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The 10 Best Substitutes for Sour Cream in Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple dish in many households, and when you add a dollop of sour cream, the creamy texture, and tangy flavor take them to the next level!

But what if you don’t have any sour cream in the fridge?

What are the best substitutes for sour cream in mashed potatoes? The best substitutes for sour cream in mashed potatoes include Greek yogurt, heavy cream, buttermilk, cashew cream, labneh cheese, crème fraîche, mayonnaise, coconut milk, or butter. You can also use avocado or an egg to create a rich and creamy mash.

No matter which substitute you choose to use in your recipe, these alternatives will make sure your mashed potatoes still turn out delicious!

Let’s take a look at these 10 best substitutes for sour cream in mashed potatoes and how to use them.

Why Use Sour Cream in Mashed Potatoes?

Sour Cream
ReasonExplanation
CreaminessSour cream adds a rich, creamy texture to mashed potatoes.
TanginessThe tangy flavor of sour cream can help balance out the richness of the potatoes.
MoistureSour cream can help keep mashed potatoes moist and prevent them from becoming dry.
FlavorSour cream can add a subtle tangy flavor to mashed potatoes that complements other ingredients.
ThicknessAdding sour cream can help thicken the mashed potatoes and make them more substantial.
VersatilitySour cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, including mashed potatoes.
TraditionMany traditional mashed potato recipes call for sour cream as an ingredient.
HealthUsing sour cream in moderation can add some nutritional benefits, such as protein and calcium.
AllergyFor those who are allergic to dairy, sour cream alternatives can be used to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
Personal preferenceSome people simply prefer the taste and texture of mashed potatoes made with sour cream.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Sour Cream in Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a dinner staple. To make them even more delicious, many people add sour cream.

However, some prefer to use healthier substitutes – here are ten great options:

1 – Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is an excellent replacement for sour cream in mashed potatoes due to its thick texture and creamy flavor.

It also offers a nutritious boost of protein, calcium, and other vitamins.

To use it as a substitute, simply swap out the same amount of sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt.

This swap increases the nutritional value of your dish without sacrificing the creamy taste.

2 – Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has long been a popular alternative to sour cream because of its soft consistency and mild flavor.

When blended, it creates a smooth sauce that complements mashed potatoes perfectly.

The added bonus?

It contains far fewer calories than sour cream! If you’re looking for a health-conscious swap, cottage cheese is the way to go.

3 – Crème Fraîche

Creme Fraiche

Crème fraîche is similar to sour cream but slightly thicker due to its higher fat content.

Its subtle tanginess pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, making it an ideal ingredient for elevating the flavor profile of your dish without overpowering it.

Additionally, crème fraîche adds richness and body which helps thicken the texture of your recipe’s end result.

4 – Buttermilk

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a dairy product that provides tangy notes that pep up plain potatoes while delivering additional moisture to give them just the right creamy texture.

It’s also much lower in fat than traditional sour cream so you can enjoy all the rich flavors without feeling guilty!

Plus, buttermilk contains probiotics which can help keep your digestive system healthy while adding complexity to your dishes in one fell swoop!

5 – Cream Cheese

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is another great option when looking for something lighter in fat than traditional sour cream yet still packed with flavor and creaminess that make your finished mashed potatoes irresistible!

As an added bonus, you can mix herbs or spices with low-fat cream cheese for extra flare and depth of flavor!

6 – Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a mild-tasting dairy product with a smooth texture, making it an ideal stand-in for sour cream.

It is high in protein and calcium, helping to keep you full and providing essential vitamins and minerals.

To use ricotta cheese, add a few tablespoons of ricotta to the recipe along with butter or olive oil to create a creamy mixture that won’t overpower the other flavors.

7 – Mayonnaise

mayo

Mayonnaise contains eggs, acidifiers, and oil, which come together to create its signature creamy texture.

Mayonnaise can be used in place of sour cream in mashed potatoes to provide an indulgent taste with hardly any fat or calories.

Simply mix two tablespoons of mayo into your mashed potatoes before serving or baking.

8 – Silken Tofu

Silken Tofu

A vegan alternative to sour cream is silken tofu, which has a mild flavor and custard-like consistency when pureed.

To use as a substitute for sour cream in mashed potatoes, blend silken tofu until it reaches desired consistency and add it to the recipe along with butter or olive oil.

This will create an incredibly smooth mash without adding any animal products or extra fat.

9 – Plain Unsweetened Almond Milk Mixed With Lemon Juice or Vinegar

Almond Milk

For those looking for an entirely plant-based option, plain unsweetened almond milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar makes an excellent substitution for sour cream in mashed potatoes.

This mixture creates a lusciously creamy texture while cutting out fat calories from traditional sour cream recipes.

Add four tablespoons of almond milk combined with one teaspoon of either lemon juice or vinegar per cup of mashed potatoes for best results.

10 – Coconut Cream

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream offers all of the luxurious texture associated with traditional whipped creams but without all the added sugar and fat calories usually found within them.

As such, coconut cream can make an exceptional vegetarian alternative to sour cream when making mashed potatoes—simply blend one cup of coconut milk with one teaspoon of cornstarch and add it to your recipe along with butter or olive oil before serving or baking your dish!

Conclusion

In conclusion, while sour cream is a commonly used ingredient in mashed potatoes, there are several alternatives that can be used to achieve similar results.

Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, crème fraîche, buttermilk, cream cheese, and ricotta cheese can all add creaminess and tanginess to mashed potatoes. Mayonnaise, silken tofu, cashew-based sour cream alternatives, and coconut cream can also be used to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

These alternatives can be particularly useful for those with dairy allergies or those who prefer not to use sour cream.

Ultimately, the choice of an ingredient depends on personal taste and preference, and experimenting with different alternatives can lead to delicious and unique mashed potato recipes.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Sour Cream in Mashed Potatoes

The 10 Best Substitutes for Sour Cream in Mashed Potatoes

Looking for alternatives to sour cream in mashed potatoes? Check out these 10 substitutes, including Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, crème fraîche, and more. Whether you're looking for a dairy-free option or want to experiment with different flavors and textures, these alternatives can help you achieve delicious and unique mashed potato recipes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • Greek Yogurt
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Crème Fraîche
  • Buttermilk
  • Cream Cheese
  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Silken Tofu
  • Plain Unsweetened Almond Milk Mixed With Lemon Juice or Vinegar
  • Coconut Cream

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.