Sour cream is a great, versatile dairy product that can add the finishing touch to copious recipes, especially when it comes to making homemade nachos, chili or the base for French onion dip!
What is a healthy alternative to sour cream?
Can you substitute cream cheese for sour cream?
What can I substitute for sour cream in muffins?
Sour cream is not only great for burritos and tacos, but it is also a fantastic ingredient when you’re baking sweet recipes such as cookies, cakes, scones, and biscuits.However, what do you when a recipe requires sour cream, and you don’t have any to hand?
Relax, we’ve got you covered.Although sour cream is readily available at the store, there are many substitutes that may prove handy if you run out of this dairy product.In this article, we explore the best substitutes for sour cream, so next time you find yourself without it you don’t have to scrap the recipe, but instead can alter it accordingly!
Check out our substitutes for sour cream below.
CreamCream is a great substitute for sour cream and is such a common ingredient that you’re bound to have some in the fridge.Simply mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of heavy whipping cream, and your sour cream substitute is good to go!
Depending on your personal preference, you can also try blending:1 cup of heavy cream.1 cup of yogurt.1 cup of mayonnaise.What you’re left with is a silky substitute for sour cream that is perfect for your recipe!Yogurt Yogurt is a common household ingredient and has an excellent substitute for sour cream.Eating yogurt is known to have multiple health benefits, including improving bone health, boosting metabolism, and improving gut health.
Yogurt is also packed full of protein, which is essential for a healthy, balanced diet and for maintaining muscle and bone development.
Plain or Greek yogurt can be used to substitute sour cream, in a ratio of 1:1.
Simply place a cup of yogurt in a bowl and mix it with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to make it sour.
Buttermilk Buttermilk is an excellent alternative for sour cream, however, you may find that the consistency is thinner than sour cream.
To rectify this, you can try also adding ⅓ of a cup of butter.If you don’t have any buttermilk to hand, you can always make your own by adding lemon juice to regular whole milk.For every cup of regular milk that you use, add around a tablespoon of something acidic, such as lemon juice or vinegar.
Milk or milk powderIf you’re looking for an easy substitute for sour cream, milk or milk powder is a convenient alternative that couldn’t be easier to make!Simply mix one cup of whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice, and you’ve got yourself an excellent replacement for sour cream.
If you don’t have milk, you can also use evaporated milk and it will work just as well.
To substitute a cup of sour cream, simply mix ⅔ cup milk powder in ¾ cup of water with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and blend!
Cottage cheese Cottage cheese, also known as curds and whey, is another great substitute for sour cream.
As a high protein, low-calorie food packed full of nutrients, cottage cheese can be used for a variety of recipes.
Its popularity has grown in the last few decades, and it is often recommended as part of a healthy diet.Simply blend 1 cup of cottage cheese with ¼ cup of low-fat yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon juice, and you’re left with a delicious alternative to sour cream that is lower in calories!
You can also replace dairy cottage cheese with a non-dairy alternative if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, and for more dairy alternatives keep scrolling.Low-fat alternativeIf you’re on a diet or are just looking for a low-fat alternative to sour cream, this low-fat substitute is a great option to make and doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
For a low-fat alternative, you will need: 1 cup of milk.½ cup of unflavored gelatin.½ cup of plain low-fat yogurt.4 tsp of buttermilk powder.In a pan, combine the milk and buttermilk powder together.
You can store this sour cream alternative in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This is the perfect alternative to sour cream for health conscious individuals, as with this recipe you don’t have to be worried about the fat content!Even if it’s not something you’d usually make, it’s a good recipe to have in your back pocket when you’re on a health kick!
Dairy-free and vegan alternativesCashew substitute If you’re lactose intolerant or simply require a vegan alternative to sour cream, an excellent substitute can be made out of cashews.For cashew vegan sour cream, you will require:1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours if you do not have a high-powered blender.1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more if needed.Heaping ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt.¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard.½ cup water.If you have already soaked your cashews for the recommended time, simply drain and rinse them until the water runs clear.Combine the cashews, water, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and mustard in a blender.
If the consistency of the mixture is too thick, you can always continue adding more water as you go.Just be sure that you add the water bit by bit until you are satisfied with the consistency, as you don’t want it to become too thin.Season to taste and serve!
Spoon the mixture into an airtight container and it will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.Tofu substitute If you simply don’t like cashews or have a nut allergy, pureed tofu is a protein-rich food that can replace sour cream.You can also use a similar recipe to achieve the same result that is packed full of protein!
