Homemade Half and Half Substitute Recipe
Introduction
If you’ve run out of half and half, don’t worry! You can easily make a homemade substitute with just a few common ingredients. This simple mix replicates the creamy texture and mild flavor of store-bought half and half, perfect for coffee, cooking, or baking.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (any percentage)
Instructions
- Step 1: Measure out 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of milk.
- Step 2: Combine the heavy cream and milk in a container or bowl and stir until fully mixed.
- Step 3: Use this mixture as you would regular half and half in your recipes or beverages.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute non-fat milk for regular milk and reduce the heavy cream accordingly.
- If you want richer half and half, increase the heavy cream slightly and reduce the milk.
- To mimic half and half when you only have butter and milk, mix 2 tablespoons melted butter with 1 cup milk for a creamy alternative.
Storage
Store any unused half and half substitute in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake well before using, as separation can occur. This substitute is best used fresh but can be gently reheated if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skim milk to make half and half substitute?
Yes, you can use skim or non-fat milk, but the mixture will be less creamy. Adding a bit of melted butter helps enhance the richness.
Is this substitute good for coffee and cooking?
Absolutely. This homemade blend works well in coffee, sauces, soups, and baking recipes that call for half and half.
Print
Homemade Half and Half Substitute Recipe
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
Description
This easy homemade half and half substitute allows you to recreate the creamy richness of store-bought half and half using simple ingredients like milk, heavy cream, and optional butter. Perfect for coffee, cooking, and baking, this versatile substitute can be tailored to your preferred creaminess by adjusting proportions.
Ingredients
Option 1
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (any percentage)
Option 2
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Option 3
- 2/3 cup non-fat milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Option 4 (with melted butter)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 scant cup milk (any percentage)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Choose one of the ingredient combinations above and pour the milk and cream (or milk and melted butter) into a bowl or container. Stir or whisk together until fully blended to create your half and half substitute.
- Use as Half and Half: Use this mixture in any recipe or coffee where you would normally use store-bought half and half. It provides a similar creamy texture and flavor, perfect for cooking, baking, or beverages.
Notes
- Adjust the milk and cream ratio to achieve your desired richness and fat content.
- Using melted butter mixed with milk is a great alternative when heavy cream is unavailable.
- This substitute should be refrigerated and used within 2-3 days for freshness.
- Shake or stir well before each use as the mixture may separate slightly upon standing.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Substitute/Miscellaneous
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Universal
Keywords: half and half substitute, homemade half and half, milk and cream substitute, dairy substitute, cooking substitute

