We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you don’t have enough — or any — of the sour cream it calls for. Or maybe you just whipped up a batch of smoky Mexican molletes and want to top them with this thick and tart dairy product but forgot to pick some up. Regardless of the reason, did you know that you can actually make your own sour cream with just three simple ingredients?
Ingredients and Process
Making sour cream at home requires just three ingredients: heavy cream, milk, and an acid like white vinegar or lemon juice. Here are the most common measurements:
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– ¼ cup milk
– 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice
It’s important to use full-fat ingredients — no reduced-fat options today!
When ready, combine the acid (vinegar or lemon juice) with the heavy cream and stir. Add the milk to the heavy cream mixture and combine. Cover with a piece of cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. It will thicken up and work its magic during this time.
Using Your Homemade Sour Cream
Once your sour cream is ready, you can use it in all your favorite recipes like moist sour cream Bisquick coffee cake or to top yummy foods like baked potatoes and quesadillas. Stored in the refrigerator, it will last up to two weeks (if you don’t inhale it before then).
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Sour Cream
If you have extra sour cream, there are various ways to ensure it doesn’t go to waste. One common idea is to transform your leftover sour cream into a creamy dip by adding flavoring like taco seasoning for a Mexican twist or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired condiment. You can also use it to make a tangy salad dressing or add some richness to mashed potatoes.
Baking with sour cream is another option. Because it’s creamy, it adds moisture to your baked goods without thinning out the batter. Its acidity helps break down gluten, resulting in tender cakes and pastries. Some delicious sour cream bakes include old-fashioned doughnuts, blueberry muffins, and pound cake. You’ll be surprised how it adds that unique but subtle tanginess to the final product.
