What is crème fraîche?
If you’ve never tried it before, crème fraîche is a type of sour cream originating in France. It’s rich and creamy with a delicate tang, and does wonderfully in sauces, pasta, and even dolloped on top of desserts! While you can find crème fraîchee in the United States, it can be difficult to track down at your local grocery store. If it’s not in the dairy aisle near the cream cheese, you’ll need to find an alternative. Choosing the best substitute for crème fraîche depends on what you’re cooking. Some alternatives could alter the taste and texture of your recipe, and choosing the right ingredient to keep your dish looking and tasting gourmet can seem daunting. That’s why we’re here to assist with our list of 7 crème fraîche substitutes to save the day.
Crème Fraîche Substitues
1. Sour cream
Sour cream and creme fraiche are a lot alike and can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio. While sour cream does have a tangier taste that could slightly affect your recipe, it’s still rich and creamy and will do the trick. All Natural Sour Cream, $1, Walmart
2. Mexican crema
You can substitute an equal amount of Mexican crema for crème fraîche. It is similar in tangy flavor, although its consistency is much thinner and it tends to be slightly sweeter than creme fraiche. Cacique Crema Mexicana, $3, Walmart
3. Cream cheese
Odds are you’ve got cream cheese in your fridge to spare for a recipe that would normally call for crème fraîche. Keep in mind that cream cheese has a less tangy flavor, so you may want to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a more authentic taste. Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, $2, Walmart
4. Full-fat Greek yogurt
Full-fat greek yogurt works as a great substitute for crème fraîche in a pinch. Although it isn’t as high in fat, it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes at a 1:1 ratio. Cabot Greek Yogurt, $4, Walmart
5. Buttermilk + heavy cream
If you’re out of crème fraîche and feeling experimental, you can make your own version! Combine 2 cups of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of buttermilk in a glass jar. The longer is sits, the thicker it will get (just don’t let it sit past 24 hours or it will spoil!). Low-fat Buttermilk, $2, Walmart and Heavy Whipping Cream, $2, Walmart
6. Mascarpone
If you’re short on time, use mascarpone on a 1:1 ratio. This Italian cream cheese is comparable in both flavor and texture. Mascarpone Cheese, $4, Walmart
7. Ricotta
Ricotta isn’t just for stuffed shells! If you’re making a dessert or cold soup with no cooking involved, try substituting crème fraîche with whipped ricotta cheese. Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, $4, Walmart Check out…Best Butter SubstitutesBest Brown Sugar SubstitutesBest Heavy Cream Substitutes
