How To Freeze Sour Cream

Learn how to freeze sour cream in this helpful guide full of tips and tricks so that you never have to waste any unused sour cream again. I cover how to properly store your sour cream, thaw it, and use it in various baking and cooking recipes. I even throw in some easy and delicious recipes to try with your frozen sour cream!

Use your sour cream to make some sour cream coffee cake, sour cream blackberry pie, sour cream cookies, or sour cream macaroni and cheese.

Jump to:

• Can You Freeze Sour Cream?
• 🧊 How To Freeze
• 🫠 How To Thaw
• ⏲️ How Long Can Sour Cream Be Frozen
• 👩‍🍳 How To Use In Recipes
• 💭 Tips For Freezing
• 💬 Reviews

Sour cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in cooking, baking, or just as a dip or garnish. It adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture that can't be replicated.

If you happen to have too much, it is easy to freeze for later (as long as you do it right!) So make sure to follow all of my tips and methods for perfectly frozen sour cream.

🧊 How To Freeze

If you want to freeze sour cream, move it into a container or storage bag and leave some extra room in case it expands. Seal it tightly (and don't forget to label it with the date).

You can even store the entire container of sour cream in a freezer bag if you like. The plastic containers are not great for long-term freezing and they might expand. However, the storage bag will help protect the sour cream from getting freezer burn.

Or, you can scoop it out of the original container and divide it into silicone molds. Freeze the silicone molds for an hour, then pop them out into a freezer bag!

🫠 How To Thaw

When you're ready to use the sour cream, simply thaw it in your fridge overnight. After it's thawed, give it a stir to help smooth out any graininess or separation that may have occurred. If it has an off smell or taste after it's been thawed, it's best to discard it.

I should add that thawed sour cream has a texture that isn't as smooth as it was when fresh. Because of this, I recommend using thawed sour cream in dishes that will be cooked (as opposed to as a topping or garnish).

Freezing is ideal if you have too much sour cream that you won't be able to finish before it expires. However, if you use a lot of sour cream, it's better to buy it in smaller amounts and use it up before it goes bad.

⏲️ How Long Can Sour Cream Be Frozen

When properly stored, sour cream can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Sour cream may develop an off flavor when stored after 3 months, and if so, it will need to be thrown away.

👩‍🍳 How To Use In Recipes

Even though frozen sour cream will have a changed texture and consistency, it can still be used in many different kinds of recipes!

1. Use it in cooked dishes - Frozen sour cream can be added to recipes that are heated, such as casseroles, soups, and stews. Since the texture most likely changed, mixing it with other ingredients is best to incorporate it fully into the dish.
2. Use it in baked goods - You can also use frozen sour cream in baked goods such as cakes, muffins, cookies, and bread. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then stir it thoroughly before adding it to the recipe. Try it in my sour cream coffee cake. The texture won't be exactly the same as typical sour cream, but it will still add the perfect, tangy flavor and moisture when baking.
3. Sauces and Dips: Use thawed sour cream as a base for various sauces and dips. It can be a key ingredient in homemade ranch dressing, creamy dill sauce, or a tangy chip dip.

💭 Tips For Freezing

• Use the right container. Use a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag to store the sour cream. Be sure to squeeze out as much air in the bag as possible before sealing it. Leave some air at the top if you are storing the original container in a freezer bag, in case it expands.
• Label it. Label your bag or container with the date. This will help you keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
• Don't freeze for too long. Freeze the sour cream for up to 2-3 months. Sour cream that has been frozen for longer than 3 months may start to develop off-flavors.
• Thaw it correctly. Thaw the sour cream in your fridge overnight. If you thaw it on the counter or in the microwave, the texture can become grainy and separate.
• Stir it. Give your sour cream a good stir after it has thawed. This will help to smooth it out again.

I'm always a fan of freezing excess sour cream, so I can use it in baked goods later! Leave a comment and let me know what you think.