Milk + Heavy Cream Substitute for Half-and-Half: Exact Ratio
Looking for a half-and-half substitute? Milk + Heavy Cream works as a direct replacement. Use 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream in any recipe that calls for half-and-half. This swap works best for coffee, sauces, quiches.
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.
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 + Heavy Cream 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 + Butter 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 + heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use milk + heavy cream as a substitute for half-and-half. Use 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream. This literally recreates half-and-half. The most accurate substitute possible.
How much milk + heavy cream equals half-and-half?
Use 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream to replace half-and-half with milk + heavy cream. Works best for coffee, sauces, quiches.
What is the best substitute for half-and-half?
Milk + Heavy Cream is a popular substitute for half-and-half. Use 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our half-and-half substitute page.