30 Recipes To Use Up The Heavy Cream In Your Fridge

A little splash of the good stuff makes everything better.

By

Mary Shannon Wells

and

Updated on June 24, 2024

Southern Living No Bake Cheesecake sliced on a plate to serve — Photo:
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

We’re all guilty of it: We buy the ingredients to make a specific dish for a specific event, only to be left with a half-used bag of chocolate chips, a random amount of fresh breadcrumbs, or a quarter-full carton of heavy cream. If you’ve found yourself in that position, don’t let that heavy cream go bad without using every last drop. Sure, you could toss a bit into your scrambled eggs or even your morning coffee, but why not create something new based on your leftover dairy? This kitchen staple can go so much further than whipped cream. Whether you’re looking for a potluck-winning side dish or a blue ribbon-worthy dessert, these recipes with heavy cream will leave a lasting impression wherever you serve them.

Be sure to check the expiration date on that heavy cream in the fridge, and don’t let it pass you by without trying one of these genius recipes that will use it all up.

01 of 30

Swiss Roll Cake

Southern Living Swiss Roll Cake sliced on plates to serve — Molly Bolton

Swiss Rolls are one of those nostalgic treats that immediately bring us back to childhood. This cake will delight anyone who’s lucky enough to try it.

02 of 30

Homemade Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream — Caitlin Bensel

Instead of going out for ice cream, spend an afternoon with the grandkids making it from scratch. “Excellent ice cream we’ve been talking about for the couple of years since we first tried it,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “It’s now a requested tradition!”

03 of 30

Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn on a blue platter with wooden spoon — Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Melissa Gray / Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Every Southern cook should have a creamed corn recipe on hand. “There are many dishes that remind us of summertime, including tomato sandwiches, peach cobbler, squash casserole, and one of the comfiest of all summer vegetable sides: creamed corn,” writes Editor Kaitlyn Yarborough.

04 of 30

Peanut Butter Pie

Southern Living Peanut Butter Pie finished and ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You can make this luscious Peanut Butter Pie with just seven ingredients and without even turning your oven on, so it’s the perfect summertime dessert.

05 of 30

Lemon Lush

Two slices of Lemon Lush dessert on plates with forks with a glass of lemonade and a napkin. — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

This pretty layered dessert reminds us of spring luncheons at Grandma’s. Be sure to give each layer time to chill and set to ensure even layers.

06 of 30

Smoky Creamed Greens

Smoky creamed greens on white plate — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

You might be familiar with creamed spinach as a side dish, but we’re introducing this Southern spin—creamed greens. Like any good Southern vegetable recipe, this one gets some flavor help from bacon.

07 of 30

No-Bake Cheesecake

Southern Living No Bake Cheesecake sliced on a plate to serve — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

It doesn't get easier than this no-bake dessert. From fresh fruit, to compotes, to chocolate or caramel, you can get creative with toppings depending on the season and the occasion.

08 of 30

Marry Me Chicken

Southern Living Marry Me Chicken garnished with fresh basil and ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This dinner recipe has a cheeky name that it earned honestly. “This was an easy, flavorful recipe. If I weren't already married to him, he would have married me again,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I will be sharing this. It is a keeper.”

09 of 30

Key Lime Cheesecake

Southern Living Key Lime Cheesecake whole on a cake plate to serve — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Talk about a dream dessert mash-up! Classic Key lime pie flavor with creamy, dreamy cheesecake texture make for a truly unforgettable dish.

10 of 30

Swedish Meatballs

Southern Living Swedish Meatballs a serving on a plate on cooked egg noodles with jam on the side — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This cozy dinner recipe just might bring you back to your grandmother’s table. We served them over egg noodles here, but whatever rice you have in the pantry will work as well.

11 of 30

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole — Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

It’s not a Thanksgiving meal in the South without this creamy casserole on the sideboard. This simple version calls for just five ingredients.

12 of 30

Watermelon Pie

Watermelon Pie — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This retro dessert proves that watermelon isn’t only reserved for snacking, salads, and cocktails. A melon baller is the secret to the most precious topping your guests have ever seen.

13 of 30

Tomato-Corn Pie

a pan of tomato corn pie without a slice — Alison Miksch

Tomato pie is one of our all-time favorite ways to use summer’s finest. We called for refrigerated pie crust in this recipe to save you time, but you can always opt for our homemade version if you want to go all out.

14 of 30

Best Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

We weren’t kidding when we named this recipe the “Best.” It will be at home on any holiday menu or summer barbecue sideboard.

15 of 30

Chicken-And-Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Though there are endless variations, we’re willing to bet every Southern cook has some version of Chicken-And-Rice Casserole in his or her recipe tin. This version can be altered to fit whatever veggies you have on hand.

16 of 30

Frozen Margarita Pie

Southern Living Margarita Pie on a light wood background — Alison Miksch

Alright, margarita lovers! This summery pie is going to be your new favorite dessert.

17 of 30

Pineapple-Coconut Cake

Pineapple-Coconut Cake — Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

Like a taste of the tropics, this Pineapple-Coconut Cake will blow your guests away when you cut into it to reveal layers of sweet pineapple compote and cream cheese frosting.

18 of 30

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops — Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This quick and cozy supper recipe is a hit with readers: “This is a definite keeper. Didn't take long to prepare and the gravy was amazing. My husband raved about it, that's definite high praise!”

19 of 30

Cherry Delight

Cherry Delight — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Do you remember Cherry Delight from family reunions past? We’re willing to bet someone around your table will!

20 of 30

Farmers' Market Frittata

Southern Living Farmersâ Market Frittata in the pan with a couple of slices cut out on blue plates — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This vegetarian frittata will make the most gorgeous weekend brunch. All you need is a fresh fruit salad on the side.

21 of 30

Creamed Corn Pasta

Southern Living Creamed Corn Pasta on plates to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

We love creamed corn as-is, but using it as a pasta sauce might be our Test Kitchen’s best summer dinner idea of all time.

22 of 30

Mixed Stone Fruit Pie

Mixed Stone-Fruit Pie — Alison Miksch

This pie lets fresh summer stone fruit truly shine. The filling needs to chill at least overnight if not a full day before you serve it, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy hosts.

23 of 30

Sausage and Egg Casserole

Sausage and Egg Casserole — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Southern hosts know to have a breakfast casserole in the freezer for weekend company and holidays, and this is one of our go-tos. Feel free to add whatever leftover veggies you have on hand in addition to or to replace the ones the recipe calls for.

24 of 30

Caramel Brownies

Caramel Brownies — Stacy Allen, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke, Food Stylist: Jen Riley

You don’t need a candy thermometer or serious pastry skills to make the caramel for these decadent brownies. These are sure to win any bake sale they enter.

25 of 30

Scalloped Potatoes With Ham

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham — Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

There isn’t a side dish casserole more comforting than scalloped potatoes. Adding chopped cubed ham gives it some welcome protein and saltiness.

26 of 30

Brigadeiros

Brigadeiros — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

These bite-size Brazilian treats will be your new favorite cookie tin surprise for the holidays. Despite how pretty they are, they come together with just six ingredients.

27 of 30

Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup

Creamy Chicken Sausage-and-Kale Soup — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Reviewers rave about this cozy spin on chicken soup. It’s a hearty and healthy dinner for busy fall weeknights.

28 of 30

Acorn Squash Soup

Acorn Squash Soup — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Victor Protasio, Prop Stylist Claire Spollen

This beautiful fall soup is a comforting way to start a supper party, or pair it with a salad and some crusty bread for a full meal.

29 of 30

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Mini Chicken Pot Pies — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Refrigerated crescent dough is the shortcut secret to these adorable chicken pot pies. These fun packages just might convince the kids to eat their veggies.

30 of 30

Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs

Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Let a five-star reviewer do the talking with this elegant side dish: “This was delicious!! The cream sauce and bread crumb combo would also be fantastic on other vegetables, chicken, fish, etc. Yum!”

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