Substitute for Half-and-Half: 6 Easy Cooking Options
The best substitute for half-and-half is Milk + Heavy Cream at a 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream ratio. It works best for coffee, sauces, quiches. There are 5 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Milk + Heavy Cream
1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream
This literally recreates half-and-half. The most accurate substitute possible.
What are the other substitutes for half-and-half?
Milk + Butter
7/8 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter
Whisk together. The butter adds fat to approximate half-and-half's richness. Will not whip.
Whole Milk
1 cup whole milk per 1 cup half-and-half
Slightly less rich but works in most recipes. Sauce and soup results will be a bit thinner.
Evaporated Milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water
Diluted evaporated milk approximates half-and-half's fat content. Slight caramelized flavor.
Oat Milk (barista blend)
1 cup barista oat milk per 1 cup half-and-half
Barista-style oat milk is formulated to be creamier and more full-bodied than regular oat milk.
Coconut Milk (canned, diluted)
1/2 cup canned coconut milk + 1/2 cup water
Dilute full-fat canned coconut milk to reduce heaviness. Adds slight coconut flavor.
What should you know before substituting half-and-half?
Half-and-half sits between milk and cream in fat content, making it ideal when you want richness without heaviness. It will not whip because its fat content is too low. In coffee, the fat carries flavor and rounds out bitterness.
How do you substitute half-and-half in a recipe?
A blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream containing 10-18% milk fat. Used in coffee, sauces, soups, quiches, and custards where you want richness without the heaviness of cream.
The best substitute for half-and-half depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Milk + Heavy Cream (1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream), which works well for coffee, sauces, quiches.
If you need a different option, Milk + Butter (7/8 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter) is another reliable choice. Whisk together. The butter adds fat to approximate half-and-half's richness. Will not whip.
When substituting half-and-half, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of half-and-half in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make half-and-half at home?
Mix 1/2 cup whole milk with 1/2 cup heavy cream. This creates a perfect half-and-half with the right fat content of 10-18%. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes. Whole milk works in most recipes, though results will be slightly less rich. For a closer match, add 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter to 7/8 cup milk to boost the fat content.
What is a dairy-free substitute for half-and-half?
Barista-style oat milk is the best dairy-free option for coffee. For cooking, dilute canned coconut milk with equal parts water. Both approximate half-and-half's creamy body.