half and half

DairyYear-round

Half and half provides approximately 150 calories per cup and contains moderate amounts of calcium and vitamin A. The 10-12% milk fat content offers a balance between nutritional density and dietary considerations.

About

Half and half is a dairy product composed of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream, creating a product with approximately 10-12% milk fat content. Originating in the United States, it occupies the midpoint between whole milk and heavy cream in terms of fat content and richness. The product is homogenized to ensure uniform consistency and prevent separation of the fat from the liquid components. Half and half has a smooth, slightly rich mouthfeel with a mild dairy flavor that is less intense than cream but more substantial than whole milk.

Culinary Uses

Half and half is commonly used in coffee and tea as a lighter alternative to heavy cream while providing more richness than milk. It serves as a versatile ingredient in cooking, ideal for creating creamy sauces, soups, and gravies without the excessive richness of pure cream. In baking, it can be employed in custards, ice cream bases, and dessert preparations. It is also used in creamed vegetables and in diluting heavy cream for specific applications where full-fat cream would be too heavy. Its moderate fat content makes it suitable for both sweet and savory preparations across American and contemporary international cuisines.

Forms & Preparations

Liquid (Fresh) — Refrigerated liquid product, standard form for daily use in beverages and cooking.
Liquid (refrigerated) — Fresh, pourable dairy product sold in bottles or cartons, most common form requiring cold storage and use within 1-2 weeks of opening.
Liquid — The standard form, sold refrigerated in cartons or bottles, ready for immediate use in beverages and cooking.
Ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed — Shelf-stable half and half with extended shelf life, packaged in aseptic containers for storage without refrigeration until opened.
Ultra-pasteurized — Heat-treated for extended shelf life (14-21 days), more stable for cooking but may not whip properly
Ultra-pasteurized liquid — Heat-treated for extended shelf life (typically 2–3 weeks); may be less suitable for whipping but remains stable for sauces and coffee.
Shelf-stable (aseptic) — Unopened cartons stored at room temperature; convenient for storage and travel, with similar composition to refrigerated versions.
Fat-free or reduced-fat — Modified versions with lower fat content (0-6% milk fat) and added thickening agents, designed as lighter alternatives.
Powder (dried) — Dehydrated half and half product used in some commercial and culinary applications; reconstituted with water, less commonly available for home use.
Shelf-stable (UHT) — Ultra-high-temperature processed for room-temperature storage, commonly available in single-serve portions for coffee service
Single-serving packets — Pre-portioned packets for beverages, commonly available in food service and hospitality settings for consistency and convenience.
Powdered (dried) — Dehydrated form requiring reconstitution with water; primarily used in camping, emergency supplies, and industrial applications rather than home cooking.

Used In

Recipes Using half and half (80)

RCI-MT.002.0212.001

Pork Chops Jamaican

Makes 2 servings

RCI-SN.001.0305.001

Queso Blanco Dip

White cheese dip

RCI-RC.002.0021.001

Red-Berry Breakfast Risotto

Makes 6 servings

RCI-SP.006.0051.001

Rice and Avocado Vichyssoise

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0231.001

Rice and Cheese Bake

300px| Rice and Cheese Bake Serves 4

RCI-SP.002.0178.001

Rich Cream of Mushroom Soup

This soup is rich and very good. From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: Mrs.

RCI-SP.006.0052.001

Rosy Strawberry Soup

Yield: 24 servings, ⅔ cups each

RCI-SP.004.0266.001

Rouladen

RCI-DS.001.0483.001

Royal Pineapple Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.005.0196.001

Sauerkraut Soup I

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.002.0237.001

Scallops with Maple Mustard Cream Sauce

This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.

RCI-BR.006.0302.001

Second Harvest Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Second Harvest Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0187.001

Shrimp and Corn Chowder with Bread and Clams

If you can't find these type of potatoes in your grocery store refrigerator section, you can substitute one pound of potatoes, peeled, cubed, parboiled and seasoned with salt and pepper. From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 8 servings.

RCI-SP.002.0195.001