These two ingredients are a great substitute when you're out of half and half, because these two ingredients are half and half. Since you are just making your own homemade version, this substitute will easily work as both a coffee cream and a cooking ingredient.
How do I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream? ›
By adding melted butter, which is around 80% fat, to the liquid, you can increase that fat content. For this substitution, you'll want to combine ¾ cup of half-and-half with ¼ cup melted unsalted butter—this will replace 1 cup of heavy cream.
What can I say instead of half? ›
Synonyms of half
- part.
- section.
- moiety.
- portion.
- segment.
- fraction.
- piece.
- element.
A half is one of two equal parts of something: Half an orange. She cut it into two halves.
What does something and a half mean? ›
informal. used to say that something is very good, large, difficult, etc. That was a meal and a half! Renovating a house is a job and a half.
If you have butter and milk (whole milk or even half-and-half work best), you can make your own heavy cream substitute. To make 1 cup of heavy cream, melt 1/4 cup of butter and slowly whisk in 3/4 cup milk. This works for most baking or cooking recipes that require heavy cream, but it will not whisk into stiff peaks.
Can sour cream replace heavy cream? ›
Sour cream has a high enough fat content—about 20%—to make it a good substitute for heavy cream in some savory recipes, such as soups or chili. However, while some chefs swear that sour cream is a key ingredient for a killer whipped cream, it generally can't be used on it's own to make whipped cream.
How do I substitute half-and-half for regular milk? ›
If your recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk, you can mix ½ cup of half-and-half with ½ cup of water. This combination balances the creaminess of half-and-half with the lightness of water, resulting in a mixture that closely resembles the taste and consistency of milk.
Can you use just milk instead of half-and-half? ›
The simple answer is yes. There will be a difference in richness, which you may experience as both flavor and texture, but the functionality of both in a recipe is fairly similar.
How do you replace milk with half-and-half in a recipe? ›
Half and half can easily be used in place of whole milk with the addition of a little water. Combine ¾ cup half and half and ¼ cup water for every cup of whole milk you're substituting. 1 cup whole milk: combine ¾ cup half and half and ¼ cup water.
Can I just use milk instead of half-and-half? ›
The simple answer is yes. There will be a difference in richness, which you may experience as both flavor and texture, but the functionality of both in a recipe is fairly similar.
Can I replace half-and-half with milk? ›
Half-and-Half Substitute: Milk + Cream
If it's heavy cream that's in your fridge, for 1 cup half-and-half, substitute ¾ cup milk plus ¼ cup heavy cream. If your household is more of a low-fat milk kind of place, adjust the ratio to account for the missing fat: 2/3 cup low-fat milk plus 1/3 cup heavy cream.
Is milk an OK substitute for half-and-half? ›
How to sub: Combine 2/3 cup low-fat or skim milk with 1/3 cup heavy cream to make an equal substitute for half and half in cooking, baking, and for your morning coffee. This 1-to-1 substitute works well as a half and half substitute for cooking and baking, but it's not a good alternative for your coffee.
What to do if recipe calls for milk I only have half-and-half? ›
Half and half can easily be used in place of whole milk with the addition of a little water. Combine ¾ cup half and half and ¼ cup water for every cup of whole milk you're substituting. 1 cup whole milk: combine ¾ cup half and half and ¼ cup water.
