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All out of milk or realized you’re all out while cooking? If you have half and half in your kitchen, then you can make a half and half substitute for milk that actually works!
Milk is a very popular ingredient in most kitchens since it is used in hundreds of recipes. However if you have no milk, you can use half and half as a substitute for milk so you don’t have to ran to the shop for just one ingredient in the middle of cooking a recipe.
This is so because half and half is typically made with equal amounts of cream and milk, hence the name half-and-half. And, while half and half is naturally luscious and rich, once the right amount of water is mixed into it, the result is an amazing milk substitute, both in terms of consistency and flavor.
Easy half and half substitute for milk
Half and half can be used as a substitute for milk at a 1:1 ratio if you do not mind the extra creaminess and richness that whole milk otherwise lacks.
However, more popularly, half and half is used as a substitute for milk once it has been diluted with some water. To make half and half similar in consistency to milk, there are 3 options available to you:
- Combine 3 parts half and half and 1 part water and mix well.
Then use this mixture in place of whole milk at a 1:1 substitute ratio.As and example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk, you will need to combine ¾ cups of half and half with ¼ cup of water to replace that 1 cup of whole milk.
- Combine 2 parts half and half and 1 part water
While the first conversion ratio is the most popular option, many people prefer to add even more water and less half and half so that the substitute is less fatty. If you’re someone who prefers a less fatty half and half replacement for milk, you can use 2 parts half and half and 1 part water instead. That is, ⅔ cup half and half and ⅓ cup of water to make a whole milk alternative.
- Combine 1 part half and half and 1 part water
It is also sometimes customary to use 1 part water and 1 part half and half for a less creamy milk alternative.
No matter the conversion ratio you choose to go with, rest assured that all of the half and half substitutes for milk can be used in any recipe that calls for milk such as baked goods, creamy soups, creamy pasta dishes and even creamy sauces.
Note: You will only achieve good results if you use unflavored half and half. Therefore, avoid using flavored half and half like the chocolate flavored half and half as this will not produce a good half and half milk substitute.
FAQs about using half and half as a replacement for milk
What happens when you substitute half and half for milk?
Half and half is made of 50% whole milk and 50% cream. Therefore, when half and half is used as a substitute for milk, it works similarly to whole milk, but, it also adds that extra richness to any recipe, especially if it is not diluted with water first.
Is half and half similar to milk?
Half and half has a light creamy texture and is richer and thicker than milk. Therefore, when used in place of milk it will make your dish creamier or richer compared to regular milk.
Can I substitute half and half for milk in mac n cheese?
Half and half can be used to make mac and cheese if milk is not available. However, you should note that it will make a decadent mac and cheese recipe, especially if it is not diluted as shown above and used instead at a 1:1 substitute ratio with milk.
Other milk substitutes you might want to try…
- Best substitute for milk in cookies
- Best substitutes for milk in cereal
- Substitutes for milk in mac and cheese
- Substitutes for milk
