36 Recipes with Heavy Cream That Use Up the Carton

Hannah PughRai Mincey

By Hannah Pugh and Rai Mincey

Updated on Dec. 16, 2025

From pastas to biscuits, these recipes with heavy cream prove how effortlessly the refrigerator staple enriches mains, sides, soups and sweets.

Heavy cream is the refrigerator staple that can make the humblest meal silky, comforting and downright irresistible. To make the most of each carton, we’ve rounded up recipes with heavy cream that showcase the ingredient’s ability to add a velvety touch to just about anything. Heavy cream can enhance creamy pasta recipes, create sumptuous creamy desserts and enrich fun whipped drinks. I lean on it often, whisking it into a decadent sauce or stirring it into a creamy soup recipe to make it that much better.

In this collection, you’ll find recipes across every category: decadent desserts, hearty chicken dinners and luscious casseroles, along with clever sides. These dishes are reliable, approachable and deliver the signature comfort you expect from dishes with heavy cream. If you run out, try one of these heavy cream substitutes in a pinch. I can’t overstate the difference just a splash makes—consider this your go-to resource for using every last drop.

1/36

Penne alla Vodka

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 504 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 966mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
2/36

Tuscan Chicken

Total Time:45 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, rich chicken dish is special enough to serve to company. Even better, it comes together in only 45 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup sauce: 591 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.
3/36

Potatoes au Gratin Gruyere

Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Potatoes au gratin Gruyere is a delicious and flavorful side for your favorite meaty main dishes come fall and winter. Patience is key for turning out tender and cheesy 'taters! —Megan Taylor, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 294 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
4/36

White Chili

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:7
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Years ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 334 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein.
5/36

2-Ingredient Biscuits

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8 biscuits
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These 2-ingredient biscuits make a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. I never made biscuits until I tried this recipe, now my husband wants them all the time! —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 biscuit: 213 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
6/36

Hot Chocolate Poke Cake

Total Time:1 hour 25 min
Servings:12 pieces
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This decadent hot chocolate poke cake is filled with gooey marshmallow fluff, layered with a fudgy ganache and topped with a hot cocoa-flavored whipped cream. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 674 calories, 44g fat (22g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 512mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
7/36

Stabilized Whipped Cream

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator:

Stabilized whipped cream holds up where homemade whipped cream doesn't—yet tastes just like it! Our version with pudding mix doesn't weep or separate, doesn't deflate and can even be made in advance. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 60 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
8/36

Fettuccine Alfredo

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Fettuccine Alfredo is such an easy classic to make that everyone should have a go-to recipe in their collection. This dish can be eaten just as it is or add sauteed shrimp for a heartier meal. —Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 882 calories, 71g fat (44g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 831mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
9/36

Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff

Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by a holiday specialty made by Matthew McConaughey's wife, Camila Alves, this Brazilian chicken stroganoff recipe is quickly prepared and packed with flavor. —Suzanne Podhaizer, St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 545 calories, 42g fat (22g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
10/36

Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

Total Time:45 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Frequently requested at family get-togethers, this rich and hearty soup is ready in a flash. Cooking for a vegetarian? Swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth. —Danielle Noble, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 399 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
11/36

Queso Dip

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Thick, cheesy and creamy, this queso is perfect for dipping. I use mild chilis and salsa, but if you like more heat, you can kick it up with medium-heat varieties. Serve it over eggs and omelets for breakfast or pasta with a sprinkle of bacon for a Mexican-American mac and cheese. —Kallee Krong-MCCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 172 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 289mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/36

Marry Me Chicken

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With a name like Marry Me Chicken, you know people can't help falling head-over-heels for this dish. It's all about the comforting sun-dried tomato cream sauce, loaded with herbs, fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 313 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
13/36

French Hot Chocolate

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One of my fondest memories of Paris is sipping a cup of thick, dark hot chocolate at one of the patisseries there. Parisian hot chocolate is velvety smooth, rich and decadent and almost the consistency of a molten chocolate bar. It is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. I bought Parisian espresso cups so we could enjoy this at home. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 226 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
14/36

Salted Caramel Sauce

Total Time:20 min
Servings:1-1/4 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rich and delicious, this salted caramel sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, salty and creamy all in one. I like to make a big batch and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 191 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/36

Earl Grey Tiramisu

Total Time:35 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Instead of dipping ladyfingers into coffee or espresso and topping the dessert with cocoa powder, Earl Grey tiramisu coats the rounded cookies in a sweetened tea mixture and mixes infused Earl Grey whipped cream into the traditional mascarpone cheese layer. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 322 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
16/36

