Heavy cream may seem like an ingredient with a limited shelf life, but think again! The remaining tub can be used in a multitude of dishes beyond its initial purpose. Rather than discarding the excess, consider this versatile ingredient as a key player in your culinary repertoire.
While it’s essential to enjoy heavy cream in moderation and refrain from using it as a coffee substitute, its applications extend far beyond a single recipe.
From breakfast staples like fluffy scrambled eggs to soups, sauces, and decadent desserts, the possibilities are endless.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 recipes that incorporate heavy cream, providing you with creative solutions for using up the rest of the tub. As an added bonus, we’ll also delve into a dedicated section on sauces, offering even more inspiration for cooking and baking enthusiasts alike.
Spinach And Feta Frittata
To prepare this delectable frittata, preheat your oven first. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dill until well combined. Meanwhile, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook the onion until it begins to sweat. Next, wilt the spinach by stirring it in with the onion. Create a layer of this mixture in the skillet, topping it off with crumbled feta cheese.
Pour the egg mixture over the spinach layer and let it cook undisturbed until the edges start to set. Finally, finish cooking the frittata in the oven.
Scrambled Eggs
Elevate your scrambled egg game by incorporating heavy cream into the mix. While basic eggs and milk will do, the addition of this rich ingredient yields a creamy, moist, and indulgent breakfast treat. You may find yourself reaching for heavy cream more frequently after trying this recipe, which is surprisingly simple to prepare.
To make these decadent scrambled eggs, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and your desired seasonings.
Then, cook the mixture over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until the desired consistency is achieved. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve and enjoy.
Three-Cheese Quiche
When it comes to pairing ingredients, few combinations are as delightful as heavy cream and eggs. In fact, this classic duo is the star of the show in a mouthwatering Three-Quiche. To create this culinary masterpiece, start by combining egg yolks with whole eggs, along with half-and-half and a generous helping of heavy cream. Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor, as well as a sprinkle of seasoning blend, fresh basil, and a trio of cheeses – Swiss, cheddar, and mozzarella.
Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, pour it into a deep dish pie plate and top with an additional sprinkling of cheddar cheese. Finally, pop the quiche into the oven until your knife comes out clean, indicating that it’s perfectly cooked.
Cream Of Broccoli Soup
Transforming your Cream of Broccoli Soup into a velvety delight is as simple as incorporating heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process. When ready, combine the creamy addition with chopped chives and blend until the mixture achieves a luxurious consistency. The result will be a rich, thick soup that’s sure to please. For optimal presentation, consider warming individual servings in a pan before serving.
Tomato Soup
The rich flavor of Tomato Soup is deeply rooted in the combination of whole peeled tomatoes, fragrant basil, and concentrated tomato paste. However, a mere cup of heavy cream can have a profoundly transformative effect on the overall character of the dish. To create this culinary masterpiece, start by sweating onions and carrots in butter until they’re soft and translucent.
Next, add aromatic garlic and fresh basil to the pot, stirring to combine before introducing the tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then temper it with a simmer before removing it from the heat altogether. Once the soup has cooled slightly, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to achieve a silky smooth consistency.
Finally, gradually add in the heavy cream, stirring constantly as it thickens and enriches the soup, imbuing it with a luxurious quality that’s simply irresistible.
Tomato Tortellini Soup
When winter chill sets in, a warm bowl of Tomato Tortellini Soup can be just the thing to lift your spirits. This comforting creation is more than just a soup – it’s a hearty fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. The secret to this delightful dish? Heavy cream, which brings together the rich flavors of crushed tomatoes, cheese tortellini, balsamic vinegar, and broth in perfect harmony.
Serve ladled into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the ultimate winter comfort food experience.
French Onion Soup
As you explore the world of French cuisine, one dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds is the classic French Onion Soup. But what really elevates this comforting classic is the addition of heavy cream, which adds a rich and velvety texture to the soup. To start, begin by sautéing garlic, potato, and onions until they’re caramelized and golden brown. Then, deglaze the pan with wine to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Next, add in some water, bouquet garni, and beef base paste to create a hearty and flavorful soup. Use an immersion blender to purée the mixture, then remove the bouquet garni and set it aside. Finally, stir in some heavy cream and balsamic vinegar to give the soup its signature creamy texture. Before serving, add a pinch of seasoning and top each bowl with a puff pastry round for a truly indulgent treat.
