Substitute for Greek Yogurt: Ratios and Best Uses
By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made
The best substitute for Greek yogurt depends on the recipe. Sour cream can be swapped one-for-one for Greek yogurt in dips, baked goods, and as a topping. For the closest match in texture and flavor for all uses, straining regular plain yogurt is the most effective option.
Greek yogurt is regular yogurt that has been strained to remove some of its whey, which makes it thicker and more concentrated. Many substitutes can mimic this thick, tangy quality, but each has its own properties that work better in some dishes than others.
Substitutes for Greek yogurt (per 1 cup)
| Substitute | How much | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strained plain yogurt | 1 for 1 after straining | Everything | Strain in a lined sieve |
| Sour cream | 1 for 1 | Dips, baking, toppings | Richer |
| Skyr | 1 for 1 | Breakfast, dips | Very thick |
| Cottage cheese, blended | 1 for 1 | Dips, sauces | Saltier |
| Creme fraiche | 1 for 1 | Sauces | Richer, less tangy |
Ratios are common kitchen equivalents; results vary by recipe, so try a swap in a forgiving recipe first.
Good to know
- Greek yogurt is strained regular yogurt, which is why it is thicker
How to choose a substitute for Greek yogurt
To choose the right substitute, consider the texture and flavor your recipe needs. The closest match is strained plain yogurt, which closely resembles Greek yogurt once some whey is removed. To make it, place plain yogurt in a sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a bowl and let it drain until it reaches the desired thickness. It can then be used in a one-for-one ratio for any recipe.
For a simple one-for-one swap without any prep, sour cream works well in dips, baking, and as a topping, though it is richer. Skyr is also a one-for-one substitute; its very thick texture is suitable for breakfasts and dips. Blended cottage cheese can be used in dips and sauces, but be aware that it is often saltier. For sauces, creme fraiche is a good option, providing richness with less tang.
Greek yogurt substitutes by recipe type
- For baking, dips, and toppings: Sour cream is a one-for-one substitute. Its fat content provides richness and moisture in baked goods like cakes and muffins.
- For breakfast and dips: Skyr’s thick consistency makes it a good choice for bowls or thick dips. It can be used one-for-one.
- For dips and sauces: Blended cottage cheese can replace Greek yogurt one-for-one. Blending is necessary to create a smooth texture. Its higher salt content may require adjusting the recipe’s seasoning.
- For sauces: Creme fraiche is a good substitute in sauces where its richness and milder tang are desirable. It is less likely to curdle when heated compared to other dairy products.
- For all uses: Strained plain yogurt is the most versatile substitute, as it closely mimics Greek yogurt. It works in any recipe, from baking to marinades to cold sauces.
What changes when you swap ingredients
Substituting ingredients can change a recipe’s outcome. Using a substitute with a different fat or moisture content will affect the final texture. For example, using a richer ingredient like sour cream or creme fraiche will result in a less lean final dish.
Flavor is another key difference. Cottage cheese is saltier, while creme fraiche is less tangy than Greek yogurt. These variations may require you to adjust other seasonings in the recipe to achieve a balanced result. In baking, the acidity of Greek yogurt reacts with leaveners like baking soda. Using a less acidic substitute might slightly reduce the rise of the baked good.
Sources and method
- Substitution ratios: common equivalents from US university extension substitution tables and standard cookbooks, cross-checked by the editors
Last checked October 21, 2026.