Smoky Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These garlic mashed potatoes have an additional, unexpected smoky flavor from the smoked paprika and the smoked Gouda cheese. Your guests will be surprised and delighted at the variation come Thanksgiving! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 436 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
17/36

Chicken and Dumplings

Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Servings:8 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
18/36

Tortellini with Tomato Cream Sauce

Total Time:25 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This tortellini with tomato cream sauce is warm and satisfying. Put spinach, tomatoes and other pantry staples to use in the colorful dish. —Barbra Stanger, West Jordan, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 459 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
19/36

Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Total Time:25 min
Servings:1-1/4 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. It's the perfect base for our best ice cream sundae ideas, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 308 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/36

Strawberry Shortcake

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; strawberry shortcakes, roasts, soups and pies. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 231 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
21/36

Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This yellow squash and zucchini casserole is the perfect way to use up an abundance of summer squash. It's easy to prepare, takes just 10 minutes in the oven and serves up bubbly and delicious. —Jonathan Lawler, Greenfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 203 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
22/36

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate side dish! —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 673 calories, 50g fat (28g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
23/36

Butter Chicken

Total Time:50 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is my version of butter chicken, a classic curry dish beloved around the world. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and imparts flavor, but the star of the show is the aromatic, creamy tomato gravy. Dried fenugreek is optional, but if you can find it, it adds a special nuance to this famous dish. Warm naan bread on the side is perfect for mopping up all of the luxurious sauce. —April Preisler, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 497 calories, 35g fat (16g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
24/36

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Total Time:45 min
Servings:1 pizza (8 pieces)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Had a full day of sledding, shopping or decorating? Settle in for a family-pleasing meal of homemade pizza. With a prebaked crust and simple Alfredo sauce, it’s easy and delicious. —Tammy Hanks, Gainsville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 large slice: 391 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
25/36

Ragu Sauce

Total Time:2 hours 25 min
Servings:10 (7-1/2 cups)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves homemade spaghetti sauce and this one is a big hit. I always make sure to serve this ragu sauce recipe with plenty of garlic bread. —Kate Gaul, Dubuque, IA
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 308 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 800mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
26/36

Creamy Salmon Linguine

Total Time:25 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 802 calories, 55g fat (30g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
27/36

Creamy Lemon Chicken

Total Time:55 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 381 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
28/36

Meatball Stroganoff

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 717 calories, 57g fat (30g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 1291mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
29/36

Shrimp Ravioli

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:5
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this recipe after I sampled a similar dish when my husband and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Now I make it at home often. When I'm not re-creating recipes, I'm busy quilting, crafting and keeping up with our four children and five grandkids. —Nettie Smith, Loveland, Colorado
30/36

Easy Tres Leches Cake

Contest Winner
Total Time:55 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom's favorite cake is tres leches, a butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk. I developed a no-fuss version that’s rich and tender. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 343 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
31/36

Chocolate Caramel Candy

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:about 8 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This dazzling treat tastes like a homemade Snickers bar and has flavor beyond compare. When I entered it in a recipe contest at our harvest festival, it won five ribbons, including grand prize and the judges' special award. —Jane Meek, Pahrump, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 86 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
32/36

White Russian

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 580 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
33/36

The Best Quiche Lorraine

Total Time:2 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Nestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It's truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 671 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 308mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
34/36

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Total Time:50 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This impressive-looking cinnamon roll french toast casserole has a secret—it's made with canned cinnamon rolls. If you like, you can make the recipe the night before: Simply prepare as directed, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 614 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
35/36

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love to create homemade versions of store-bought classics, like this Hamburger Helper recipe. It's ready in under 30 minutes and is made in a single pot—and it's every bit as delicious as the original without the mystery ingredients. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 704 calories, 33g fat (16g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1073mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
36/36

Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

Contest Winner
Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:4-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.

Recipes with Heavy Cream FAQ

How long does heavy cream last?

Unopened heavy cream typically lasts about a month in the refrigerator, while an opened carton lasts about a week, if stored in the coldest part of the fridge. It may be safe to eat past its expiration date, but it’s always best to check before using it with a quick sniff test.

Can I freeze heavy cream to use it later?

Heavy cream is one of the common baking ingredients you can freeze, and it lasts for about four months. Freeze it in an airtight, freezer-proof storage container, leaving some room at the top for expansion, or portion it out into ice cube trays to use in small amounts. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. Previously frozen cream may not whip as well, but it is still incredible in soups, sauces and baked goods.

What are easy ways to use leftover heavy cream?

To easily use up leftover heavy cream, stir a splash into pasta or pan sauces to add instant richness, or blend it into soups for a luxurious finish. It’s also great in scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies and salad dressings. Add it to your coffee for a homemade coffee shop drink that upgrades your go-to morning mug.