Sour cream is an affordable condiment in the kitchen. You can use this dip in many dishes, from baking to cooking to making dip.
Contents
Sour cream recipe
Sour cream is a cultured dairy product with a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. It’s high in saturated fats and calories. This makes it a less healthy option for some diets.
It is a staple in dips, baked goods (like cakes and muffins), and savory dishes (tacos, baked potatoes, stroganoff). Its mild acidity enhances flavors while adding moisture. It’s also a key ingredient in dressings and marinades.
There are many ways to make this dip, from the traditional method to the quick version. I’m going to make it all. Here’s how to make the sour cream:
Easy Sour Cream
Nutrition
Ingredients
Traditional recipe
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk or plain yogurt
Quick Recipe
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
Sour Cream Without Heavy Cream
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
Healthy Version
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
Instructions
Traditional Recipe
- In a clean jar, mix the heavy cream and buttermilk (or yogurt).
- Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or a loose lid.
- Let it sit at room temperature (70°F/21°C) for 24 hours until thickened.
- Stir well, then refrigerate before using. It will thicken more in the fridge.
Quick Recipe
- Stir lemon juice (or vinegar) into heavy cream.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes at room temp.
- Stir again and use immediately. (Not as thick, but works in recipes!)
Recipe without Heavy Cream
- Melt butter, then mix it with milk.
- Stir in lemon juice/vinegar and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Use immediately or refrigerate to thicken slightly.
Healthy Version
- Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice/vinegar.
- Stir well and use immediately.
Notes
- The calories and fat of the healthy version is 25kcal and 1.5g
- The version without heavy cream is best for cooking, baking, or mixing into recipes (not as thick for toppings).
- The quick version is not as thick or tangy as traditional sour cream.
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to use
Sour cream is a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some popular ways to use it:
- Savory Dishes
- Sour cream is a classic topping for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and potato skins.
- It’s a topping for tacos, burritos, and nachos to cool down spicy flavors.
- It adds a creamy texture and tanginess to soups like chili or borscht.
- It pairs well with fried foods, such as fried mushrooms, falafel, or fried potatoes.
- It’s a common topping for pierogies, especially those filled with potatoes or cheese.
- Baked Goods and Desserts
- Sour cream adds moisture and flavor to cakes like vanilla or cherry crumble cake.
- It’s used in baked doughnuts for added moisture and flavor.
- It’s mixed with sugar and vanilla for a sweet topping for strawberries or other fruits.
- Other Uses
- It’s used in dips like caramelized onion dip or as a base for creamy sauces.
- It adds richness to scrambled eggs or cornbread.
Variations
If you cannot consume traditional version or prefer alternatives, here are several options:
- Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is high in protein and has a similar consistency to sour cream.
- Kefir is rich in probiotics and provides a tangy taste.
- Cottage Cheese is a great alternative and high in protein.
- Mayonnaise works well in dips and dressings. However, it lacks the tanginess of sour cream.
- Coconut Yogurt or Coconut Cream is a dairy-free options.
- Cashew Version is a vegan alternative made from blended cashews.