Ever wondered: “Can you freeze half-and-half?” Well, wonder no more as this post will cover everything from how to freeze half-and-half properly, how long to store it in the freezer, and more.
Half-and-half is made from cream and milk, both notorious for going sour pretty quickly (especially in summer). While there isn’t much you can do to avoid the inevitable, at least it can be delayed which you’ll see more of below.
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This hack will make your life easier and save you money if you’ve got some left-over half-and-half or if you want to keep it for another day. So keep reading if you’re interested.
Tip: Not sure what to do with your extra half-and-half? You can use it in this mouthwatering Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe (Yum).
Does Half-and-Half Freeze Well?
Freezing any cream-based product can be pretty tricky. As mentioned, if stored correctly, you can keep your half-and-half in the freezer for a few months. While doing so may save you money, you lose out on the quality and smooth consistency of a fresh half-and-half.
If not stored correctly, you can expect the frozen half-and-half to curdle up and split after it’s thawed. Yes, it can be a struggle to avoid this lumpy disaster, but how you freeze your half-and-half can alleviate this to a certain degree (literally at 0°).
Once you notice curdling (a lumpy consistency) and a distinct sour smell then it would be best to throw out. Consuming large amounts of sour half-and-half can lead to food poisoning.
Can You Freeze Fat-Free Half-and-Half?
Freezing fat-free cream and milk are even trickier. Short answer — it does not freeze well. The fat alternatives in this mixture do not survive the freezing process. Ultimately leaving you with something so far from the original product that it may not be worth using.
How to Freeze Half-and-Half?
Can half-and-half be frozen after opening it? Yes, but freezing half-and-half in its original container like a carton won’t be the best to preserve its quality. It’ll be much better to freeze your half-and-half in smaller portions. This will make it convenient and ready to use when needed.
Tip: A constant process of freezing and thawing will do more harm than good.
To freeze your half-and-half in smaller portions, you can do the following:
- Pour as much of the half-and-half as you desire into a freezer-safe ziploc bag, but leave some space in your bag in case the contents expand. Also, make sure to squeeze out all the air before freezing.
- You can use the same method above with airtight containers, again leaving some space in the container in case of expansion.
- Coffee-holics, pay attention. If you use half-and-half in your cup of joe, you may benefit by freezing it in ice trays and then plopping an iced block in your mug every morning. How convenient? Keep note to use an ice tray with a lid to prevent “freezer burn.”
For How Long Should You Freeze Half-and-Half?
To get the best out of your frozen half-and-half, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months (if stored properly). Beyond this point, you can still safely consume it; however, the quality and taste will no longer be the same.
Fun Fact: If you keep half-and-half frozen at 0° consistently, it will be safe to consume indefinitely.
How to Use Frozen Half-and-Half in Your Cooking?
Can you freeze half-and-half cream and then use it in your cooking or baking?
Half-and-half is a common replacement for heavy cream in baking. However, baking is all about getting the textures right, and with frozen half-and-half, the fats in cream don’t survive the freezing process. This means you won’t get the same fluffy texture as always.
Desserts aren’t as fussy. You can still make a banger dessert using left-over half-and-half. Not convinced yet? Try using half-and-half as a replacement for milk in this scrumptious apple cinnamon bread.
Tip: You can add more dry ingredients to your cakes or dessert to compensate for the more watery consistency of the half-and-half.
As for cooking and sauces, the thawed half-and-half will be just fine (works great for a creamy garlic sauce). Adding a thickening agent or butter is fantastic ways to compensate for the altered texture.
Final Thoughts on Freezing Half-and-Half
Now that you know how to properly store and freeze left-over half-and-half, what’s stopping you from indulging in creamy dishes? Try this comforting creamy chicken rice soup, and let us know your thoughts below.
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Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.