Substitute for Sour Cream: 5 Best Kitchen Replacements
The best substitute for sour cream is Plain Greek Yogurt at a 1 cup Greek yogurt per 1 cup sour cream ratio. It works best for dips, baking, toppings. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Plain Greek Yogurt
1 cup Greek yogurt per 1 cup sour cream
The closest substitute in both flavor and texture. Full-fat Greek yogurt is best. Works in virtually every application.
Flavor & Texture Change
Slightly tangier than sour cream with a thicker consistency. Higher protein. Virtually identical in baked goods.
When Not to Use
Use full-fat for best results. Non-fat Greek yogurt can be watery and lacks the richness. Do not use flavored or sweetened yogurt. In hot applications, add at the end to prevent curdling.
Which Sour Cream Substitute Should You Use?
Best Overall
Plain Greek Yogurt
Nearly identical tang, thickness, and fat content. Works 1:1 in every application, from baking to topping.
Best for Baking
Plain Greek Yogurt
Adds moisture and tenderness just like sour cream. Slightly higher protein makes baked goods even more tender.
Best Vegan Option
Cashew Sour Cream
Soaked cashews blended with lemon juice create a remarkably similar tangy, creamy result.
Best for Dips
Cottage Cheese (blended)
Blended smooth, it has similar body and tanginess. Higher protein and lower fat than sour cream.
What are the other substitutes for sour cream?
Cottage Cheese (blended)
1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup sour cream
Blend until completely smooth. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice for tang. Higher in protein, lower in fat.
Flavor/texture:Milder, less tangy than sour cream. Slightly grainier even when blended. Higher protein and lower fat. Works well when mixed into baked goods or dips.
Avoid when:Must be blended until completely smooth or the texture will be lumpy. Not suitable for thin dressings. Higher in sodium than sour cream.
Cream Cheese + Milk
6 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
Soften cream cheese and whisk with milk and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
Flavor/texture:Richer, creamier, and less tangy than sour cream. Makes baked goods denser and more moist. Excellent in cheesecake and creamy dips.
Avoid when:Richer and denser than sour cream. May need to thin with more milk than expected. Not suitable for recipes where sour cream's tanginess is the main flavor.
Cashew Sour Cream
1 cup per 1 cup sour cream
Blend 1 cup soaked cashews with 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Flavor/texture:When made with lemon juice, the tang is very close to real sour cream. Slightly nuttier. Creamy and rich. Excellent as a topping or in dips.
Avoid when:Requires soaking (4+ hours) and a high-speed blender. Tree nut allergen. Won't behave identically in baking since it lacks dairy proteins. Best for toppings and dips.
Coconut Cream + Lemon Juice
1 cup coconut cream + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Use the solid part of refrigerated canned coconut milk. Slight coconut flavor remains.
Flavor/texture:Coconut undertone with lemony tang. Best in desserts, tropical dishes, or recipes where coconut pairs well. Thicker than sour cream.
Avoid when:Adds coconut flavor that can clash with savory dishes. Not suitable for recipes where coconut taste is unwelcome. Use refined coconut cream to minimize the coconut flavor.
What should you know before substituting sour cream?
Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to baked goods through its fat and acidity. In baking, it also activates baking soda. When used as a topping, the tang is key, so add lemon juice to neutral-flavored substitutes.
How do you substitute sour cream in a recipe?
A thick, tangy cultured dairy product made by fermenting cream with lactic acid bacteria. Used as a topping, in baking for moisture and tenderness, and in dips and dressings.
The best substitute for sour cream depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup Greek yogurt per 1 cup sour cream), which works well for dips, baking, toppings.
If you need a different option, Cottage Cheese (blended) (1 cup blended cottage cheese per 1 cup sour cream) is another reliable choice. Blend until completely smooth. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice for tang. Higher in protein, lower in fat.
When substituting sour cream, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of sour cream in specific recipes?
Sour Cream in Baking
View recipe-specific substitutes →
Sour Cream in Tacos
View recipe-specific substitutes →
Sour Cream in Dips
View recipe-specific substitutes →
Sour Cream in Cake
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Sour Cream in Mashed Potatoes
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Sour Cream in Stroganoff
View recipe-specific substitutes →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is the best substitute for sour cream. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in dips, baking, and as a topping. Full-fat Greek yogurt is closest in richness and tang.
What is a vegan substitute for sour cream?
Blend 1 cup soaked raw cashews with 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar until smooth. This cashew sour cream tastes remarkably close to dairy sour cream.
Can I use sour cream and yogurt interchangeably?
In most recipes, yes. Sour cream is higher in fat so it produces richer results. Yogurt is tangier and lower in fat. For baking, either works at a 1:1 swap without noticeable difference.