Categories: Recipe

The 7 Best Substitutes for Sour Cream

Published by
James marcus

There are several good dairy options for replacing sour cream, including Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, crème fraîche, and buttermilk.

1. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt makes an excellent stand-in for sour cream.

While regular yogurt contains a higher percentage of liquid, or whey, Greek yogurt has been strained to remove a large portion of its whey. The result is a thicker, tangier version of yogurt that is very similar to sour cream.

What’s more, Greek yogurt is lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than full-fat sour cream.

Full-fat Greek yogurt contains 97 calories, 5 grams (g) of fat, and 9 g of protein per 3.5 ounces (oz.), or 100 g. The same amount of full-fat sour cream contains 198 calories, 19 g of fat, and 6 g of protein (9, 10).

Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in dips, dressings, and toppings.

Additionally, equal parts of full-fat Greek yogurt can be used in place of regular sour cream in any recipe, including baked goods.

summary

Greek yogurt is a strained yogurt that has a thick texture similar to sour cream. However, it is lower in calories and fat and can be used as a replacement for sour cream in many recipes.

2. Cottage cheese

This cheese has a rich history. In fact, the name cottage cheese is thought to have been coined in the 18th century when American settlers used milk leftovers from butter-making to create a soft cheese in their small homes called cottages.

Cottage cheese is a cheese curd product. Curds are the solid parts of milk that are leftover from the cheesemaking process, while whey is the liquid portion.

It is mild with a soft and creamy texture. Furthermore, it is offered in a variety of fat percentages and curd sizes, ranging from small to large.

What’s more, cottage cheese is much lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than sour cream.

Half a cup (105 g) contains 88 calories, 2.5 g of fat, and 11.5 g of protein. For reference, half a cup (120 g) of sour cream contains 238 calories, 23 g of fat, and just 3 g of protein (9, 11).

This cheese makes an excellent substitute for sour cream that is lower in fat and higher in protein.

In fact, one cup (210 g) of cottage cheese can be blended with 4 tablespoons (tbsp.), or 60 milliliters (ml), of milk and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice to replace sour cream in any recipe.

summary

Cottage cheese is a soft, mild cheese that is lower in calories and fat and significantly higher in protein than sour cream. It can be combined with milk and lemon juice to be used in place of sour cream in recipes.

3. Crème fraîche

Crème fraîche literally means fresh cream. This dairy product is very similar to sour cream and made by adding a bacterial culture to heavy cream.

While similar to sour cream, crème fraîche has a thicker, cheese-like consistency and its flavor is less tangy.

Unlike cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, it contains a higher amount of fat and calories than sour cream. Thus, it may not be the best choice for those counting calories.

A one-oz. (28-g) serving packs 110 calories and 11 g of fat, which is nearly double the amount in sour cream (9, 12).

Although crème fraîche is a calorie-dense food, its high fat content makes it an ideal ingredient in sauces and soups, as you can boil it without worrying about separation.

Crème fraîche can be used as an easy one-to-one substitute for sour cream, but keep in mind that its milder flavor may come across in the taste of the food.

summary

Crème fraîche is very similar to sour cream but higher in fat and calories. It can be used as a one-to-one replacement, yet its mild flavor may change the taste of recipes.

4. Buttermilk

Traditionally, the term buttermilk referred to the liquid leftover from the process of making butter from cultured cream (1).

This process involved leaving milk out to rest for a period of time. It allowed the cream and milk to separate, leaving the thick cream top used in butter making.

During the resting period, naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria fermented the milk sugars, resulting in a tangy liquid called buttermilk.

Though it’s still common in India and Pakistan, it’s used less often in the West.

Like sour cream, commercial buttermilk is pasteurized, with the bacteria added in after the heating process.

Though its tangy taste is similar to that of sour cream, it is a liquid and can only be used as a replacement for sour cream in baked goods or dressings.

summary

Buttermilk is a tangy liquid that can be used as a replacement for sour cream in baked goods or dressings.

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

Share
Published by
James marcus

Recent Posts

DIY Turmeric Scrub for Hyperpigmentation

For all my beauties with dark inner thighs, armpits, bikini area and spots, etc, this…

1 year ago

Top 15 Cook Interview Questions and Answers

Are you a passionate cook aspiring to embark on a rewarding culinary journey? Whether you're…

1 year ago

What Color Walls Go With Grey Kitchen Cabinets [Schemes]

Discover the perfect wall colors to complement your grey kitchen cabinets, creating a harmonious and…

1 year ago

10×10 Kitchen Remodel Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Generally, a 10×10 kitchen remodel ranges from $15,000 to $45,000, but several factors could cause…

1 year ago

How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?

Sleek and durable, quartz countertops are the latest trend in kitchen and bathroom renovation. Comparable…

1 year ago

Australian IKEA Kitchen Design & Installation Costs

IKEA kitchens are designed to be as simple as possible to assemble and install yourself.…

1 year ago