New England Clam Chowder
This indulgent dish doesn’t require native New England clams; instead, it relies on the velvety smoothness of heavy cream to elevate its flavors. Smoked bacon lends a deep, savory note that perfectly complements the brininess of the clams, while thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and clam juice add layers of complexity. The crowning glory is the rich, creamy finish brought by the heavy cream as the dish nears completion.
Scalloped Potatoes
To elevate this Scalloped Potatoes recipe, heavy cream plays a crucial role in crafting a rich and indulgent sauce by combining forces with whole milk, savory seasonings, and aromatic garlic. To achieve the desired outcome, you’ll need to construct layers of delicate potato slices, alternating them with a creamy concoction featuring shredded Parmesan and Swiss cheese. While it may take around an hour for the potatoes to reach tender perfection, the end result will be well worth the wait.
French Toast
When it comes to crafting a delectable French toast, don’t overlook the potential of leftover heavy cream. This rich ingredient becomes a crucial component when combined with milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to form a velvety batter. The mixture is then used to bathe slices of bread in its creamy goodness, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that’s cooked to perfection in a skillet.
For added convenience, cook the French toast in batches and keep subsequent slices warm in the oven until serving time. Complete your masterpiece by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar and topping with fresh fruit for a truly decadent treat.
Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to Mashed Potatoes recipes, adding a luxurious twist can elevate the dish to new heights. One such recipe that stands out is one that incorporates the richness of heavy cream. To start, begin by peeling and cubing some Russet Potatoes. Bring them to a boil until they’re tender, then drain the excess water. Next, mash the potatoes with a generous amount of cubed butter, a pinch of salt, a few grinds of pepper, and a splash of heavy cream.
To take it to the next level, consider whipping in some extra smoothness with a whisk. The result is a creamy, indulgent side dish that’s sure to impress.
Creamy Grits
To elevate your grits game, repurpose leftover heavy cream as the secret ingredient. In a Dutch oven, combine this luxurious liquid with equal parts of half-and-half and water, then add butter and salt for depth of flavor. As you bring the mixture to a simmer, whisk in stone-ground grits slowly to prevent lumps from forming. Let the creamy concoction cook on low heat for approximately an hour, stirring occasionally, to achieve a silky, indulgent texture that will leave you craving more.
Brussels Sprouts Gratin
When it comes to vegetable dishes, this Brussels Sprouts Gratin is a standout. Its rich and creamy sauce, topped with a crispy, cheesy crust, makes it a holiday season staple. To achieve the perfect sauce, leave the heavy cream at room temperature before whisking in finely grated Gruyère. The result is a velvety smooth condiment that brings the dish together. One of the few ingredients you may need to freshly source is Brussels sprouts themselves, while leftover breadcrumbs will come in handy.
A well-rounded and indulgent recipe that’s sure to please.
Chili Nachos
Blending the bold flavors of chili with the richness of heavy cream creates a surprisingly harmonious combination. This recipe maintains its hearty base with ground beef, tomato sauce, pinto beans, canned diced tomatoes and green chilies, and chili mix. A generous pour of heavy cream and melted cheese turns this classic dish into a creamy indulgence. Take it to new heights by drizzling sour cream over the top just before serving.
The crunch of corn chips provides the perfect textural contrast to this velvety treat.
Rich Chicken Alfredo Pizza
The versatility of white sauce on a pizza is undeniable. By combining heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, you can create a rich and creamy base that complements a variety of toppings. To assemble this delightful combination, spread the white sauce over a pre-baked pizza crust, followed by your choice of ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, wilted spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Finally, bake at a high temperature until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Creamy Salmon Linguine
Combine the subtle flavors of garlic, heavy cream, and lemon juice to create a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with Salmon Linguine. Begin by cooking the linguine according to package directions, then add broccoli florets to the pot for the final five minutes of cooking. To complete the dish, simply warm up a piece of salmon to your liking, season it with your desired herbs and spices, and serve it atop the cooked linguine and steamed broccoli.
For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider garnishing with lemon zest, capers, fresh basil leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
One-Pot Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To prepare Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you’ll need heavy cream as well as a few staples from your pantry. The simplicity of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation. Begin by sautéing garlic until fragrant, then add uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, ensuring it reaches the perfect al dente consistency. If needed, add a splash of water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Once the pasta is done, stir in Parmesan cheese to bring out the dish’s rich flavors. Finally, garnish with parsley for a pop of color and serve hot.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
When combining flavors, garlic and heavy cream prove to be a match made in heaven, as evident in this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. This dish requires minimal cleanup, thanks to its one-pan wonder status. Begin by seasoning chicken breasts and coating them in flour before searing until golden brown in a mixture of butter and olive oil. Once the chicken is removed from the pan, toast the garlic in butter, allowing it to caramelize beautifully.
