Sour cream and mayonnaise are two common ingredients used in cooking and baking that share some similar properties but also have distinct differences. Both are creamy, thick emulsions that can be used to add moisture, fat, and richness to dishes. However, they are not directly interchangeable in all recipes. When substituting mayo for sour cream, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
The main differences between mayo and sour cream
While mayonnaise and sour cream are both oil-in-water emulsions, they have slightly different properties:
- Fat content – Mayo has a higher fat content, with about 70-80% fat, while sour cream is around 20-25% fat.
- Acidity – Sour cream has a tangy, acidic flavor from added lactic acid, while mayo does not.
- Moisture content – Sour cream contains more moisture than mayonnaise.
- Texture – Mayo is smoother and more homogeneous, while sour cream is thicker with some granularity.
- Flavor – Mayo has a mild flavor, while sour cream is tangy and sour.
These differences mean that mayo and sour cream won’t react exactly the same way in recipes. Sour cream contributes more moisture and acidity compared to mayonnaise.
Tips for substituting mayo for sour cream
When substituting mayo for sour cream, keep the following tips in mind:
- Reduce the mayo amount – Use less mayo than the amount of sour cream called for, starting with about 3/4 of the sour cream amount.
- Add acid – Add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess of sour cream.
- Thin it out – Thin the mayo with milk, water, or yogurt to get a closer texture to sour cream.
- Season it – Add extra salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to increase the flavor.
- Use mayo varieties – Try substituting mayo varieties like chipotle mayo or lime mayo for some added flavor.
- Don’t bake it – Avoid baking with mayo substitutes as it can react differently than sour cream.
The ideal mayo to sour cream substitution ratio is 3/4 cup mayo + 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1-2 tablespoons milk or water. This accounts for the increased fat and different moisture levels.
How to substitute in specific recipes
The mayo to sour cream ratio will vary depending on the recipe. Some guidelines include:
- Dips – Use 3/4 cup mayo + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp milk
- Salad dressings – Use equal amounts mayo for sour cream
- Baked goods – Use 2/3 cup mayo + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 2 tbsp milk for every 1 cup sour cream
- Frostings – Use 3/4 cup mayo + 1 tsp lemon juice for every 1 cup sour cream
- Casseroles or soups – Use 1/2 to 2/3 cup mayo for every 1 cup sour cream
For baked goods especially, the mayo substitution won’t be quite the same texture and flavor as sour cream. It’s best to use mayo in unbaked applications.
Sour cream substitution ratio table
This table summarizes the approximate substitution ratios for replacing sour cream with mayonnaise:
| Sour cream | Mayonnaise substitute |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 3/4 cup mayo + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1-2 tbsp milk or water |
| 1/2 cup | 6 tbsp mayo + 2 tsp lemon juice + 1-2 tbsp milk or water |
| 1/3 cup | 1/4 cup mayo + 1 tsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp milk or water |
| 1/4 cup | 3 tbsp mayo + 1/2 tsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp milk or water |
| 2 tbsp | 1 1/2 tbsp mayo + 1/4 tsp lemon juice + 1 tsp milk or water |
| 1 tbsp | 2 tsp mayo + dash lemon juice + 1/2 tsp milk or water |
Pros and cons of substituting with mayo
Here are some of the main pros and cons to be aware of when using mayo in place of sour cream:
Pros:
- Convenient ingredient – Mayonnaise is readily available.
- Adds richness – Mayo contributes fat and creaminess similar to sour cream.
- Works well for some uses – Mayo substitution works for salad dressings, dips, etc.
- Lasts longer – Mayo has a longer shelf life than sour cream when stored properly.
Cons:
- Flavor differences – Mayo lacks the acidic tang of sour cream.
- Moisture differences – The substitution can make some recipes too dry.
- Texture – Mayo is smoother than the thicker, granular sour cream.
- Baking issues – Using mayo instead of sour cream in baked goods may cause texture and structural problems.
- Fat content – Mayo has more fat than sour cream, which alters the nutrition profile.
Other potential sour cream substitutes
In addition to mayonnaise, some other ingredients can be used as sour cream substitutes in a pinch:
- Plain Greek yogurt – Mix with a bit of lemon juice. Works well in dips and dressings.
- Silken tofu – Blended silken tofu mimics the texture. Add lemon juice and salt.
- Cottage cheese – Pureed cottage cheese. Best for savory dishes, not baking.
- Buttermilk – Adds tanginess. Use in marinades, dressings, and baked goods.
- Plain yogurt – Thinner than Greek yogurt but adds tang and creaminess.
- Cashew cream – Blend raw cashews with water or milk. Works for veggie dishes.
These dairy-free and lower fat substitutes provide more similar texture, moisture, and flavor compared to mayonnaise. But mayo can be used in a pinch for certain recipes like dips and dressings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace sour cream with mayo in baking?
It’s best to avoid using mayonnaise as a replacement for sour cream in baked goods. Mayo has much higher fat content and less moisture, which can alter the texture and cause baked goods to be more dry, dense, and oily. For baking, try a substitute like Greek yogurt or silken tofu instead.
What’s a good mayo to sour cream ratio for dips?
For sour cream-based dips and sauces, a good rule of thumb is to use 3/4 cup mayonnaise + 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1 tablespoon milk or water for every 1 cup sour cream that the recipe calls for. The acidity from the lemon juice helps replicate the tangy flavor of sour cream.
Can I make my own substitute with oil and lemon juice?
You can attempt to make a DIY sour cream substitute by combining lemon juice with oil or milk. However, this is more difficult to emulsify properly and likely won’t replicate the same texture you get from store-bought mayo. Making your own mayo-like substitute takes precise technique to emulsify the oil and liquid.
Is Greek yogurt an acceptable substitute for sour cream?
Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt is one of the best substitutes for sour cream. The thick, creamy texture mimics sour cream well. Simply mix 2/3 cup Greek yogurt with 1/3 cup milk and a pinch of lemon juice or vinegar to thin it out and add tanginess as needed.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of sour cream?
Cottage cheese that’s blended or pureed until smooth can work as a substitute for sour cream in some recipes. However, it has a distinct flavor that will come through. For a more neutral flavor, stick with Greek yogurt or silken tofu instead.
Conclusion
Mayonnaise can be used in place of sour cream as an ingredient substitution in a pinch, but work best for unbaked applications like salad dressings and dips. Adjustments to the mayo-to-sour cream ratio, acidity, and thickness help improve its use as a substitute. But for baked goods especially, yogurt, silken tofu, or buttermilk are closer matches. When sour cream is called for, mayonnaise can mimic some richness and texture, but won’t replicate the exact moisture, tangy flavor, and performance in all recipes.