Substitute for Sour Cream
A thick, tangy dairy product used in dips, baking, sauces, and as a topping.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing sour cream is Plain Greek Yogurt at a ratio of 1 cup Greek yogurt = 1 cup sour cream. This works well for dips, baking, toppings, sauces, dressings. There are 2 total substitutes listed below, each suited for different situations. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Plain Greek Yogurt
Flavor impact: Slightly tangier and thicker. Higher protein, lower fat. The closest 1:1 substitute.
Cottage Cheese (blended)
Flavor impact: Mild, slightly sweet. Blend until completely smooth.
Greek yogurt is so close to sour cream that the Professor uses them interchangeably. Most people cannot tell the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greek yogurt works best because its thickness matches. Regular yogurt is thinner and may make recipes too watery. Strain it through cheesecloth first if using regular.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of sour cream, the best all-around substitute is plain greek yogurt. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role sour cream plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026