Sour Cream

N/A (Cultured Dairy Product) Dairy, Condiment

Sour Cream Dairy, Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy, Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of creamy texture: sour cream adds depth and tang, balancing richness in both savory and sweet dishes."

Definition

A thick, tangy dairy product made by fermenting cream with lactic acid bacteria, prized for its rich texture and flavor.

Global Market Size Over $5 Billion Annually
Milkfat Content Typically 18-20%
Shelf Life (Opened, Refrigerated) 7-14 Days

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sour Cream are:

Tangy Creamy Rich Slightly Acidic

Chef’s Secret

Stir a dollop into scrambled eggs right at the end of cooking for incredibly fluffy results.

Best Substitutes

Plain Greek Yogurt

for most uses
Ratio 1:1

Crème Fraîche

milder tang
Ratio 1:1

Buttermilk

use less, different consistency

Buying Guide

Choose full-fat varieties for best flavor and texture; check expiration dates and avoid watery or separated products.

Recipes Using Sour Cream

Main Dish One Dish Meal Main Dish Main Ingredient

3 Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Dive into a cheesy, comforting explosion of flavor with these 3 Cheese Chicken Enchiladas! Tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a tangy enchilada sauce combine in this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying culinary adventure!

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Mexican Course Technique Brunch

5 Layer Mexican Dip

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any day with this vibrant and delicious 5-Layer Mexican Dip! This easy recipe, inspired by Kraft Foods, is perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch. Creamy layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cheese combine for a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!

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Main Dish 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Preparation

Baked Pollock

Discover the joy of perfectly baked pollock! This recipe is incredibly versatile – use any flaky white fish fillet for a delicious and healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes. We've used frozen pollock (thawed), but fresh works just as well. The simple yet flavorful topping elevates this dish to a new level. Get ready for flaky, tender fish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Low In Something Main Ingredient Weeknight 30 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Turkey Burger With Avocado Dressing Rachael Ray

Juicy turkey burgers infused with smoky bacon, topped with a creamy avocado dressing – this recipe is a flavor explosion! Inspired by Rachael Ray's burger magazine feature, this recipe is slightly adapted for optimal deliciousness. Get ready for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for burger lovers seeking a lighter twist on a classic!

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Mexican Main Ingredient Spicy Occasion

Baked Chicken Breast Wrapped In Bacon With Chipotle Sauce

This easy recipe for Baked Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon with Chipotle Sauce is a guaranteed dinner winner! Juicy chicken breasts are perfectly wrapped in crispy bacon and smothered in a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce. Using center-cut bacon ensures maximum meaty flavor and minimal fat. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer – this recipe is a must-try!

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Served Hot Preparation

Artichoke Bread

This show-stopping Artichoke Bread is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Perfect as a warm, savory appetizer, side dish, or even a unique bread bowl for your favorite soup or dip. The creamy artichoke filling, baked inside a crusty bread loaf, is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.

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Vegetarian Snacks 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Beer Battered Onion Rings W Cajun Dipping Sauce

Crispy, golden beer-battered onion rings, perfectly complemented by a zesty Cajun dipping sauce! This recipe, inspired by a Bisquick cookbook, is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to satisfy your onion ring cravings. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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Course Holiday Event Dips Occasion

Awesome Cheese Dip

This unbelievably creamy and flavorful cheese dip is the perfect appetizer! Serve it warm with crunchy garlic toast rounds or your favorite crackers for an unforgettable taste sensation. So good, you'll be dreaming about it all weekend! This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.

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Main Ingredient Course Occasion Time To Make

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumble Topping And Brown Sugar Glaze

Indulge in this irresistible Apple Coffee Cake, a Food Network classic from Emeril Lagasse! This recipe features a moist and tender cake bursting with juicy apples, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble, and finished with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any occasion.

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Taste Mood Southwestern United States American Course

Beef And Beans Cowboy Crock Pot

Slow-cooked BBQ beef and beans, bursting with smoky chili, warm cumin, and creamy cheddar cheese! This hearty, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. Easy to make in your crock pot, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results.

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Time To Make Papaya Course North American

Bahamian Papaya Rum Cake

Escape to the tropical paradise of the Bahamas with every bite of this decadent papaya rum cake! Infused with the rich flavors of Caribbean rum and sweet papaya, this moist and tender cake is the perfect ending to any meal. Our recipe captures the essence of island life, bringing the taste of a Bahamian vacation straight to your kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Preparation Cheese Casseroles

Bacon And Eggs Casserole

Start your day with this incredibly easy and delicious Bacon and Eggs Casserole! This hearty breakfast bake is perfect for weekend brunches or busy week mornings. Crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese combine for a satisfying and unforgettable taste. Get the recipe now and impress your family and friends!

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Meat American Time To Make Weeknight

Easy Chicken And Green Bean Casserole

This family-favorite recipe, passed down from my mother-in-law, is a complete meal in one pan! Enjoy tender chicken and crisp-tender green beans in a creamy, flavorful casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting family gathering. You can use leftover cooked chicken or quickly cook your own – the choice is yours! (Prep time excludes chicken cooking time)

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Occasion Desserts Occasion Preparation

Applebee's Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Shooter By Todd Wilbur

Recreate the irresistible Applebee's Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Shooters at home! This easy recipe delivers creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and sweet strawberry topping in individual glasses. Perfect for parties or a delightful individual treat. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Course Time To Make Main Dish

Beany Burritos

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Beany Burritos, a flavorful and healthy recipe adapted from Leanne Ely's 'Saving Dinner'. Each burrito boasts only 317 calories and 3g of fat, making it a guilt-free weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked beef, offering a quick and easy dinner solution packed with protein and fiber. Top with your favorite garnishes for a customizable and satisfying experience!

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Time To Make Crock Pot Slow Cooker Low In Something Equipment

Awesome Easy Cheese And Chicken Enchiladas

Craving cheesy, comforting Mexican food? This recipe delivers! Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, these enchiladas are bursting with flavor. Tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a touch of spice create a dish the whole family will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is easily customizable to your taste preferences. Get ready for an explosion of cheesy goodness!

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Easy Time To Make Course Vegan

Vegan Taco Soup

This vibrant and flavorful Vegan Taco Soup is a game-changer! Perfect for a cozy night in or a large gathering, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize. Enjoy it as a hearty vegan meal, or add your favorite dairy toppings for a delicious twist. Inspired by a family recipe and adapted for vegan diets, this soup is packed with corn, beans, and zesty spices – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Easily halved for smaller portions. Get ready for a fiesta in your bowl!

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Carrots Corn Vegetables Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Bavarian Cabbage Chowder

This hearty Bavarian Cabbage Chowder recipe is a family favorite, passed down and perfected over the years! Enjoy a comforting and flavorful soup that's easily customizable to your preferences. Perfect for vegetarian guests or those who prefer a meaty twist with kielbasa. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm your soul!

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