Thanksgiving cooking is full of delicious decisions: pumpkin or pecan pie, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, and, perhaps one of the most common questions in the dairy aisle, heavy cream or half-and-half? Both start with milk, but they are not interchangeable in every recipe. Knowing the difference can help holiday cooks choose the right dairy product and get the texture and richness they are looking for.
Heavy cream: Rich and ready to whip
Heavy cream, also called heavy whipping cream, contains at least 36% milk fat, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its higher fat content gives it a thick, rich texture and allows it to be whipped into a topping for pies, cakes and other desserts. Heavy cream also is a popular choice for creamy mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, rich sauces and holiday desserts.
Half-and-half: Creamy and lighter
Half-and-half is a combination of milk and cream and generally contains between 10.5% and 18% milk fat. It has a thinner consistency than heavy cream and is commonly used in coffee, cream soups, sauces, casseroles, gravy and holiday beverages. “Dairy foods can add important nutrients, along with flavor and texture, to holiday meals,” said Jessica Kassel, nutrition educator and registered dietitian with St. Louis District Dairy Council. “Choosing the right dairy product for a recipe can help you enjoy the foods you love while creating the texture and flavor you want.”
Can you swap them?
Sometimes, but the finished dish may be different. Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half can make a dish lighter and thinner, while using heavy cream in place of half-and-half can make it richer and thicker. Half-and-half generally is not a good substitute when a recipe requires cream to be whipped. A simple rule to remember: If you need richness or whipping ability, choose heavy cream. If you want creaminess with a lighter consistency, half-and-half may be the better choice.
So, before a trip to the grocery store for holiday cooking, check the recipe. Choosing the right dairy product can help ensure your holiday favorites turn out just as delicious as planned.
Visit stldairycouncil.org for more information on the health benefits of dairy. You may also contact Jessica Kassel at 314-835-9668 or jkassel@stldairycouncil.org. Follow St. Louis District Dairy Council on Facebook and Instagram at STLDairyCouncil.