Step 1

Use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt as a one to one substitute in just about any recipe.

Step 2

Use Crème fraîche as a one to one substitute. Note creme fraiche is less tangy than sour cream, if desired you can add a little lemon juice if you want a tangy flavor.

Step 3

Buttermilk will impart acidity and tang, but it is much thinner than sour cream. If you're baking with it and using a fairly small amount you should be able to substitute one to one without any problems.

Step 4

Kefir will impart acidity and tang, but it is much thinner than sour cream. If you're baking with it and using a fairly small amount you should be able to substitute one to one without any problems.

Step 5

Cream cheese and mascarpone cheese are a bit thicker than sour cream. Thin them by whisking in a splash of milk and a bit of lemon juice (for acidity). You should be able to get fairly close to the same consistency of sour cream.