Have a carton of leftover half and half? Whether you’re craving pasta, breakfast, soup, or dessert, there is a half and half recipe here to suit every mood!
Today, we’re continuing our “Stuff I’ve Googled” series, where we learn how to make the most of common kitchen leftovers.
So far, we’ve covered:
- Leftover Egg White Recipes
- Leftover Egg Yolk Recipes
- Leftover Buttermilk Recipes
- Canned Chipotles in Adobo Sauce Recipes
- Canned Coconut Milk Dessert Recipes
Today, we’re covering another common leftover: half and half. Just like everything else in the series, we’ll cover what half and half is, how to store half and half, and share plenty of half and half recipes so you can use up every last drop!
Table of Contents
What is Half and Half?
Half and half is simply a combination of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. It averages 10-12% fat, making it richer and creamier than whole milk but not as rich as heavy cream.
For many people, including myself, half and half is a favorite for stirring into coffee, but I like to keep it on hand for a variety of other things, including soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes.
Can half and half be substituted for milk in recipes?
In most cases, half and half is a great substitute for milk! You might not want to pour it over your morning cereal, but half and half can be subbed for milk in most cooking and baking recipes.
Feel free to substitute half and half for milk in pasta recipes, mashed potatoes, baked goods, and anything with a cream sauce. In fact, you may even prefer half and half over milk in recipes like Creamy Mac and Cheese and Homemade Mashed Potatoes, where it adds extra creaminess and richness.
Can half and half be substituted for heavy cream in recipes?
Again, the answer is usually. Just as half and half can be used to add extra richness in recipes that call for milk, it can also be used to lighten up recipes that call for cream. Want to dial back some of the fat in your favorite Creamy Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup? Sub in half and half!
Unfortunately, half and half cannot be substituted for heavy cream to make whipped cream. You can shake, whip, and whisk all day, but half and half won’t turn into whipped cream.
How to Store and Freeze Half and Half
Half and half should be stored in the refrigerator. To freeze half and half, place it in a freezer safe, airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, and make sure to give it a good shake or whisk to reincorporate anything that might have separated.
Frozen and thawed half and half works well for cooking, but I prefer to use fresh in coffee and other beverages.
Half and Half Recipes
Need to use up leftover half and half? Whether you have a few Tablespoons or two cups of half and half, this collection of recipes will help you use it up!
Recipes using less than 1 Cup Half and Half
1
The Best Chocolate Bundt Cake Ever
1/4 cup- A rich, super moist chocolate bundt cake covered in a dark chocolate glaze made with coffee and sour cream.
2
Homemade Mocha Frappuccino
Photo Credit:www.crunchycreamysweet.com
1/3 cup- A copy cat mocha frappuccino is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day!
3
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crumb Topping
3/4 cup- Ultra rich and creamy baked mac and cheese with a crispy Panko crumb topping.
4
Creamy Sausage and Kale Penne
3/4 cup- Kale, Italian sausage, and penne are tossed in a simple cream and Parmesan sauce for a super quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
5
Easy Baked French Toast Casserole
Photo Credit:gatherforbread.com
3/4 cup- Easy baked french toast casserole is a quick breakfast bake that's great for company!
6
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff - Pressure Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Photo Credit:www.happyfoodstube.com
1/2 cup - Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender beef pieces and creamy mushroom sauce served with a side of your choice!
7
Donut Bread Pudding
Photo Credit:fantabulosity.com
1/2 cup- This recipe is so easy and crazy delicious, using only 6 simple ingredients! Uses regular glazed or Krispy Kreme donuts.
8
Classic Pumpkin Scones (with Brown Butter Glaze)
Photo Credit:www.theflavorbender.com
Perfectly spiced and sweet, buttery, soft and delicious, these Classic Pumpkin Scones are the perfect celebration of Fall! Can be made ahead of time, and frozen for later too.
Recipes using 1 Cup Half and Half
9
Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
1 cup- Rich and satisfying Ham and Potato Soup is a warm, hearty dinner that's perfect for using up leftover ham!
Crustless Quiche Lorraine
1 1/2 cups- Crustless Quiche Lorraine is an easy gluten free quiche recipe that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or casual brunch. Packed with bacon, onions, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan, this recipe is always a crowd pleaser!
11
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1 cup- Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect warming soup for a cold day. This version is rich and cheesy without being too thick or heavy!
12
Chai Custard Recipe - Nourished Kitchen
Photo Credit:nourishedkitchen.com
1 cup- Infused with ginger, cardamom, star anise and black tea, this Masala Chai Custard offers a delicate flavor and utterly creamy texture.
13
French Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Photo Credit:freshaprilflours.com
1 cup- This Homemade Vanilla Coffee Creamer only requires 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep!
14
Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo pasta
Photo Credit:berrymaple.com
1 1/2 cups- Creamy Alfredo pasta fettuccine noodles made in your instant pot is a simple dinner recipe for your whole family to enjoy! Ready in under 20 minutes and this creamy Parmesan sauce is just perfect!
15
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Photo Credit:www.reneeskitchenadventures.com
1 cup- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes take plain mashed potatoes to a whole new level with the addition of fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese for a side dish that will take center stage!
16
Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta
Photo Credit:tastingwithtina.com
1 cup- Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta is a quick vegetarian dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Recipes using 2 Cups Half and Half
17
Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon
2 cups- Overnight Breakfast Casserole is an egg strata loaded with bacon, cheese, spinach, and caramelized onions. This hearty breakfast is perfect for Christmas morning!
18
Quick Salmon Chowder | Crumb: A Food Blog
Photo Credit:www.crumbblog.com
2 cups- This quick salmon chowder uses half-and-half cream for a lighter alternative to the usual heavy cream.
19
Funfetti Ice Cream Krispie Cupcakes
2 1/2 cups- Vanilla Ice Cream tops these adorable rice krispie cupcakes that would be perfect for a kid's birthday party!
20
Homemade Sausage Gravy — perfect for Biscuits & Gravy!
Photo Credit:saltandbaker.com
2 1/2 cups- Classic Homemade Sausage Gravy is creamy, rich, and perfect ladled over biscuits, potatoes, or fried chicken!
21
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Photo Credit:www.lovefromtheoven.com
2 cups- A delicious copycat recipe for creamy pasta and Cajun spiced chicken inspired by the Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta.
