Sour Cream Recipe (+10 Sour Cream Substitutes!)

Why This Recipe Works

Full of Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and plain yogurt in this sour cream recipe creates a perfect balance of creaminess and tang! The heavy cream provides a rich, velvety texture, while the yogurt introduces the necessary bacterial cultures that give sour cream its distinctive tangy flavor. The addition of an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, not only enhances the sourness but also helps thicken the mixture as it sits. 

Better than Store-Bought: After making sour cream at home with just three simple ingredients, you will never go back to buying store-bought! Not only is it so easy to make, but also it is truly full of flavor. You won’t have to head to the store next time you need sour cream for a recipe!

Ingredients

To make this sour cream recipe, you just need 3 ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Heavy Cream: The foundation of this sour cream recipe, heavy cream provides the rich, creamy texture that makes sour cream so luscious. It’s important to use fresh, high-quality cream for the best results.
• Yogurt: The yogurt introduces live bacterial cultures that help ferment the cream, giving the sour cream its characteristic tangy flavor. Choose a plain yogurt without added flavors or sweeteners to ensure a pure taste.
• Champagne Vinegar, White Wine Vinegar, or Lemon Juice: The acid not only enhances the tanginess but also helps thicken the cream as it ferments.

Here’s How to Make It

Step by Step Instructions

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a non-reactive bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, plain yogurt and your chosen acid. Cover with either a piece of cheesecloth or a piece of kitchen paper and a rubber band and leave to stand at room temperature (or in a cool place in hot climates) for 6-24 hours. (photos 1-4)
2. Store: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips

• Temperature matters! Make sure your kitchen is at a moderate temperature, ideally between 70-75°F. If it’s too hot, the mixture may ferment too quickly and develop an overly sour flavor. If it’s too cold, the fermentation process may be slowed down, resulting in a thinner consistency.
• Choose your acid depending on what you have and your preference. The type of acid you choose will slightly affect the flavor of the sour cream in this recipe. Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note, while champagne vinegar offers a subtle, delicate tang. White wine vinegar is a good all-purpose option with a mild flavor.
• Control the consistency. If you prefer a thicker sour cream, allow the mixture to ferment for a full 24 hours. For a thinner consistency, 6-12 hours will suffice.
• Store your homemade sour cream in a glass container rather than plastic to avoid any off-flavors.

10 Sour Cream Substitutions to Try

If sour cream isn’t your cup of tea, you can always try an alternative! Whether due to allergies or intolerances, or simply your own preference, these sour cream substitute options might be your new go-to!

1. Greek Yogurt: Thick and tangy, Greek yogurt is a nearly identical substitute for sour cream.
2. Crème Fraîche: Slightly less tangy but equally creamy, crème fraîche is a great substitute.
3. Buttermilk: While thinner, buttermilk offers a similar tangy flavor. Use less in recipes or thicken with a bit of cream cheese.
4. Cottage Cheese: Blend cottage cheese until smooth to mimic the texture of sour cream.
5. Mayonnaise: For a richer, less tangy substitute, mayonnaise works well in dips and dressings.
6. Kefir: Similar to buttermilk, kefir is a drinkable yogurt that can substitute sour cream in dressings or baking.
7. Cream Cheese: Mix cream cheese with a bit of milk or yogurt to achieve a sour cream-like consistency.
8. Cashew Cream: For a dairy-free option, blend soaked cashews with water and a bit of lemon juice.
9. Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu with lemon juice for a smooth, creamy, and dairy-free alternative.
10. Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream with a squeeze of lemon for a vegan sour cream substitute with a hint of coconut flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade sour cream recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Taco Topper: Dollop it onto tacos for a cooling contrast to spicy fillings.
• Baked Potatoes: Spoon over baked potatoes and sprinkle with chives for a classic side dish.
• Salad Dressing Base: Mix with herbs and spices to create a creamy salad dressing.
• Soup Swirl: Add a swirl of sour cream to soups like tomato soup or chili for added richness.
• Dip for Veggies: Combine with onion soup mix or fresh herbs for an easy veggie dip.
• Cake Ingredient: Use in cakes and muffins to add moisture and a slight tang.