Sour cream substitute
Out of sour cream? Here are 5 swaps that work, with exact amounts scaled to your recipe.
The best sour cream substitutes
Sour cream adds tang, richness and moisture to dips, toppings and baked goods. The best all-round swap is plain greek yogurt: swap 1:1. Nonfat Greek yogurt has far fewer calories and over twice the protein.
| Substitute | For 1 cup sour cream, use | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1 cup plain Greek yogurt | Dips, tacos, baked potatoes, baking |
| Crème fraîche | 1 cup crème fraîche | Pan sauces, soups |
| Blended cottage cheese | 1 cup cottage cheese + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Dips, dressings |
| Plain yogurt | 1 cup plain yogurt | Baking, marinades |
| Cashew cream | 1 cup soaked cashews blended with lemon juice and water | Vegan dips and toppings |
How to choose
- Match the jobThink about what sour cream does in your recipe, then pick the swap listed for that kind of dish.
- Scale the amountEnter your recipe's amount in the tool above and every swap rescales automatically.
- Check the tagsGreen Healthier swaps cut calories or add protein. Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free swaps are tagged too.
Missing something else? The full ingredient substitute finder covers 20 ingredients, and our recipe calorie calculator shows how a swap changes your recipe's nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of sour cream?
The best substitute for 1 cup sour cream is plain greek yogurt: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt. Swap 1:1. Nonfat Greek yogurt has far fewer calories and over twice the protein.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, 1:1 in dips, toppings and baking. In hot sauces, stir it in off the heat so it does not curdle.
What can I use instead of sour cream in baking?
Plain Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt work 1:1 in cakes, muffins and quick breads.
References
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