The Best Vegan Sour Cream Recipe

Name: The Best Vegan Sour Cream Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews; ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast; ¼ teaspoon salt

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This is The Best Vegan Sour Cream Recipe! Creamy, tangy, and made in just 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. A dairy-free alternative that is perfect for tacos, nachos, baked potatoes, and more!

Bowl of vegan sour cream with tortilla chips.

Craving creamy, tangy goodness without dairy? With just 5 simple ingredients and a quick 5-minute prep time, you'll have the best vegan sour cream ready to take your meals to the next level.

From topping baked potatoes to adding a kick to your favorite dips, this homemade alternative is a must-try for any plant-based kitchen. It's a versatile staple that adds a delicious twist to every dish!

Get saucy with these delicious vegan options! Explore the incredible flavors of Vegan Tzatziki Sauce, Vegan Worcestershire Sauce, Vegan Ranch Dressing, and Vegan Pesto!

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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
🧾 Ingredient notes
📋 Variations
🔪 Instructions
💭 Expert tips
❓Recipe FAQs
🌱 More vegan recipes that pairs well with this sauce
The Best Vegan Sour Cream Recipe

🌟 Why you'll love this recipe

Quick & Easy: This recipe is super fast and easy, taking just 5 minutes to whip up. Perfect for those days when you're short on time but still want something tasty.
Creamy Texture: Get ready for some seriously smooth and creamy goodness. It's like a cozy hug for your taste buds!
Tangy Flavor: Get ready for a tangy zing that'll make your mouth water. It's got just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.
Versatile: You can use this sauce in so many ways! Put it on tacos, dunk your nachos in it, or slather it on a baked potato. The choice is yours!
Dairy-Free & Plant-Based: No dairy here! This recipe is totally plant-based, so it's perfect for vegans and anyone else looking for a lactose-free option.

🧾 Ingredient notes

Ingredients needed to make vegan sour cream.

Cashews: For the tastiest vegan sour cream, grab some raw and unsalted cashews. If you've got salted ones, just remember, you might need less salt later.

If you're fresh out of cashews, don't sweat it! Try almonds, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or Brazil nuts instead. Just soak them before blending to get that creamy texture.

Water: If you want, you can use unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk instead.

Lemon Juice: For that tangy kick, fresh lemon juice is perfect. No lemons? No biggie! Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will give you the same tangy flavor.

Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient brings a yummy flavor boost to your sauce, making it even more tasty. Look for flakes instead of powder for smoother blending.

If you can't find it, brewer's yeast can be a good stand-in.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

📋 Variations

Fresh Herb Infusion: Add a mix of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
Roasted Garlic Infusion: Incorporate some Roasted Garlic cloves for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Chipotle Kick: Mix in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy and smoky kick.
Caramelized Onion Topping: Serve it with caramelized onions on top for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Jalapeño and Cilantro Twist: Add diced jalapeños and fresh cilantro for a spicy and vibrant twist.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1. Soak the cashews overnight. If you’re in a hurry, soak them in hot water for at least 1 hour.

Step 2. The day after, drain and rinse.

Step 3. Blend cashews with remaining ingredients until smooth.

Step 4. Adjust salt to taste and serve immediately.

💭 Expert tips

Soak Cashews Overnight: For the creamiest texture, soak the cashews in water overnight. This softens them, making them easier to blend into a smooth cream.
Speedy Soaking: If you're short on time, you can quick-soak the cashews by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for 1-2 hours.
Proper Blending: Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest consistency. Blend until completely smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides if needed.
Adjust Consistency with Water: If your sour cream is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by gradually adding more water until you reach your desired thickness.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, refrigerate the sour cream for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up slightly.

❓Recipe FAQs

How long does it last in the fridge?

In simple terms, it should stay good in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days when kept in an airtight container.

But always trust your senses, if it starts smelling funky or looking weird, it's best to toss it out. Safety first!

Can I freeze it?

Freezing isn't recommended as it can affect its texture and consistency.

When frozen, the water in the sour cream can separate from the other ingredients, resulting in a grainy or watery texture when thawed.

It's best to enjoy it fresh or make smaller batches to ensure you can use it up within its refrigerated shelf life.

What appliance do I need to make it?

You'll need a high-speed blender or food processor. These appliances will help you blend the cashews and other ingredients into a smooth and creamy consistency.

If you don't have a blender or food processor, achieving the desired texture may be challenging.

However, you can try using a handheld immersion blender or a high-quality blender to see if you can achieve similar results.

Is it necessary to soak the cashews before making the vegan sour cream?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Soaking softens the cashews, making them easier to blend and resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.

If you're short on time, you can opt for a quick soak by pouring boiling water over the cashews and letting them sit for about 1 to 2 hours.

However, for the best results, it's ideal to soak them overnight or for at least 4 to 6 hours.

What goes well with this sauce?

It is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes, adding a creamy and tangy element that enhances their overall taste.

It pairs perfectly with Mexican-inspired dishes like Vegan Tacos, Vegan Burritos, and Vegan Enchiladas, providing a cool contrast to spicy fillings.

Additionally, it complements comfort foods such as Vegan Chili, baked potatoes, nachos, and Vegan Zucchini Fritters, adding richness and depth of flavor.

It can also be used as a topping for Vegan Burgers, stirred into soups for added creaminess, or drizzled over salads for a tangy twist.

Vegan sour cream topped with a tortilla chip for dipping.

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