Homemade Sour Cream Recipe

Sour cream, also called sour cream, is one of the most widely used creams in American, Mexican, and Latin American cuisines.

Homemade Sour Cream Recipe

The term “sour” does not indicate a bitter or highly acidic flavor; it refers to a light tang that adds flavor to certain dishes.

Sour cream is made with heavy cream containing around 20% fat to achieve the desired consistency.

Lemon juice or white vinegar and a pinch of salt are used. It only takes a few minutes to make, although it should rest to allow it to ferment slightly.

It is ideal for seasoning soups or creams, preparing dressings, or simply using as another sauce for your meals.

Recommendations for Making Homemade Sour Cream

To make sour cream, keep the following points in mind:

  1. Always choose cream with at least 20% fat. The higher the percentage, the thicker the cream will be.
  2. Mix the cream with an electric mixer so it thickens quickly. If you don’t have one, you can mix it manually.
  3. After mixing the cream with the lemon juice, let it rest for at least 30 minutes so the ingredients blend and the cream sets.
  4. You can use whipping cream or cooking cream, with or without lactose, as long as it has the proper fat percentage.
  5. Lemon juice or white vinegar gives the characteristic flavor, but do not overuse it.
  6. Store the sour cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  7. Use only the amount you need with a clean utensil to prevent curdling.
  8. This sour cream can be used to add flavor to soups, creams, or dressings.

How to Make Homemade Sour Cream Recipe?

Recipe Details

  • Serves: 4
  • Time: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Additional features: Inexpensive, no cooking required, Mexican recipes

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Greek yogurt or plain unsweetened yogurt1 cup
Lemon juice1 dessert spoon
Salt1 pinch
Ground black pepper (optional)To taste

Step-by-Step Procedure:

  1. Pour the Greek yogurt into a deep bowl to make it easier to mix the other ingredients. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use heavy cream, whipping cream, or a creamy unsweetened natural yogurt.
  2. In a separate container, add the lemon juice. Use only a small splash, as too much can cause the yogurt to curdle.
  3. Add a small pinch of salt to the lemon juice and mix until completely dissolved to avoid salt grains in the sauce.
  4. Slowly pour the juice over the yogurt while stirring gently. Mix briefly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes so the sour cream thickens.
  5. Remove from the refrigerator, stir again lightly, and serve with a touch of ground black pepper if desired.

Video Guide 📽️

Use this homemade sour cream to prepare dishes, add flavor to everyday meals, or serve it as a dip.

Recipes With Sour Cream and Suggestions

Like all dairy products, sour cream should always be kept refrigerated. If you plan to add it to hot dishes, remove it from the refrigerator a few minutes before serving.

Now that you know how to make easy sour cream at home, you don’t need to buy it at the supermarket. Besides being an excellent accompaniment to burritos and Mexican dishes, it can also be used with:

  1. Zucchini cream soup
  2. Crispy tacos
  3. Honduran baleadas
  4. Crispy plantain chips with sour cream
  5. Macaroni with sour cream and thyme
  6. Chicken-stuffed chiles with corn cream
  7. Creamed tuna salad

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Energy153 kcal
Protein1 g
Carbohydrates2 g
Sugars2 g
Total fat16 g
Saturated fat9 g
Monounsaturated fat5 g
Cholesterol55 mg
Salt0.54 g
Sodium214 mg
Calcium41 mg
Iodine1 mcg

Nutritional values calculated by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

What to Serve With Sour Cream?

Sour cream has a distinct flavor that works well with roasted potatoes or vegetables, soups, creams, dressings, and sandwiches.

Add herbs or spices and adjust salt and pepper to taste. It is also commonly used with Mexican nachos.

It is often used in baking. Although yogurt can be used as a substitute, sour cream gives a different texture and flavor.

It can also be used in recipes that call for crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese if allowed to thicken.

How to Make Sour Cream? (Milk, Cream Sauce, Yogurt, Raw Milk, and Onion Dip & Chip.)

1) How to Make Sour Cream From Cream?

  • Take 1 cup of heavy cream.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
  • Stir it gently and leave it at room temperature for 24 hours.

After that, it will become thick and slightly sour. Put it in the fridge for a few hours before using.


2) How to Make Sour Cream From Milk?

  • Take 1 cup of whole milk.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes until it thickens a little.

It won’t be as thick as real sour cream, but you can use it in cooking or baking.


3) How to Make Sour Cream Sauce?

  • Take 1 cup of sour cream.
  • Add a little salt and black pepper.
  • You can also add garlic powder, lemon juice, or chopped herbs.

Mix everything well. Use it as a sauce for tacos, grilled chicken, or vegetables.


4) How to Make Sour Cream With Yogurt?

  • Take 1 cup of plain yogurt.
  • Add 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
  • Mix it well and keep it in the fridge for 1 hour.

It will taste very close to sour cream.


5) How to Make Sour Cream From Greek Yogurt?

  • Take 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • Stir well.

If it is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to make it smoother. Now it’s ready to use.


6) How to Make Sour Cream From Raw Milk?

  • Boil the raw milk first to make it safe.
  • Let it cool down until warm.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt to 1 cup of milk.
  • Cover it and leave it in a warm place for 12–24 hours.

It will become thick and slightly sour. After that, keep it in the fridge.


7) How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Dip?

  • Take 1 cup of sour cream.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion.
  • Add a little salt and black pepper.

Mix well and keep it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. It tastes great with chips or snacks.


8) How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Chips?

Slice potatoes very thin.
Fry them until crispy or bake them in the oven.

In a small bowl, mix:

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream powder (or very thick sour cream dried slightly)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste

Sprinkle this mix on warm chips and shake well. Let them cool and enjoy.


FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yogurt instead of cream?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or plain unsweetened yogurt.

How long does homemade sour cream last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it usually lasts up to 5 days.

Why did my sour cream curdle?

This usually happens when too much lemon juice or vinegar is added.


Conclusion

Homemade sour cream is simple to prepare and uses only a few ingredients. It adds flavor to many dishes and works well in both savory recipes and baking.

Making it at home allows you to control the texture and taste while avoiding store-bought versions.

Save For Later 📌

Related Stories