Substitute for Sour cream
Out of sour cream mid-recipe? Here is the exact swap, measured — not "about a cup of something similar" — plus every alternative that genuinely works.
For 1 cup of sour cream
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
Greek yogurt works too; expect a slightly tangier result.
Data & method: Ratios follow standard US test-kitchen practice (King Arthur Baking's ingredient guides are the primary cross-check). Every number is checked by an automated test against its source. How we calculate →
Scaled to what your recipe calls for
Plain whole-milk yogurt, computed for the amounts recipes actually use:
| Recipe needs | Use instead |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup of sour cream | ¼ cup plain whole-milk yogurt |
| ½ cup of sour cream | ½ cup plain whole-milk yogurt |
| ¾ cup of sour cream | ¾ cup plain whole-milk yogurt |
| 1 cup of sour cream | 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt |
| 1½ cup of sour cream | 1½ cups plain whole-milk yogurt |
| 2 cup of sour cream | 2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt |
Need a different amount — or a different ingredient?
The calculator scales every option to your exact amount, for all 17 staples we cover.
Best swap Plain whole-milk yogurt
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
Greek yogurt works too; expect a slightly tangier result.
Other swaps bakers look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of sour cream?
The best swap for 1 cup of sour cream is 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt — greek yogurt works too; expect a slightly tangier result.
How much substitute do I use for a different amount of sour cream?
Scale the parts linearly. The table on this page covers the common amounts, and the calculator scales every option to exactly what your recipe calls for — never a vague "adjust to taste".