18 Easy Ways To Use Up a Tub of Sour Cream

Sour cream is a culinary superhero—just one spoonful of this kitchen staple gives otherwise bland dishes a punchy, tangy flavor and creamy texture. While most folks think of it as a savory ingredient, it’s way more versatile than that. The store-bought staple can easily be incorporated into sweet dishes too. In fact, it’s a key ingredient in cheesecake and can enhance other baked goods (like coffee cake and pancakes). The thing is, most recipes don’t call for the whole container, which is why we’ve rounded up our favorite recipes that can help you use up whatever amount is leftover in your refrigerator. Whether you’re looking to add a dollop to your secret mashed potato recipe or need a whole cup for a sour cream coffee cake, these recipes are a great way to make use of this do-it-all ingredient.

If you’re tired of the same old boxed pancake mix, try whipping up a homemade batch instead. These fluffy pancakes call for just ½ cup of sour cream, which is enough to add tangy flavor but not enough that requires you to buy a whole new tub. It’s the perfect way to use up that leftover sour cream before it goes bad.

Tender strips of beef are simmered with earthy mushrooms and savory aromatics, then finished with a luscious sour cream sauce that’s rich and tangy. Spoon it over buttery noodles for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels both classic and indulgent.

Perfect for a potluck or busy weeknight dinner, this noodle casserole is delightfully creamy thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and sour cream. It’s packed with meat and cheese, so it’s like a complete meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

If you’re having overnight guests or friends over for brunch, there’s nothing better than coffee cake. This simple treat is easy to prepare in advance to have ready for the morning, and it’s tender texture can be dipped or dunked in your morning beverage. A bit of sour cream balances out the sweet cake with tangy flavor.

Mashed potatoes can get boring, especially if you make them frequently throughout the year. If you’re looking to upgrade your usual recipe with a bit more flavor, sour cream is the way to do it. Just ½ a cup goes a long way in this recipe; it adds tangy flavor and creamy texture to every bite.

Tender potato shells are stuffed with a velvety mix of sour cream, sharp cheese and smoky bacon, then baked again until bubbly and lightly crisp on top.

In this fun dip recipe, chopped bell peppers combine with freshly-shucked corn, diced green chiles, grated parmesan cheese and Monterey jack cheese to create an irresistible dip that your guests will fight over. Perfect for a gameday watch party or family barbecue, this corn dip is easy to prepare in advance and keep in the refrigerator, too. Sour creams adds a bit of creamy texture and cool, refreshing flavor.

Ready in just 30 minutes, these blueberry pancakes scream cozy brunch. They’re easy to prep, cook and serve, and a little bit of sour cream goes a long way. Better yet, they’re packed with bright flavor from the tart blueberries and tangy sour cream.

Sometimes a little something sweet in the morning is exactly how you want to wake up. This coffee cake makes mornings a little easier, and makes your first sip of hot coffee so much more enjoyable. It’s sweet, tender and (thanks to secret sour cream) perfectly tangy.

For a lot of home cooks, making simple scrambled eggs can be more intimidating than it seems. That’s why we love this foolproof method — it yields perfect scrambled eggs every time. The simple recipe is packed with flavor from sour cream and chives, and it can be ready and on the table in just 10 minutes.

Ranch dressing is a total crowd pleaser, especially for kids. Whether you’re serving it alongside chicken nuggets or a simple steak salad, this do-it-all dressing is creamy, tangy and refreshing. We love the homemade version because it’s packed with fresh herbs, bright flavor and cool, creamy texture.

Ready in under an hour and requiring just five ingredients, this cornbread is perfect for serving alongside barbecue or braised meats. Forget the dry cornbread you’re used to — a bit of sour cream in this batter adds tangy flavor and necessary moisture. Creamy and crumbly at the same time, the tender texture makes this cornbread totally irresistible.

For extra creamy potatoes that are sure to be the star of the show at your next holiday table, try these loaded mashed potatoes. Packed with sour cream and cream cheese, the cool, tangy and totally creamy side dish gets reinvented with extra flavor. Serve alongside your favorite roast for a holiday showstopper.

Devilled eggs are one of the most versatile appetizers you can make because they’re easy to dress up with different toppings or flavor enhancers. Our favorite? Sour cream! These recipe requires just ½ cup of sour cream to create a tangy and fluffy filling that’s easy to top with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.

Cupcakes can be cloyingly sweet, so we love a recipe that incorporates a little tanginess to offset the sugar. These sour cream cupcakes are perfect for anyone who doesn’t like their desserts too sweet. We’re using an easy and delicious homemade chocolate frosting, but you can top these versatile cupcakes with anything you like.

Oatmeal cookies are packed with fiber, so why save them for dessert? This fun recipe lets you enjoy the hearty cookie in breakfast form, thanks to a few simple additions that easily turn the cookie into a pancake. Chopped walnuts add a bit of crunchy, while banana adds creamy texture and fruity flavor.

These zesty mashed potatoes are anything but bland and boring. The punched-up potatoes are packed with flavor from horseradish and sour cream, both of which beautifully balance out the cooling, creamy potatoes. Fresh chives make for a colorful and flavorful garnish.