Yogurt Substitute for Heavy Cream

Greek Yogurt

Use the same amount as the yogurt you are replacing

Best for sauces

Yes, you can use yogurt as a heavy cream substitute using a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. For best results, use Greek yogurt or mix regular yogurt with a little milk. Yogurt provides creaminess with less fat and more protein.

Compare all 7 yogurt substitutes

Learn how to use yogurt as a heavy cream substitute in cooking and baking. Discover ratios, tips, and which recipes work best with yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Other yogurt substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Plain Yogurt + Milk
2:1 (2 parts yogurt, 1 part milk)
Thinned yogurt that mimics heavy cream's consistency
What changes
Best for
sauces, soups, when you need liquid consistency
Taste
tangy, similar to cream
Texture
liquid, creamy
Mix yogurt with milk to achieve heavy cream-like consistency
3Yogurt + Butter
3:1 (3 parts yogurt, 1 part melted butter)
Enhanced yogurt with added richness and fat content
What changes
Best for
sauces, soups, when you want more richness
Taste
tangy with butter flavor
Texture
creamy, rich
Adding butter provides the fat content that heavy cream contributes
4Yogurt + Olive Oil
3:1 (3 parts yogurt, 1 part olive oil)
Yogurt with added healthy fats for richness
What changes
Best for
dressings, sauces, when you want healthy fats
Taste
tangy with olive oil flavor
Texture
creamy, rich
Adds healthy fats and richness similar to heavy cream

Cooking tips

For best results, use Greek yogurt or thin regular yogurt with milk
Yogurt works best in cold applications like dressings and dips
For hot dishes, add yogurt at the end to prevent curdling
If the mixture is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or honey
For creaminess, mix yogurt with a little butter or olive oil
Yogurt provides more protein and probiotics than heavy cream
Store yogurt-based sauces in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

Frequently asked questions

Can I use yogurt instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use yogurt instead of heavy cream in most recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results. Greek yogurt works best, or thin regular yogurt with milk.

What's the ratio for substituting yogurt for heavy cream?

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting yogurt for heavy cream. For liquid consistency, mix 2 parts yogurt with 1 part milk.

Is yogurt a good substitute for heavy cream?

Yes, yogurt is a good substitute for heavy cream. It provides similar creaminess with less fat and more protein, though it has a tangy flavor.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a heavy cream substitute. It's thicker and provides similar creaminess with more protein and less fat.

What recipes work best with yogurt as heavy cream substitute?

Yogurt works best in sauces, soups, dips, and dressings. It's less suitable for recipes that need heavy cream for whipping or very rich texture.

Can I use yogurt instead of heavy cream in soups?

Yes, yogurt can be used instead of heavy cream in soups. