Running low on sour cream? Don't rush to the store to grab another container. You may have a sour cream substitute hanging out in your fridge!
Best Sour Cream Substitutes
From topping baked potatoes, nachos, or a bowl of hot chili, sour cream is a delicious, versatile ingredient used in sweet and savory dishes.
So what do you do when your recipe calls for sour cream and you're out or need a quick substitution? Thankfully, you've got options.
Whether you need a creamy base for a dip, topping for your tacos, or added moisture for cakes, muffins, scones, and cookies, here are the 10 of the best sour cream substitutes to try and the best uses for each.
And since sour cream is used in a variety of ways in many different recipes, knowing how to best replace it with the right ingredients is good to know.
Jump to:
- Best Sour Cream Substitutes
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Plain Yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Crème Fraîche
- Buttermilk
- Cream Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
- Cashews
- Coconut Cream
- Coconut Milk
- Tofu
- Recipes to use sour cream substitutes
Plain Greek Yogurt
Best uses: dips, sauces, marinades, baking
Greek yogurt is a delicious sour cream substitute made by straining the whey from regular yogurt, which results in a thicker, richer consistency.
Greek yogurt can be used in many of the same ways as sour cream, including dips, sauces, and marinades. Just be sure to use full-fat plain Greek yogurt when substituting in sauces and baking recipes to prevent curdling.
To make it taste more like sour cream, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for every cup of Greek yogurt used.
When baking cakes, cupcakes, or any other baked goods, use a 1:1 ratio in recipes when substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You won’t be able to taste the difference once it’s baked.
Plain Yogurt
Best uses: dips. spreads, dressings, sauces, toppings, baking
Plain yogurt is a versatile substitute for sour cream and can be used in place of sour cream in most recipes. It will give you a similar texture and tanginess, and swapping sour cream for yogurt is a simple 1:1 ratio.
Since yogurt is creamy and slightly acidic, it makes the perfect base for dips, spreads, dressings, and sauces.
It's also delicious on tacos, enchiladas, baked potatoes, and chili. yogurt can also be used as a base for dips and spreads. Flavor it with herbs and create a variety of different flavors.
Mayonnaise
Best uses: dips, sauces, toppings, marinades, salads
Mayo may seem like an odd choice for a sour cream substitute, but it actually works quite well. The key is to choose a mayonnaise that is light in color and flavor so that it doesn't overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
Since mayo has a similar consistency to sour cream, it can be used in many of the same ways. It can be used as a base for dips and sauces, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It can also be used in place of sour cream in recipes like cheese soufflé or potato salads.
So next time you're out of sour cream, don't hesitate to give mayo a try.
Crème Fraîche
Best uses: casseroles, dips, sauces, toppings
Crème fraîche is a versatile sour cream substitute that can be used in a variety of dishes, including dips, sauces, and casseroles. It can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed into mashed potatoes for an extra creamy consistency.
While sour cream is made from milk that has been cultured with bacteria, crème fraîche is made from cream that has been soured with bacteria. This key difference gives crème fraîche a slightly tangier flavor and a richer, thicker texture.
If you're looking for a sour cream substitute that will add a touch of elegance to your next meal, crème fraîche is a perfect choice.
Buttermilk
Best uses: baking, dressings, marinades, pancakes, baking
Buttermilk is often used as a sour cream substitute because it has a similar consistency and tangy flavor.
While sour cream is made from cream that has been fermented with live bacteria, buttermilk is made from milk that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria, giving it a slightly sour taste.
It can also be used in baking recipes, such as pancakes or muffins. The acidity of buttermilk will help to create a light and fluffy texture in baked goods.
When substituting buttermilk for sour cream, we recommend using ¾ cup of buttermilk for every cup of sour cream called for.
Cream Cheese
Best uses: dips, dressings, sauces, baking, savory dishes, breads, pancakes
When it comes to sour cream substitutes, cream cheese is a great option. It has a similar consistency and can be used in many of the same ways.
It can be used as a sour cream substitute in dips, dressings, and sauces. It's also a good choice for baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and pancakes.
When substituting cream cheese for sour cream, use an equal amount. Keep in mind that cream cheese is softer than sour cream, so it won't hold up as well in dishes that are cooked or baked.
Cottage Cheese
Best uses: dips, spreads, baking, savory dishes, soups, sauces
Cottage cheese is a sour cream substitute with a mild flavor and can be used in dips, spreads, and other dishes. It is also good for baking and savory dishes such as mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
Cottage cheese can also be used as a sour cream substitute in soups or sauces. Just be sure to to purée the cottage cheese.
How to make cottage cheese sour cream:
- In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Blend create a smooth texture and prevent lumps from forming.
When substituting cottage cheese for sour cream, be sure to use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream, you would use 1 cup of cottage cheese.
Cashews
Best uses: dips, dressings, toppings
Anyone who's tried to make a dairy-free sour cream knows there are few substitutes that mimic the taste and texture of sour cream. However, cashews come surprisingly close. They also have a slightly sour flavor that works well in dips and sauces.
How to make cashew sour cream:
- Soak a cup of raw, unsalted cashews in water overnight or for at least 3 hours.
- Drain and combine with the juice of 1 lemon, ¼ cup of water, and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more water, if needed, and apple cider vinegar if the mixture is not tangy enough.
- Add sea salt to taste.
- Transfer into a container and refrigerate for a couple of hours. The mixture will thicken up.
Coconut Cream
Best uses: dips, dressings, toppings, baking
For those who are looking for a dairy-free sour cream substitute, coconut cream is a great option. Made from the meat of the coconut, it has a similar consistency to sour cream and can be used in dips, on tacos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
How to make dairy-free sour cream using coconut cream:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup coconut cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Taste and add more lemon juice for a tangier flavor. Adjust salt, if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Coconut Milk
Best uses: dips, dressings, toppings, baking
Coconut milk is a sour cream substitute made from the meat of the coconut, which is crushed and combined with water. It's a good substitute because it has a similar consistency and can be used in many of the same dishes.
How to make dairy-free sour cream using coconut milk:
- Chill a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight.
- Open the can and skim the thick coconut cream off the top and transfer the cream to a mixing bowl.
- Mix with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Use ½ tablespoon lemon juice for ½ cup of coconut cream.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice, if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
When using coconut milk as a sour cream substitute, be sure to use full-fat coconut milk.
Tofu
Tofu is a vegan-friendly sour cream substitute that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a similar consistency to sour cream and can be used in the same way.
How to make tofu sour cream:
- Drain 1 package of silken tofu. Be sure to press out any water.
- Combine tofu with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- In a blender or food processor, blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer into an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Whether you're looking for a healthier option or trying to avoid dairy, tofu sour cream is worth considering.
While sour cream substitutes may not have the same flavor as traditional sour cream, they are a great way to add creaminess to your favorite recipes. So next time you're in the mood for sour cream, consider reaching for a sour cream substitute instead.
Recipes to use sour cream substitutes
- Black Bean Soup
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Crispy Potato Tacos
- Instant Pot Tomato Soup
- Coconut Chickpea Curry
I hope you love these sour cream substitutes as much as I do.Sign up for email updatesto get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow me onInstagram,Pinterest, andFacebook.
