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.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style)

Directions

Step 1

Place a fine-mesh strainer or colander over a large bowl to catch the liquid whey.

Step 2

Line the strainer or colander with a double layer of cheesecloth, a thin kitchen towel, or coffee filters.

Step 3

Pour the plain yogurt into the prepared strainer, ensuring it spreads out evenly.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Once the yogurt has thickened to your liking, transfer the strained yogurt cheese to an airtight container.

Step 7

Use the yogurt cheese immediately as a sour cream substitute, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(480g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	320.0

Total Fat 16.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 64.0mg	0%
Sodium 240mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 22.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 22.4g
Protein 28.8g	0%

Vitamin D 192IU	0%
Calcium 480mg	0%
Iron 0.3mg	0%
Potassium 768mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.3%

Protein: 33.0%

Carbs: 25.7%