Here are several delicious ways to use up a tub of sour cream, ranging from savory dishes to sweet treats:
Savory Dishes
- Dips: Create a simple sour cream dip by mixing it with herbs, spices, and seasonings. For example, a Sour Cream and Charred Scallion Dip is a flavorful option.
- Beef Stroganoff: Sour cream adds richness and tang to this classic dish. It's typically stirred in at the end of cooking.
- Chicken Divan: This retro casserole uses sour cream in its creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes: Elevate your mashed potatoes with a dollop or two of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Creamy Spinach Chicken: Sour cream can be incorporated into a sauce for chicken dishes, like a creamy spinach chicken.
- Funeral Potatoes: This cheesy potato casserole uses sour cream to create a creamy base.
- Toppings: Use sour cream as a topping for tacos, nachos, baked potatoes, chili, or soups.
- Sauces: Sour cream can be used as a base for sauces, such as horseradish sauce or dill sauce, to serve with fish or vegetables.
- Dressings: Blend sour cream with herbs, vinegar, and oil for a creamy salad dressing.
Sweet Treats
- Sour Cream Pound Cake: Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to baked goods like pound cake.
- Sour Cream Cookie Bars: Adds a soft and tangy element to cookie bars.
- Cakes and Muffins: Incorporate sour cream into cake or muffin batter to create a moist and tender crumb.
- Cheesecakes: A key ingredient in many cheesecake recipes, adding to the creamy texture.
- Frostings: Use sour cream in frostings to add a tangy flavor and prevent them from being overly sweet.
Other Ideas
- Marinades: Sour cream can tenderize meat when used as a marinade.
- Smoothies: Add a spoonful of sour cream to smoothies for extra creaminess and a boost of protein.
Using sour cream creatively can enhance both sweet and savory dishes, preventing waste and adding flavor and texture.