Have a recipe that calls for half and half but you’re all out? With two ingredients you can make half and half. Use it for cooking, baking, adding to coffee, and more. It couldn’t be easier!
Half and half is one of my favorite ingredients. It makes homemade frosting extra luxurious, mashed potatoes super creamy, and it is delicious in coffee, icing, glazes, cocktails, and more.
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What is half and half?
Half and half is a combination of half milk and half cream. It is thicker and creamier than milk yet not as thick and decadent as cream. It falls right in between milk and cream.
How to make half and half
In order to make half and half combine equal parts milk and cream. If you use light cream it will be closer to store bought half and half. If you use heavy cream it will have a bit more fat, but it will still work just fine.
You can make a small portion or a large portion, based on what you need. For example:
- ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk = 1 cup half and half
- ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup milk = ½ cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons cream + 2 tablespoons milk = ¼ cup half and half
Evaporated milk as a substitute
If you do not have milk and cream to make your own half and half you can use evaporated milk as a substitute. Evaporated milk is milk that has had water content removed making it more concentrated than regular milk. You should be able to use this as a 1:1 substitute for half and half. I personally prefer the combo of cream and milk, but in a pinch evaporated milk will work.
Can you substitute half and half for heavy cream?
This depends on what the heavy cream is being used for. If you have a recipe that requires whipping heavy cream until it thickens and peaks form you will not be able to use half and half as a substitute. It doesn’t have enough fat and it won’t get thick enough to turn into “whipped” cream.
If you have a recipe that uses cream for creaminess and richness, such as cocktails, frosting, mashed potatoes, or dressing, you should be able to use half and half as a substitute with no problems.
More cooking and baking substitutes
Recipes using half and half
Half and half makes the custard for our French toast casserole extra rich, our sweet potatoes super creamy, and it adds a velvety texture to frostings, glazes, and drinks. You’ll find so many ways to use this easy substitute!
Recipe
Half and Half Substitute
Ingredients
- ½ cup cream (light or heavy)
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Combine cream and milk. Keep refrigerated and use as a 1:1 substitute for any recipe that calls for half and half.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
Hanna
Why didn’t I know about this sooner, thank you so much! So helpful!
Sam
I needed half and half for a recipe and this post was the answer I was looking for. Thank you for sharing!
Marianne
I have heavy cream but only 2% milk, not whole. Will this work? I need the half & half for a quiche. Thanks!
Allison
Yes. That will be fine.