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
How to sub: Combine 3/4 cup whole milk with 1/4 cup heavy cream to use as a 1 cup substitute for half and half in any application. If you don't have whole milk in the fridge, you can also use low-fat or skim milk.
What else can I use if I don't have half-and-half? ›
How to sub: Combine 3/4 cup whole milk with 1/4 cup heavy cream to use as a 1 cup substitute for half and half in any application. If you don't have whole milk in the fridge, you can also use low-fat or skim milk.
Can you substitute butter for half-and-half? ›
Butter and milk
This half-and-half stand-in requires a combination of 1 tablespoon, melted (unsalted) butter, plus enough milk to get up to one cup total liquid. Mix it all together and use as an equal measure substitute wherever half-and-half is called for.
How to make half-and-half into milk? ›
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 whipping cream be substituted for half-and-half? ›
Whole milk, whipping cream, and even heavy cream are worthy half-and-half substitutes in any recipe that requires creaminess and richness. The consistency may be different than intended, but the dishes will still be delicious.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? ›
Similarly to half-and-half, milk makes a good heavy cream substitute when it's combined with melted butter. Combine 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter for every cup of heavy cream. This mixture is not suitable for whipping. Best for: cooking and baking.
Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream? ›
Sour cream is an easy replacement for heavy cream. It can be easily stirred into a dish and offers another flavor profile to soups, stews and sauces. Plus, using it as a heavy cream substitute is a great way to use up that lingering tub in the fridge.
Can I replace half-and-half with butter milk? ›
Replacing half-and-half with buttermilk is a little trickier. The tangy flavor of buttermilk is very different from milk or half-and-half. But the main difference is acidity. Buttermilk is high in acidity, and that can cause problems if you try to use it instead of half-and-half in baking.
Can I substitute a half a cup of oil for a half a cup of butter? ›
Replacing Butter with Oil
A good rule of thumb is to replace about 3/4 of the butter in a recipe with olive, canola, or vegetable oil. (If the recipe calls for 1 cup butter, use ¾ cup oil.) You can use a 1:1 ratio when it comes to coconut oil.
How much butter can I use instead of milk? ›
Mix one cup of water with 1 ½ teaspoons melted butter. Water can be used in most recipes that call for milk. According to the USDA, 88 percent of the volume of milk is water.
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.
What can I substitute for 1 cup of milk? ›
Dairy
| Food | Amount | Substitute |
|---|
| Milk, whole | 1 cup | 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup water |
| Milk, whole | 1 cup | 1 cup nonfat milk, 2 1/2 tsp butter |
| Milk, whole | 1 cup | 1 cup skim milk, 1 tbsp melted butter |
| Milk, whole | 1 cup | 7/8 cup skim milk, 1/8 cup heavy cream |
83 more rowsAccording to the FDA, half-and-half contains between 10.5 percent to 18 percent milk fat, while heavy cream contains between 36 percent and 40 percent milk fat. Because heavy cream contains more fat, it is thicker and has a richer taste and a creamier mouthfeel than half-and-half.
What if I don't have half-and-half? ›
Half-and-Half Substitutes
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.
Can I use sour cream instead of half-and-half? ›
Half-and-Half Substitute: Sour Cream or Yogurt
For baking, sour cream or yogurt are easy 1:1 substitutes for half-and-half, though both are tangier. When cooking, however, yogurt and sour cream may separate over direct heat and result in a chalky or gritty texture, so they may not be ideal for soups or sauces.
What is a non dairy substitute for half-and-half? ›
For another dairy-free option, blend in corn starch. It has a neutral flavor and will thicken any liquid. 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.
Can I use coffee creamer instead of half-and-half? ›
Creamer, on the other hand, is a non-dairy alternative to half-and-half, though many varieties contain casein, a milk protein. Often creamers are stabilized with various chemicals, and some are sweetened with corn syrup or given added flavorings, such as French vanilla, Irish cream, or hazelnut.
Can you sub Greek yogurt for half-and-half? ›
If you're low on dairy ingredients, don't fret. Greek yogurt can substitute milk, sour cream and heavy cream. Milk: If you're short on milk, half and half or light cream, Greek yogurt can be used to make up for the difference.
What can I use if I don't have half a cup? ›
So, if you need a ½ cup, you'll need 8 tablespoons of liquid. Measure your tablespoons with a measuring spoon for the most accurate results.