Next, add dry white wine and reduce it to enhance the flavors, followed by pouring in heavy cream and reducing once more. Return the chicken to the pan and cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, add some fresh spinach to wilt into the dish, adding a burst of nutrients and color. With these simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with a rich and satisfying meal.
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken
In this recipe, heavy cream plays a crucial role, much like it does in the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken dish. Here, it’s combined with lemon juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and flavorful sauce. To thicken the mixture, whisk in some cornstarch before returning partially cooked chicken to finish cooking and serving it over pasta.
Tenderloin Steak Diane
Elevate the flavor of your beef tenderloin by combining it with heavy cream. Begin by seasoning the steaks with a savory blend and cooking them in butter until they’re almost done. Remove the steaks from the pan, leaving behind any excess juices. Next, create a rich and creamy sauce by sautéing mushrooms until tender, then adding beef broth, heavy cream, and steak sauce. Allow the mixture to thicken before returning the steaks to the pan to coat them evenly with the indulgent sauce.
Lemon Cream Biscuits
These Lemon Cream Biscuits boast a delightful shelf life, making them perfect for using up excess heavy cream. To prepare the dough, simply combine self-raising flour with lemon zest and then stir in the cream until a cohesive mixture forms.
Next, shape the dough into desired biscuit shapes using a cutter. Before baking, brush the tops with an egg and milk wash, followed by a light sprinkling of sugar. The biscuits will emerge from the oven golden brown and utterly scrumptious.
Enjoy serving them warm with a dollop of jam or whipped cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
Coffee Ice Cream
When it comes to coffee, adding cream can be a game-changer – whether you’re sipping on a rich cup of joe or indulging in a decadent scoop of coffee ice cream. To create the perfect blend, start by combining whole milk with granulated sugar, salt, and a spoonful of coffee granules. Next, craft a velvety custard by slowly incorporating beaten egg yolks, then strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps.
Cover and refrigerate until chilled, before whisking in heavy cream and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth. Finally, churn your mixture in an ice cream maker and freeze for a creamy, dreamy treat.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the richness of Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, featuring a decadent combination of semisweet chocolate chips, baking cocoa, and velvety ganache. The foundation is built on a deep brownie base layer, crafted with melted butter, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla extract, reinforced by an egg, flour, salt, and baking sugar. Next, the creamy cheesecake layer shines with its star: semisweet chocolate chips.
Finally, the crowning glory is a luscious ganache, born from a union of melted chocolate chips, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. The result is a treat that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake
Transform leftover heavy cream into a decadent No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake with minimal effort. Start by whipping the cream with sugar and vanilla, then blend it with cream cheese to form the filling. Layer this mixture over crushed graham cracker crumbs infused with melted butter and sugar, before finishing it off with just a few cups of cherry pie filling. Allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for 90 minutes before serving.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Imagine the perfect dessert for a Thanksgiving gathering or any fall celebration: a Pumpkin Cheesecake that embodies the warmth and coziness of the season. The creamy texture, reminiscent of a mousse, is achieved by combining pumpkin puree with heavy cream, cream cheese, light brown sugar, salt, ground spices – including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg – vanilla extract, eggs, and whipped cream.
For an added crunch and indulgent touch, the cheesecake sits atop a base layer of crushed gingersnap cookie crumbs.
Bonus Section: Sauces
When faced with the daunting task of using up leftover heavy cream, why not simplify things by crafting a sauce instead? The possibilities are endless – from sweet treats like a rich salted caramel drizzle for dessert, to savory delights like a creamy ragù to pair with pasta, or even a roasted garlic-infused cream that elevs any dish.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Transforming excess heavy cream into a scrumptious salted caramel sauce is a genius way to repurpose leftovers. To do so, melt sugar in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches a deep amber hue. Then, carefully remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream, butter, salt, and almond extract. This heavenly concoction can be served warm or chilled, with storage options including refrigeration in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
When working with heavy cream, it’s essential to consider its shelf life, as it can spoil rapidly. If you have leftover cream and are planning a specific dish, consider incorporating it into your menu. Alternatively, take stock of the ingredients in your refrigerator and discover new recipes that utilize the cream. You might also repurpose it as an accompaniment for sweet treats or add a dollop to your morning coffee for a luxurious touch.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.