Here’s How to Substitute Yogurt for Sour Cream (2024)

FAQs

Here’s How to Substitute Yogurt for Sour Cream? ›

In most cases, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream—and vice versa. Sour cream will give you a similar texture and tanginess, and swapping sour cream for yogurt is a simple 1-to-1 ratio.

Yogurt is your best substitute for sour cream. Whether you're baking or making a dip or sauce, yogurt is a 1:1 sub. That means if your recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream, you can replace it with 1 cup of yogurt. Full-fat Greek or natural yogurts work best, but low-fat or even nonfat can be used, too.

In our substitute, we mimic this tanginess by combining yogurt with acid (either vinegar or lemon juice). Yogurt is naturally acidic, but not quite as acidic as sour cream, which is why you need the vinegar / lemon juice. It won't be the exact same kind of tanginess as sour cream, but it'll be pretty darn close!

While sour cream sets the stage for a denser, more traditional cake, the inclusion of Greek yogurt can often lead to a lighter, health-conscious choice with a subtler finish, perfect for those who enjoy a less heavy dessert.

For swapping a dollop of sour cream on your baked potato, taco or chili, a 1-to-1 ratio for non-fat free Greek yogurt will do the trick. In addition, Greek yogurt can be added to dressings or dips as a substitute for cream or mayonnaise (at least in part).

While they both can taste pretty tart, sour cream will be much richer. Unlike Greek yogurt, which ranges from 100–300 calories per cup, sour cream tends to be more caloric because of its higher fat content. If this only made you more confused, just ask someone from Bon Appetit.

Greek yogurt is one of the best swaps for sour cream that you can find. (Just be sure to look for plain Greek yogurt, not the flavored variety.) It has a similar creamy texture and that characteristic tang; plus, it's a healthy ingredient that'll add protein to your dish.

Instructions. Place 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice or distilled white vinegar in a clean 1 pint glass jar and stir with a clean spoon until combined. Cover with a paper towel or cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.

Culturing temperatures on the higher end of the range and longer culture times will yield a more sour flavored yogurt. To achieve a less sour flavor, culture at the lower end of the range or for a shorter period of time.

Can you use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in soup? ›

Our creamy, tangy Greek Yogurt is a great substitution for sour cream or other high-fat cream in soups, sauces and stews. But heat can cause yogurt to separate, so whisk it in off the heat at the end, gently re-warming the dish over low heat if necessary, but not letting it simmer or boil.

Greek yogurt

It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in cheesecake. Greek yogurt is a great option for those looking for a healthier option, as it is lower in fat and calories than sour cream.

Full-fat plain yogurt has a thinner texture because not all the whey has been removed. It is best for salad dressings, marinades and baking.

All you need to do is add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to the yogurt and stir it until the yogurt has thickened. The acid in the lemon juice or vinegar will cause the yogurt to thicken and separate, just like sour cream would.

Just incase you haven't figured out that you can substitute Greek yogurt for almost all mayo/sour cream… 😉 Use this as a base recipe. You can adjust your ratios, omit the mayo entirely if you want a super healthy ranch, or add more if you want it richer.

Most fajita recipes will recommend sour cream as an accompaniment, but I use either reduced-fat crème fraiche or natural yogurt. Skip the grated cheese too, to save on calories and fat – there's enough flavour so you don't need it.

Greek yogurt and milk

It's thicker than heavy cream, but you can add milk to thin it out and achieve a texture similar to that of heavy cream. Blend together equal parts Greek yogurt and whole milk and use it in place of the same amount of heavy cream.

I use Greek yogurt in place of much heavier, higher fat or more calorie dense ingredients – like butter, sour cream, oil, or buttermilk. Using yogurt in your baked goods will make them incredibly moist, while adding yogurt to savory dips and soups gives them creaminess with a touch of tang.

12. Regular Milk. Although not an ideal substitute due to the lack of flavor and thick texture, you can use regular milk as a substitute for sour cream when in a pinch. Regular milk, as a replacement, is best in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and bread.

It's used similarly to sour cream in cakes and other baked goods, but can also be used in glazes or folded into whipped cream. Many bakers love the way it helps keep baked goods moist while adding a tang, not unlike baking with buttermilk. Its acidity also helps activate the baking soda in batters for a nice rise.