cream cheese vs. sour cream - what's the difference?

Although cream cheese and sour cream look alike, there are many differences between these two dairy products.

However, if you’re not familiar with any of these basic products, you’ll probably need help distinguishing between them. Or, like us, you may be totally familiar with sour cream and queso fresco, but just want to better understand their differences.

What are the differences between cream cheese and sour cream? The main difference is that cream cheese is made with milk and cream, but sour cream is made with only cream. They also have different flavors and textures. Sour cream has a tart, tart flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture. Cream cheese has a mild spicy flavor and a thicker consistency.

Read on to find out more about the differences between these two products and whether or not they are interchangeable.

Cream Cheese and Sour Cream - Differences

Cream cheese and sour cream can look similar when you see them on a plate. However, there are key differences between these two products.

How sour cream is made

Sour cream is a dairy product made by adding lactic acid bacteria to cream.

As a result, fermentation occurs in the cream that alters its texture and flavor. Regular cream thickens and, as the name suggests, changes its flavor by becoming slightly acidic.

Store-bought sour creams may contain additional ingredients to give the product the right texture and flavor.

Sour cream is usually a high-fat product. However, there are many varieties to choose from. From fat-free to dairy-free sour cream, you can use the most appropriate sour cream for your diet.

Light sour cream varieties are lower in fat, while traditional varieties typically range from 12-16% in fat percentage.

How cream cheese is made

The process of making cream cheese is also not complicated. It is also produced through a fermentation process. However, unlike sour cream, which is made from cream, cream cheese is made from milk and cream.

Unlike sour cream, little heat is involved in making cream cheese. Lactic acid is added to the dairy mixture (milk and cream). The mixture is slightly heated to start the fermentation process.

The dairy mixture is separated into curds and whey. The latter is removed to leave what later becomes cream cheese with the addition of salt.

Can you make them at home?

You can make both sour cream and cream cheese at home. In both cases, you will need some type of acid to curdle the cream or milk.

Making sour cream at home does not require cooking. You simply add the acid to the cream and let it sit for a day. You can also use a small amount of milk.

Cream cheese, on the other hand, is made by adding the acid to milk that is simmering. Once the milk has curdled, all you have to do is strain and separate the curd from the whey.

A few minutes in the food processor will make the curd creamy. You can add herbs and spices to customize your homemade cream cheese.

Texture and flavor

Although the name sour cream suggests that this dairy product is sour, it is more sour and tart than truly sour. However, compared to the flavor profile of cream cheese, it certainly is tart.

Cream cheese, on the other hand, has a mild flavor and a slight saltiness. It is also pleasantly spicy, but in a very mild way.

Texture-wise, sour cream is smoother, more spreadable, and sometimes even slightly runny. The consistency of cream cheese is much thicker.

nutritional data

Sour cream and cream cheese are two high-fat dairy products. Cream cheese contains at least 33% milk fat, while sour cream’s fat content typically ranges from 14-18%.

2 tablespoons each of sour cream and cream cheese provide 52 and 80 calories respectively and a good amount of fat.

However, this small amount will not provide you with the essential nutrients your body needs. Therefore, enjoy these products with other ingredients in your favorite foods and use them sparingly.

Here’s a chart that summarizes the basic nutritional differences between cream cheese and sour cream:

Applications

Cream cheese and sour cream are very versatile in terms of their uses. You can eat them as is, with a slice of fresh bread, or incorporate them into a variety of culinary tasks, from sauces to baked goods.

How to use sour cream

Sour cream has so many uses in the kitchen that you better always keep it in the fridge.

Here are some common uses for sour cream:

• Dips: Easy dipping sauces with sour cream, spices, and herbs are perfect to serve with chips or wedges. They also go perfectly with fresh vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and celery.
• Salad Dressing : Sour cream salad dressings go well with chicken or meat salads. A simple potato salad will also be elevated with a creamy sour cream dressing. In fact, you can use it in any salad you like and it will turn out delicious.
• Baked Goods : Sour cream is a staple ingredient in pastries. It is widely used in batters. You can make cookies and donuts with sour cream. It’s also great for cakes. If you want your cakes to come out creamy and have an even golden color on the outside, you should definitely use sour cream.
• Baked Potatoes : Sour cream is a classic topping for baked potatoes. You just have to add a little cheese, onion, bacon or whatever you fancy.
• Soup Garnish: Sour cream is the perfect garnish for soups. One tablespoon of this ingredient is enough to balance the taste of cozy cream soups. But what sour cream can best be used for in soups is to cool down the heat. If you’ve made a soup that’s too spicy, top it with sour cream and you’re good to go.
• Sandwich Spread : If you use store-bought mayonnaise on your sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, try using sour cream instead. Sour cream is not only a healthier option, but you will be amazed at the unique layer of flavor it will add to your food.

How to use cream cheese

Cream cheese is also a very versatile product. If you have a block of cream cheese in the fridge, it’s time to make something delicious with it. Whether you want a savory dip or a sweet cream cheese sensation, the options are numerous.

Here are some popular uses for cream cheese:

• glazed . Cream cheese frosting is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the uses for cream cheese. It is very easy to make and can be used on cupcakes and cakes. You can also put it directly on the cupcakes to get a burst of creaminess when you bite into them.
• Spread buns.  Cream cheese is perfect for spreading on muffins for your morning meal. You can make it sweet with sugar and fruit, or complete it with avocado, salmon, tomato slices and other ingredients of your choice.
• Sauce for dipping  Like sour cream, cream cheese is also used to make delicious dips for vegetables and chips. You can use it on its own and add herbs and spices, or mix it with a little sour or heavy cream for a creamier texture.
• Pasta sauce . If you’re not much of a cook but want to enjoy your pasta with a cheese sauce, adding cream cheese while it’s hot is an easy solution.
• soups . If sour cream is best used as a soup garnish, cream cheese is at its best when used in soups. From pureed vegetable soups to hearty chicken soup, cream cheese works well to create a thicker, smooth texture.

Unlike sour cream, cream cheese is generally not the best for baking. It works well used as a topping or filling for cakes and other baked goods.

Useful life

Both sour cream and cream cheese should be kept in the refrigerator. Store these products at 40ºF to maintain their textural and flavor qualities.

An opened package of cream cheese should be used within 10 days, while an unopened package will keep safely for up to 4 weeks past the “use by” date.

Sour cream will last about 21 days past its “use by” date and it doesn’t matter if it’s opened or not as long as you store it with a tightly closed lid.

Related – Can sour cream be substituted for cream cheese?

Cream cheese is often a good substitute for sour cream. However, many recipes, like those for most baked goods.

You can substitute sour cream for cream cheese by mixing 170 grams of cream cheese with 45 grams of milk. The texture of this mixture will be similar to that of sour cream.

Cream cheese can be used in place of sour cream to make dips and spreads.