Milk + Butter Substitute for Half-and-Half: Exact Ratio
Looking for a half-and-half substitute? Milk + Butter works as a direct replacement. Use 7/8 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter in any recipe that calls for half-and-half. This swap works best for sauces, soups, baking.
Best Substitute
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.
Tips When Replacing Half-and-Half in Recipes
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.
What Is Half-and-Half and Why Substitute It?
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.
Milk + Butter is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of half-and-half. For a complete list of half-and-half substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full half-and-half substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Half-and-Half?
Milk + Heavy Cream instead of Half-and-Half
View substitute ratio →
Whole Milk instead of Half-and-Half
View substitute ratio →
Evaporated Milk instead of Half-and-Half
View substitute ratio →
Oat Milk (barista blend) instead of Half-and-Half
View substitute ratio →
Coconut Milk (canned, diluted) instead of Half-and-Half
View substitute ratio →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk + butter instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use milk + butter as a substitute for half-and-half. Use 7/8 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter. Whisk together. The butter adds fat to approximate half-and-half's richness. Will not whip.
How much milk + butter equals half-and-half?
Use 7/8 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter to replace half-and-half with milk + butter. Works best for sauces, soups, baking.
What is the best substitute for half-and-half?
Milk + Butter is a popular substitute for half-and-half. Use 7/8 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our half-and-half substitute page.