Sour cream is a tangy, creamy ingredient commonly used in dips, sauces, baked goods, and savory dishes. It has a rich flavor and texture and adds depth and balance to recipes.
If you’ve run out of sour cream or need an alternative, there are several substitutes that can replicate its tang and creaminess.

What Is Sour Cream?
Sour cream is made by fermenting cream with lactic acid bacteria, giving it a tangy flavor and thick consistency. It has a fat content of about 20%, it’s a versatile ingredient in recipes that need moisture, richness, or tanginess.
When substituting sour cream, it’s important to match its flavor and texture. Some substitutes replicate the tangy profile, while others mimic its creamy texture. The options below cater to a variety of dietary needs and recipe requirements.
Substitutes for Sour Cream
1. Homemade Sour Cream
Making sour cream at home is simple and requires heavy cream, milk (or buttermilk), and an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. This method replicates the tangy flavor and creamy texture of store-bought sour cream, with a natural, simple preparation process.
How it compares: Homemade sour cream closely matches the tang and creaminess of store-bought versions, making it a great substitute for both cooking and baking.
How to make it:
- Combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir well and let the mixture sit for a minute to allow the acid to react with the cream.
- Stir in 1/4 cup milk (or 1/8 cup buttermilk) until fully combined.
- Cover the mixture with a cheesecloth or paper towel and leave it on the counter at room temperature for 24 hours. This allows the mixture to naturally thicken and develop its tangy flavor.
- After 24 hours, refrigerate before using.
Best uses: Dips, sauces, dressings, baked goods, and marinades.
2. Plain Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is one of the best substitutes for sour cream because it offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. It’s slightly lighter in fat but works well in most recipes.
How it compares: Greek yogurt is a bit less rich than sour cream but provides the same tang. For the best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt.
How to substitute:
- Replace sour cream with an equal amount (1:1 ratio) of plain Greek yogurt.
Best uses: Dips, dressings, baked goods, and marinades.
3. Plain Yogurt (Full-Fat)
Full-fat plain yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, offering a tangy flavor and creamy consistency. It’s naturally quite thick, especially when using high-quality yogurt, and works well in a variety of recipes.
How it compares: Full-fat plain yogurt is slightly thinner than sour cream but still thick enough for most uses. It has a mild tang, and its high-fat content makes it a closer match to sour cream than low-fat options.
How to substitute:
- Replace sour cream with an equal amount (1:1 ratio) of full-fat plain yogurt.
Best uses: Dressings, marinades, smoothies, and baking.
4. Crème Fraîche
Crème fraîche is a cultured cream with a similar tang and a higher fat content (around 30%), making it one of the closest matches to sour cream in terms of both flavor and texture.
How it compares: Crème fraîche is slightly less tangy because it doesn’t contain the added acidity like sour cream but is very creamy like sour cream. It’s also quite stable when heated, making it ideal for hot dishes.
How to substitute:
- Replace sour cream with an equal amount (1:1 ratio) of crème fraîche.
Best uses: Sauces, soups, dips, and as a topping for desserts.
5. Coconut Cream (Dairy-Free)
Coconut cream is a dairy-free substitute that mimics sour cream’s creamy texture. While it has a subtle coconut flavor, adding lemon juice or vinegar can help add the tanginess.
How it compares: Coconut cream is rich and creamy but lacks sour cream’s natural tanginess. It’s ideal for recipes where the coconut flavor won’t overpower the dish.
How to substitute:
- For 1 cup of sour cream: Mix 1 cup of coconut cream with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to replicate the tang.
Best uses: Vegan recipes, curries, soups, and baked goods.
How to Incorporate These Substitutes
- Match Texture: For recipes that depend on sour cream’s thickness, use substitutes like homemade sour cream, Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or full-fat plain yogurt. Thinner options can also be strained for an even closer match.
- Enhance Tanginess: Add a small amount of lemon juice, vinegar, or apple cider vinegar to substitutes that lack sour cream’s natural tang, such as coconut cream.
- Consider Flavor: Some substitutes, like coconut cream, may add a slight flavor difference. Use these options in recipes where the extra flavor complements the dish.
Final Thoughts
Sour cream is a versatile ingredient, but substitutes like homemade sour cream, Greek yogurt, full-fat plain yogurt, crème fraîche, and coconut cream can replicate its flavor and texture with slight adjustments.
If you’re looking for a homemade option, a dairy-free alternative, or simply run out of sour cream, these substitutes can replace it in your recipes.