Greek yogurt is delicious and commonly consumed on its own, but it’s also a handy ingredient in many dishes, from chicken salad to ranch dressing.
But if your recipe calls for Greek yogurt and you don’t have any on hand, you might think you can’t complete your recipe.
Not true!
There are many good Greek yogurt substitute options that you likely have on hand.
Ladies and gentlemen – it’s Greek yogurt substitutes to the rescue. Let’s dive in!
9 Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is well-known for its distinct tangy flavor and creamy texture, but many substitutes will work well in your sweet and savory recipes.
1. Plain Yogurt
One of the best ways to substitute Greek yogurt is by “keeping it in the family,” so to speak.
That said, regular yogurt is a top-notch sub for Greek yogurt varieties. Sure, plain yogurt is a little less intense than Greek yogurt, but some people may actually prefer that.
Plain yogurt is also lower in price compared to Greek yogurt, so those on a strict budget can conquer their sweet or savory dishes without breaking the bank.
Use a cup of plain yogurt in place of a cup of Greek yogurt, and enjoy!
Did you know you can create a cup of Greek yogurt using regular yogurt? Straining plain yogurt for a few hours in the refrigerator will create a thicker, pudding-like consistency similar to Greek yogurt.
2. Sour Cream
Another top-notch choice? Full-fat Sour cream.
Much like plain yogurt, sour cream does not share the same intense flavor as Greek yogurt. But the milder flavor of sour cream offers a bit more indulgence, making it a must for sauces and soups.
When substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, use it in a 1:1 ratio.
3. Cottage Cheese
I know what you’re thinking – cottage cheese in place of Greek yogurt? No way!
While they differ significantly texturally, the flavor and nutritional content are pretty similar.
If you’re concerned that the cottage cheese won’t be a good sub because of the texture, you can always blend the cottage cheese to reach the same consistency.
Cottage cheese can work wonders in all types of recipes!
4. Mashed or Pureed Bananas
Are you looking for a top-notch way to sub Greek yogurt in sweet, baked treats? Then consider mashed (or pureed) bananas.
Mashed bananas are a naturally sweet and healthy alternative that will pair well with baked goods.
If you need to cut down on the sweetness when substituting mashed bananas, a teaspoon or two of lemon juice will work like magic.
Mashed bananas are also the go-to option for those exploring or living a vegan diet and needing to swap Greek yogurt for something that follows suit with their dairy-free diet.
Not a fan of mashed banana? You can also use mashed avocado, “nature’s butter.” It has a delightfully mild flavor and thicker consistency, similar to Greek yogurt.
5. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is one of the best Greek yogurt substitutes, regardless of what type of dish you’re making – sweet or savory.
Cream cheese is pretty similar to Greek yogurt, so it can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
Just keep in mind that while cream cheese has a beautifully rich and creamy consistency, it doesn’t have the robust, tangy flavor of Greek yogurt.
Adding a spritz of lemon juice can help achieve some tanginess.
6. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is an excellent substitute for Greek yogurt!
It shares the same silky texture as Greek yogurt (thanks to the blend of eggs and vegetable oil/olive oil), which means it can work in a 1:1 ratio in all your favorite meals.
Mayo can be used for baked goods, but keep in mind that you may need to add a little bit of baking soda to achieve the same desired results.
7. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is another dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt. It plays exceptionally well in baked recipes and dessert recipes due to its sweetness.
However, be careful that you’re not confusing coconut cream for coconut milk.
Coconut milk has a very runny consistency that can’t be used in place of Greek yogurt.
Coconut cream, on the other hand? Well, this stuff has a thick consistency and similar texture to Greek yogurt, making it the go-to solution for many recipes – especially sweet recipes.
8. Sour Milk
Sour milk might not sound tasty, but think of it this way – sour milk will have the same slightly sour taste as Greek yogurt, so it can be a great substitute.
However, it doesn’t have the same creaminess as Greek yogurt, so it can’t be used in all recipes.
The best part is that you can make sour milk from your regular milk at home!
Simply add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white distilled vinegar to a cup of regular milk, and viola! You have one of the best substitutes for Greek yogurt, especially for sauces and salad dressings.
9. Silken Tofu
Tofu – a very versatile ingredient – can be used as a Greek yogurt substitute.
All you need to do to use it in place of a cup of Greek yogurt is to blend it until you achieve a rich and creamy texture.
The mellow flavor can be spruced up with a little bit of lemon or lime juice in an effort to create the tangy taste of Greek yogurt.
FAQ
Can I Replace Greek yogurt with Milk?
Plain milk can be used in place of Greek yogurt. However, it’s better to create “sour milk” by adding lemon juice or vinegar. This will help take the very neutral flavor up a notch, making it more consistent with the flavor of Greek yogurt.
What Is a Good Substitute for Greek yogurt in Baking?
Any creamy dairy product, such as plain yogurt, cream cheese, and sour cream, can be a substitute for Greek yogurt in baked goods.
However, you can also opt for dairy-free choices like mashed banana or silken tofu.