Yogurt Cheese Sour Cream Substitute
Transform your plain yogurt into a velvety, tangy delight with this easy Yogurt Cheese Sour Cream Substitute recipe. In just 10 minutes of prep and a simple overnight straining process, you’ll create a creamy, versatile alternative to traditional sour cream—perfect for dolloping on baked potatoes, tacos, or soups. Using just two cups of plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style), this method naturally separates the liquid whey, leaving behind a rich, thick yogurt cheese with a consistency similar to sour cream. Whether you're looking for a healthier option or a lactose-friendly ingredient swap, this recipe offers endless possibilities while keeping everything fresh and homemade. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, making it a perfect staple for meal prep and everyday cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style)
Instructions
Place a fine-mesh strainer or colander over a large bowl to catch the liquid whey.
Line the strainer or colander with a double layer of cheesecloth, a thin kitchen towel, or coffee filters.
Pour the plain yogurt into the prepared strainer, ensuring it spreads out evenly.
Fold the edges of the cheesecloth (if using) over the yogurt to cover it, or place a clean piece of plastic wrap over the yogurt surface to prevent drying.
Refrigerate the setup for 6-12 hours, depending on the desired thickness, allowing the liquid whey to drain into the bowl below. Check and discard the whey periodically if the bowl begins to fill up.
Once the yogurt has thickened to your liking, transfer the strained yogurt cheese to an airtight container.
Use the yogurt cheese immediately as a sour cream substitute, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
320 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 240 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.4 g | ||
| Protein | 28.8 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 480 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 768 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
