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Can You Freeze Sour Cream?

Sour cream is a popular and versatile dairy product loved by many. Sour cream often comes in large containers but it can’t last for a long time in the fridge. So the question is: can you freeze sour cream

Sour cream is so versatile, you can literally use it for all kinds of recipes. From dips to salad dressings, soups, casseroles, and baked goods, this ingredient is not only great for whipping up side and main dishes but desserts and snacks as well. 

However, no matter how many sour cream recipes you whip up, sometimes, finishing a large container before it goes bad is not really possible. So how can you extend its shelf life? 

We’ll answer all of that and provide you with some tips as well. Continue reading for all the details!

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Can you freeze sour cream?

Yes. It’s completely safe to freeze sour cream. However, some people, even sour cream manufacturers themselves, do not recommend freezing this dairy product.

Although there will be no problem in taste or food safety, the change in texture and consistency once frozen and thawed makes sour cream unpleasant for some recipes. However, if you want to reduce food waste and make the most out of your favorite sour cream, freezing is the best option so you can extend its shelf life.

You don’t have to worry because you can actually put it to use without eating it plain. You might even be surprised when you discover the amazing recipes where you can use your frozen sour cream. 

Why should you not freeze sour cream?

Freezing sour cream affects its texture. This is the main reason why many people do not suggest this option for preserving sour cream. 

As you know, fresh sour cream is deliciously smooth. It’s a must have for dips, soups, and salads. On the other hand, thawed frozen sour cream is usually lumpy and kind of chunky in texture. For this reason, some people avoid freezing it because they find it undesirable for their recipes.

The process of freezing and defrosting sour cream causes the fat and liquid content of the dairy product to separate which results in its unappealing grainy texture. But of course, this doesn’t mean that you cannot totally use frozen sour cream once it is thawed out.

Useful Kitchen Tools for Freezing Sour Cream

Before you learn all about how you can freeze sour cream, check out these kitchen essentials first. These products will come in handy in freezing sour cream and will be useful in whipping up different sour cream recipes as well.

If you are looking for a new addition to your kitchen arsenal, these items won’t disappoint. Plus, you can easily order these items on Amazon with just a few clicks. 

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How long does sour cream last in the fridge?

According to the USDA and Food Marketing Institute, sour cream, whether opened or unopened, is good in the fridge for about one to three weeks. You can know if it has gone bad, if it already has developed a mold, discoloration, or an off smell. 

If you have lots of excess sour cream, freezing is certainly a good choice. Frozen sour cream can last in the freezer for two to six months. 

The quality of sour cream can deteriorate over time. So although it’s good for a couple of months in the freezer, the earlier you consume it, the better. 

Can you freeze sour cream in its container?

Yes! However, this method is only preferred if you can use all of it once thawed. Like any other frozen leftovers, it is not safe to refreeze and defrost sour cream more than once.

So instead of freezing sour cream in its original container, transfer it to airtight containers or put them on ice cube trays. With these two freezing methods, you can thaw only what you need and save the other batches for later. 

How do you make sour cream last longer?

One method to help sour cream last longer in the refrigerator is to make sure after each use you scrape down the size and level off the top. Keeping the sour cream level in the container helps it keep from separating and will also help keep it as fresh as possible! 

As mentioned above, you can easily freeze your sour cream in three ways: in its original container, in airtight containers, or in ice cube trays.

If you want to freeze your sour cream in smaller portions, using silicone ice cube trays is the best choice. Once the sour cream cubes are frozen, you can transfer them to airtight freezer safe bags before putting them back in the freezer. 

To thaw your frozen sour cream, just place it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

If you are including sour cream in a recipe where it won’t be eaten plain or as a topping, frozen sour cream will work just fine. Give it a good stir and you’ll be all set. 

What can I do with too much sour cream?

If you choose to freeze your sour cream, you can make the most out of them by whipping up these recipes. These recipes taste as good as they look, plus they are easy to make as well. 

On the other hand, if you have decided to look for more ways to use your fresh sour cream instead of freezing them, you can give these recipes a try! Who knows, you might find a new family favorite here? 

How to Freeze Sour Cream

Looking for more recipes to try? 

Hopefully, you’ve learned a tip or two in this post. If you have enjoyed these recipes for sour cream mentioned above, you’ll also want to check out these fun recipe roundups for sure!