How To Make Sour Cream

By Britany SaareFeb 11, 2025Jump to Recipe

Make your own thick, tangy sour cream with this fool-proof recipe.

I’ve become a huge proponent of DIY foods. With sites like FoodFaithFitness to guide you through the process with easy, healthy, and tasty recipes, why wouldn’t you make your own homemade versions of your favorite dishes? I’ve found joy and satisfaction in testing and perfecting recipes like this signature Vanilla Coffee Creamer or my own Vegan Butter. The truth is, there has been a cultural shift back to home-cooked meals in recent years, and a lot of that comes with food transparency.

Food transparency is the practice of knowing what’s going into your food before it goes into your body. It includes ingredients, production, and sourcing, including a product’s sustainability and impact. When it comes to simplifying my own diet, homemade sour cream has been a go-to DIY recipe of mine.

Many sour creams you’ll find at the store contain added ingredients like flavorings, stabilizers, and fillers. This homemade sour cream focuses on simplicity, using only heavy cream and your choice of lemon juice or white vinegar (team lemon juice!) to create a classic sour cream. Homemade sour cream also tends to be richer and tangier than their mild store-bought counterparts.

Making your own sour cream is far easier than you might think. In fact, with just two simple ingredients and a jar, you’ll have tasty, tangy sour cream at the ready whenever you need it.

Is Sour Cream Healthy?

It’s important to know the difference between clean eating and healthy eating. While this recipe for sour cream includes just two simple ingredients (in line with clean eating), it is high in fat and practically entirely made up of dairy. While not necessarily unhealthy, if you’re trying to consume less fat and dairy in your diet, it is perhaps best to enjoy in moderation.

Try Making Flavored Sour Cream

Part of the fun of making your own recipes is the ability you have to experiment and play with your food. Because this sour cream recipe is so simple, you can get creative by trying to make different flavored sour creams. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh chives for a savory experience, or add chipotle powder and lime juice for a little spice.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store your homemade sour cream in an airtight container like a mason jar, and keep it refrigerated. It should last about 2 weeks. Check for signs of spoilage before use, like mold, discoloration, a watery layer, or a strong stench.

What Is The Difference Between Using Lemon Juice and White Vinegar?

While lemon juice and white vinegar seem very different, they serve the same purpose in this recipe. They are both acids, and while white vinegar is more potent than lemon juice, the flavor difference is nearly unnoticeable to most. Go with whichever one you prefer!

If You Prefer A Milder Flavor, Try This

If you prefer a milder flavor, as opposed to the rich and tangy taste of homemade sour cream, store your mixture in the fridge immediately instead of leaving it out to ferment.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe for sour cream can be used interchangeably with your typical brand name version. Add a dollop of sour cream to your favorite Mexican food, like these Green Chicken Enchiladas, or on top of Baked Potatoes with bacon, chives, and cheese. You can also use this sour cream to make dips, dressings, and Potato Salad.

You can even use this sour cream in desserts and other sweet dishes, like this Baklava Cheesecake or these delicious Sour Cream Pancakes!

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