Can You Freeze Sour Cream?

The answer might surprise you.

Sour cream
Photo:

Abby Mercer/AllRecipes

If you've ever thrown out a half-used container of sour cream, knowing you wouldn't need it any time soon, you were probably irritated by the waste of food and money. You might have even wondered: Can I freeze sour cream? By taking the proper steps and precautions, sour cream can be safely frozen and thawed for use in a variety of baking and cooking needs. The texture will change once it has thawed, which means it's best not to use frozen sour cream in dips or on a baked potato. But it's perfectly fine to use in cakes, casseroles, and soups. Read on to learn how to properly freeze and thaw sour cream.

What Is Sour Cream?

Sour cream is commonplace in the kitchen, (you can even make it yourself) but fans of this everyday dairy product rarely know what it's made of. Sour cream is produced when lactic-acid culture is added to cream. This "souring" process yields the tart, jiggly substance you know and love (especially when it's on Mexican food).

a spoon and serving bowl of thick-looking sour cream in the foreground with a loaded baked potato in the background
02.26.20 "The only reason it's thick in the photo is because I whipped it with an immersion blender - will not thicken as written.". France C

Sour cream is used in everything from dips and sauces to baked goods. And of course a dollop on a baked potato is always a good idea. It's similar to yogurt or Créme fraîche in that all three are essentially forms of curdled milk; thus, these three dairy items are often used interchangeably.

How to Freeze and Thaw Sour Cream

Freezing dairy products can be tricky, as they may separate after thawing. Try following these steps to achieve a smooth result.

  1. Using a whisk, whip the sour cream to distribute the moisture throughout the container.
  2. Either store sour cream in its original container, or transfer it to an air-tight storage container or freezer bag (be sure to squeeze any excess air out).
  3. Write the date on the container and place in the freezer. Sour cream can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
  4. To thaw, simply transfer the amount of sour cream you need to the fridge and allow it to thaw for several hours. You'll notice the texture will be a bit watery and separated. Simply whip it with a whisk to reach a smooth consistency. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch and whip it again to reach your desired consistency.

Quick Tips for Freezing and Thawing Sour Cream

  • Make sure the sour cream is fresh when you put it in the freezer. Avoid freezing sour cream that's been open for more than three weeks.
  • Aim to use your frozen sour cream sooner rather than later. Sour cream continues to deteriorate over time, even while frozen.
  • If you're freezing a good amount, try freezing it in smaller portions. This way, you don't have to divide what you need from a huge frozen chunk.
  • Don't put sour cream back in the freezer after thawing. This is a best practice to prevent bacteria growth.
  • Remember, the texture does change with freezing and thawing. It's best to use frozen sour cream in cooking or baking, rather than as a dip or tangy topping.

Must-Try Recipes Using Sour Cream:

Now that you know how to extend the shelf life of your sour cream, put it to good use with one of our favorite sweet or savory sour cream-enriched recipes.

close up view of a slice of Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake on a white plate with a fork, and a Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake in the background
ReneePaj

1. Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

"This was one of the most delicious coffee cakes I've ever had...Sent it to work with my husband, and it disappeared in a day, then I spent a week getting copies of the recipe to all his co-workers," says reviewer Tracy.

Banana Oat Muffins with Sour Cream
swon

2. Banana Oat Muffins with Sour Cream

"This is absolutely the best muffin recipe I've ever come across. The flavor is outstanding, and I've never even used the crumble topping," says reviewer Crystal Dawn.

Enchanted Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Deb C

3. Enchanted Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Reviewer Trynacook says, "Sooo easy to make and my eight-member family of picky eaters all ate it up."

Twice-Baked Cheesy Potato Casserole on a white plate
Yoly

4. Twice-Baked Cheesy Potato Casserole

Reviewer Kim says, "I cheated and used instant potatoes due to time. Everything else the same. Easy and delicious. Family loved it. I will try it again with real potatoes. I know it will be fantastic!"

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