6 Best Half and Half Substitutes

Uh-oh, that’s a bummer! No need to stress–there are plenty of half-and-half substitutes you can use instead.

1.Butter and Milk

Looking for a simple substitute for half and half? This DIY version made with butter and milk is a perfect solution! It’s easy to whip up and works beautifully in a 1:1 ratio for most recipes.

Just keep in mind it’s not the best fit for coffee, but it shines in other dishes where a creamy touch is needed.

2.Vegan Half and Half

Looking for a vegan, lactose-free half and half? You’ve got options! Brands like Ripple, Califia Farms, and Nut Pods offer great store-bought choices, made with ingredients like coconut milk or almond milk.

Or, you can make your own at home–easy as can be! Soak cashews for about 30 minutes, then blend them with water and coconut milk until smooth and creamy.

Refrigerate and enjoy for up to 5 days. Here’s the deal with freezing: while it’s safe, it can cause separation. For the best results, use frozen half and half in recipes.

If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk it up to reincorporate any separated ingredients. Perfect for dairy-free cooking and baking!

3.Milk and Cornstarch

Did you know you can thicken milk instead of thinning heavy cream? Here’s how: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of whole milk, whisk until smooth, and you’ve got a perfect substitute for half and half.

It works great in recipes, but keep in mind it might not be the best for coffee–the flavor could come through a bit more than you’d like.

4.Milk and Heavy Cream

So we’ve already established that half and half is a mix of equal parts milk andcream. So if you run out and have those on hand, you’ve got half and half already!

Just mix the same amount of each, and you’re good to go. Though I should mention: half and half is usually made withlightcream. Not double or whipping cream.

But you have options no matter what cream or milk you have. Then, use any of these at a 1:1 ratio for half and half in your recipe or coffee.

5.Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a breeze to use as a half-and-half substitute. No mixing required–it’s ready to go! It’s creamier than regular milk but not as rich as heavy cream, making it a perfect stand-in for half-and-half.

If you find it too thick, just thin it out with a splash of water. Use it 1:1 in recipes or your morning coffee. Keep in mind, evaporated milk has a slightly toasted flavor that might subtly change the taste of your final dish.

6.Heavy Cream and Water

Running low on half and half? No worries! You can easily make a substitute using heavy cream and water. The cream gives most of the flavor, while the milk thins it out.

In a pinch, mixing heavy cream with a bit of water works great. The taste might be slightly different since you’re diluting the cream, but if your recipe doesn’t require a lot of half and half, it won’t be too noticeable.

This substitute shines in cooking and baking, where the flavor blends in seamlessly. To use it, simply mix the heavy cream and water at a 1:1 ratio and substitute it directly in your recipe.

It’s an easy solution that saves the day!