HOW TO MAKE SOUR CREAM (PLUS SUBSTITUTES!)

Want to know how to make sour cream (plus substitutes!)? This recipe is super easy to prep—just mix 2 ingredients together today, and it’ll be ready for tomorrow’s taco night. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours, and by the next day, you’ll have a perfectly tangy, creamy sour cream substitute ready to go.

WHAT IS SOUR CREAM?

Now, let’s set the record straight: this is not traditional sour cream. Traditional sour cream is made with live lactic acid bacteria cultures that ferment the cream over time to get that signature tang and texture. That process takes hours—sometimes overnight—and most of us aren’t planning that far ahead when all we want is a dollop of creamy goodness for our chili or loaded fries.

This recipe is an acidic version of sour cream. It uses vinegar to mimic that sharp tang and thicken the cream just enough to pass the “scoop test.” It’s fast, easy, and honestly tastes surprisingly close to the real deal. Perfect for when the store is closed, you’re out of options, or you just don’t feel like leaving the house. No judgment here.

This version relies on acidification, not fermentation. Vinegar lowers the pH of the cream, thickens it slightly, and gives it that sour pop. It's not a probiotic food like traditional cultured sour cream, but it gets the job done beautifully in a culinary emergency.

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar

A clean jar

🔄 SUBSTITUTES FOR VINEGAR

Lemon juice (fresh is best)

Apple cider vinegar

All of these work similarly—just stick to the 1 tablespoon per cup ratio.

👩🏼‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE SOUR CREAM FROM CREAM

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.

Pour the heavy cream into a clean glass jar.

Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Seal the jar with its lid and give it a good shake to combine.

Remove the lid, then cover the jar with a paper towel or cheesecloth and secure it with an elastic band. This lets the mixture breathe while it develops.

Leave it at room temperature for about 24 hours.

After 24 hours, it should be slightly thickened and tangy. Give it a stir and store in the fridge. It will thicken more as it chills.

That’s it! You’ve got yourself a cheater’s sour cream—perfect for dipping, dolloping, or drizzling. Store any leftovers in the fridge and give it a stir before using again.

📝 TIPS AND TRICKS

No white vinegar? Try lemon juice instead!

Add a pinch of salt or a dash of garlic powder to customize it for dips or dressings.

10 SUBSTITUTES FOR SOUR CREAM

🥄 1. Greek Yogurt

Best for: Baking, dips, tacos
Thick, tangy, and high in protein, plain full-fat Greek yogurt is the closest match to sour cream. Just swap 1:1 in most recipes.

🥛 2. Crème Fraîche

Best for: Sauces, soups, dolloping
Rich and slightly less tangy, crème fraîche is basically sour cream’s fancier cousin. Use it 1:1.

🧈 3. Plain Yogurt (Regular)

Best for: Baking, marinades
It’s thinner than sour cream, but still works great in a pinch. Use whole milk plain yogurt for the best texture and richness.

🥥 4. Coconut Cream

Best for: Vegan recipes, desserts
Thick, creamy, and slightly sweet. Add a squeeze of lemon or apple cider vinegar for tang. Great in frostings or dolloped on chili.

🫘 5. Silken Tofu + Lemon Juice

Best for: Vegan cooking, dips, dressings
You should try this delicious whipped tofu recipe.

🧀 6. Cream Cheese + Milk + Lemon Juice

Best for: Dips, spreads
Mix 3 parts cream cheese, 1 part milk, and a splash of lemon juice. Hello, creamy tanginess.

🌱 7. Cashew Cream

Best for: Vegan & dairy-free
Soak cashews and blend with water and lemon juice until smooth. Add salt to taste. Bonus: it’s luscious and nutrient-rich.

🥛 8. Buttermilk

Best for: Baking
Tangy but runnier than sour cream. Works well in muffins, cakes, and dressings—just reduce other liquids in the recipe.

🧄 9. Mayo + Yogurt or Lemon Juice

Best for: Dips, potato salad, dressings
Mix equal parts mayonnaise and yogurt (or add lemon juice to mayo). Creamy + tangy = perfect sour cream swap.

🧂 10. Cottage Cheese + Lemon Juice (Blended)

Best for: Baking, dips
Blend until smooth and add a bit of lemon juice for tang. High in protein and surprisingly similar in taste!

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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