For a tofu substitute for sour cream you will need:1–12 oz.
Soy yogurtIf you’ve recently switched to a plant-based diet, you might not know that plain soy yogurt is another great yogurt substitute for sour cream.Soy yogurts have protein counts comparable to cow’s milk yogurts and provide healthy, unsaturated fats.Studies show that soy products can lower cholesterol and decrease blood sugar levels, especially in people that struggle with health conditions such as diabetes.Simply place a cup of yogurt in a bowl and mix it with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in order to make it sour.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do you make sour cream without sour cream?If you’re without sour cream and a recipe you’re using calls for it, you can easily whip up a batch using heaving whipping cream.All you will need for this recipe is:One cup of heavy whipping cream.1 tablespoon of lemon juice.¼ cup (2oz / 60g) milk.Mix the cream and lemon juice together, then stir in the milk.
Keep it refrigerated, it can last for up to 2 weeks.What is a healthy alternative to sour cream?A healthy alternative to sour cream is plain or greek yogurt.
Alongside this, the combination of protein and texture of Greek yogurt can make you feel fuller for longer in comparison to other snacks, making it a great alternative for people trying to watch their weight or control their portion sizes.Plain or greek yogurt can be used to substitute sour cream, in a ratio of 1:1.
All you will need for this recipe is:One cup of sour cream.1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.Simply place a cup of yogurt in a bowl and mix it with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to make it sour.
Voila – a healthy alternative to sour cream!Can you substitute cream cheese for sour cream?Sour cream is a popular and versatile product.
It’s made from coagulating cream, meaning that you can absolutely substitute cream cheese for sour cream, especially for dips or other savory recipes.
However, that being said, the main difference is that cream cheese is thicker and the flavor of sour cream isn’t necessarily the best choice when it comes to making sweet desserts that call for cream cheese.
This is because of its acidic taste, meaning that sour cream can not be used as a substitute for cream cheese frosting.Yes, you can substitute cream cheese for sour cream.
When it comes to sweet recipes, such as cheesecakes and cream cheese frosting for cakes, it might be worth sticking to what the original recipe calls for.What can I substitute for sour cream in muffins?Yogurt is the best substitute for sour cream when it comes to baking.
Plain or greek yogurt can be used to substitute sour cream, in a ratio of 1:1, meaning if the recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream then you would substitute it for 1 cup of yogurt.
If you’ve recently switched to a plant-based or vegan diet, you might not know that plain soy yogurt is another great yogurt substitute that can be made to resemble sour cream.Simply place a cup of yogurt in a bowl and mix it with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in order to make it sour.
Add it to your muffin recipe as you would sour cream and you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference.
You’ll wonder why you haven’t tried yogurt in baking sooner!In summary There are multiple substitutes for sour cream!Although some of them might not mimic the taste of sour cream precisely, they’re a close alternative if you’re in a bind without sour cream, or even just want to try a vegan alternative if you’ve made the switch to a plant-based diet recently.
A sour cream substitute can be readily found.
Other options include coconut milk, plain yogurt, coconut cream, or dairy free sour cream.
You may even want to take a whack at homemade sour cream.
It will taste great on a baked potato and some people even use it in place of salad dressing.Experiment and find your favorite!
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Heavy cream can be considered a staple ingredient in many kitchens and a common constituent in various recipes.
It has a higher fat content than many other types of cream since it is made from the high-fat portion of milk and is typically used to add richness and taste to pasta, soups, and desserts.
Heavy cream is an undeniably versatile food item that is great to have on hand.
You may also need a healthier alternative or a vegan substitution due to the dairy content of heavy cream, which is undesirable for individuals who cannot take it.
As a result, there will be a need for a substitute that won’t drastically ruin your recipes or affect the flavor of your dish.
Sour cream is one of such options, and it can be used in place of heavy cream in most recipes.
However, there are other options, and all of them work well when used in the appropriate substitution methods, altogether producing a great taste in various recipes.
Sour Cream Vs. Heavy Cream
Sour cream is a dairy product that is made by fermenting ordinary cream with lactic acid bacteria.
The bacterial culture, which is added either intentionally or accidentally, thickens and sours the cream.
It gets its name from bacterial fermentation that produces lactic acid, which is known as souring.
When combined with other ingredients, sour cream is widely used as a condiment on dishes or in dipping sauces.
It can thicken and cream soups and sauces and raise the moisture content in baked goods instead of milk.
On the other hand, heavy cream is the milk fat that forms on fresh milk when it has not been homogenized.
According to FDA labeling guidelines, heavy cream is defined as a cream that contains at least 36 percent milk fat.
It is also known as heavy whipping cream.
Many recipes call for heavy cream, ranging from a splash to a few cups.
It works in pastry fillings, pasta sauces, ice cream, and many other recipes.
Sour Cream Nutrition Facts
Substituting Sour Cream and other Options for Heavy Cream in Recipes
Heavy cream (also known as heavy whipping cream) is used in some meals, ranging from savory sauces to sweet desserts like ice cream.
However, whether due to being on a dairy-free diet or being in the middle of making a meal and realizing you’re out of heavy cream, you may one day need a substitute for heavy cream.
Thankfully, various food items can be used in place of heavy cream when a recipe calls for it.
Sour cream is one of those options, and it competes with heavy cream in terms of versatility in use.
Consider how the following options can replace heavy cream in recipes:
Sour Cream
Sour cream is gluten-free and keto-friendly, and it has a fat level of roughly 20%.
As long as the sourness doesn’t overpower the dish’s flavors, it’s a good alternative for heavy cream in various recipes.
It can be substituted in equal amounts for the heavy cream called for in the recipe.
It is especially good with sweet foods or topping for sweets and can also be spooned atop sweet dishes like crepes.
Sour cream can also be sweetened with confectioners’ sugar and served instead of whipped cream.
If you plan to substitute sour cream in recipes such as white chili or sauces, add it in after it has finished cooking; otherwise, if the stew is still hot, the sour cream may curdle.
Half milk and half cream can be used to replace heavy cream in equal amounts.
However, the combination of these ingredients has a lower fat level than heavy cream.
As such, it makes an excellent alternative for people looking for a healthy alternative.
This combination, like heavy cream, improves richness in recipes and can be used in desserts, sauces, and soups.
Butter can also be added to the half and half mixture to increase the fat content.
The resulting product can then be used in a variety of recipes.
Unlike many other alternatives for heavy cream, this option can be used for whipping as well.
It is possible to make a heavy cream substitute by using equal amounts of evaporated milk in its place.
Evaporated milk resembles the features of heavy cream because it has a thicker and creamier texture than conventional milk.
Still, it contains fewer calories, and so it can be used as a healthy alternative.
While this is an excellent substitute for heavy cream in meals and recipes that call for it, it may not work as well for whipping.
Coconut milk is an excellent option for folks who are vegan or want a dairy-free diet.
It is worth mentioning that while coconut milk has a sweet flavor, it also has the same richness and consistency as heavy cream.
Although it does not rise and heavy cream, it can still be used as a cake topping or baked food.
Make a whipped topping with chilled coconut milk, and then pour the liquid contents into a separate container.
Afterward, the thicker and firmer bits can be scooped out to use as a heavy cream substitute.
Coconut cream and heavy cream can be substituted in equal amounts in recipes, including a 1:1 substitution ratio.
Yogurt, especially thicker versions like Greek yogurt, can be an excellent replacement for heavy cream in topping for sweet foods like pancakes.
Yogurt is a fantastic healthy option because it is packed with protein.
It can also be mixed with milk to produce a thinner mixture.
It is similar to cottage cheese in that it may be eaten on its own or blended with milk.
Adding milk thins the mixture and gives it a mouthfeel comparable to heavy cream, and it can then be used in making sauces and soups.
It is, however, important to understand that this alternative option has a tangier flavor and, as a result, may not be ideal for all dishes that call for heavy cream.
Also, while it can be used in baked foods as a substitute for heavy cream, it is not suggested for whipping.
Can I substitute sour cream for heavy cream in Quiche?
Making Quiche without heavy cream is possible.
Just use sour cream, but keep in mind that sour cream is also high in calories.
What can you substitute for heavy cream in a frittata?
Whole milk, sour cream, yogurt, or crème fraîche can all be used as substitutes.
Does sour cream taste like buttermilk?
Commercial buttermilk, like sour cream, is pasteurized, with bacteria introduced after the heating process, and it has a tart flavor comparable to sour cream.
There is no need to feel like all hope is lost when you reach for your can of heavy cream and find it empty.
However, if you’re also seeking a healthier alternative to heavy cream in your recipes, then you’re in luck.
Sour cream, and our other suggested options, can work excellently in various recipes you would usually use heavy cream for.
These options work well without compromising taste and flavors, as long as they are used in the right amounts and methods.