25 Ways To Use Up An Opened Carton Of Heavy Cream Before It Goes Bad

Heavy cream always seems like a great idea until you use a splash for a recipe and the rest just sits in the fridge, silently creeping toward its expiration date. Instead of letting it go bad (or convincing yourself it’s still fine a week too late), put it to work in something worth eating. From ultra-creamy pastas to rich desserts and comfort food classics, heavy cream can turn a regular dish into something next level.

Sweet Potato Ice Cream

This ice cream is made with cream cheese and heavy cream for a thick, smooth texture. A hint of cinnamon makes it taste like fall in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken coated in a creamy, seasoned sauce and cooked until tender. A no-fuss dinner that turns heavy cream into something worth making again.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Cauliflower Bacon Gratin

Cauliflower, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce baked until golden. Even cauliflower skeptics won’t complain about this one.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Bacon Gratin

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Butternut squash gets blended into a creamy pasta sauce and topped with caramelized mushrooms and sage. An easy way to use up heavy cream and skip the jarred stuff.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

This homemade tomato soup is thick, creamy, and packed with roasted garlic and basil. It’s way better than the canned version and a great way to use up extra heavy cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Heavy cream makes these mashed potatoes extra rich and smooth. The cream gets infused with garlic, onion, and rosemary before being mixed in, so every bite packs serious flavor. Skip the lumpy mashed potatoes and go for the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cheesecake Mousse Cups

Need a fast dessert? These no-bake cheesecake mousse cups come together in minutes. Creamy, sweet, and perfect for when you need a last-minute treat that still looks fancy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Mousse Cups

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake

This Oreo cheesecake is loaded with cookies and a creamy filling—no oven required. Just mix, chill, and slice. If you’ve got heavy cream to use up, this is a great way to do it.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Oreo Cheesecake

Coffee Flan

A smooth, coffee-flavored flan that takes barely any effort but looks like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. The homemade coffee cream on top is a great way to use that extra heavy cream before it expires.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Flan

Bacon Cheddar Chive Breakfast Biscuits

These biscuits are packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives. Flaky, buttery, and easy to whip up for breakfast or brunch. No one will complain about using up extra heavy cream when these are on the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Chive Breakfast Biscuits

Marry Me Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is rich, creamy, and packed with Italian herbs, pasta, and Tuscan flavors. It’s great for a cozy night in and a solid excuse to use up that heavy cream.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Skillet Scalloped Potato Gratin

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with heavy cream and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. This side dish is a crowd-pleaser and makes great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Scalloped Potato Gratin

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is as rich as it gets. Creamy sauce, melty cheese, and a crunchy crouton topping come together for a comfort food classic that won’t last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Spinach and Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

A creamy parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta, spinach, and mushrooms. Heavy cream makes the sauce extra rich, while toasted pecans add a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Bowtie pasta, chicken, and a creamy Italian-inspired sauce make this a dinner that’ll get repeat requests. Quick enough for a weeknight, but great for feeding a crowd, too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pasta

Biscoff Cream Pie

This pie is loaded with Biscoff cookie flavor from the crust to the filling. Smooth, rich, and ridiculously easy to make. If you’ve got heavy cream sitting around, this dessert is a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cream Pie

Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder

A thick, creamy chowder packed with seafood. Fresh fish and shellfish simmer in a heavy cream base for a one-pot meal that’s big on comfort.
Get the Recipe: Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

This no-churn ice cream is all about peanut butter and chocolate. Just six ingredients and some freezer time turn that extra heavy cream into a dessert worth the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes that go with any meal. Heavy cream makes them extra rich, so there’s no skimping on flavor here.
Get the Recipe: Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

Spinach and Bacon Quiche

This quiche is packed with bacon, spinach, onion, and cheese. Whether it’s brunch or dinner, it’s a great way to turn heavy cream into something that won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Mini No Bake Lemon Cheesecake

These little cheesecakes are fresh, creamy, and no-bake. The tart lemon balances out the richness, making them a great light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mini No Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Earl Grey Scones

These scones have just the right texture—light, flaky, and full of earl grey flavor. The vanilla glaze takes them over the top. Perfect with tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Earl Grey Scones

Creamy Orzo With Chicken

One pan, 30 minutes, and no chopping required. This creamy orzo with chicken is perfect for a busy night when you need something fast but still homemade.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Orzo With Chicken

No Bake Chocolate Pie

Oreo crust, rich chocolate ganache filling, and a layer of whipped cream on top. No baking, no hassle, just a seriously good pie.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Pie

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Pillowy gnocchi in a thick, creamy sauce with chicken. This one-pan meal is done in 30 minutes and is perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi