Home / Dairy & Milk / Sour cream
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Best substitute for 1 cup sour cream
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt — 1:1; the best everyday swap.
cups
Amounts below are for 1 cup sour cream
4 substitutes for sour cream
| Substitute | Use this much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greek yogurt | 1 cup plain Greek yogurt | 1:1; the best everyday swap. |
| Creme fraiche | 1 cup creme fraiche | Richer, less tangy. |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup buttermilk | Thinner; best in batters. |
| Cream cheese | 1 cup softened cream cheese | Thicker; thin with 1-2 tbsp milk. |
Sour cream brings tang and creaminess. Cultured dairy swaps match it best - plain Greek yogurt is a clean 1:1 in almost everything.
Tips
- Greek yogurt is a 1:1 swap in dips, baking and toppings.
- Stir into hot dishes off the heat to prevent splitting.
FAQ
- Is Greek yogurt a good sour cream substitute?
- Yes - plain Greek yogurt works 1:1 in nearly any recipe.
- Can I make sour cream from milk?
- Not directly; use cultured dairy like yogurt or buttermilk for the right tang.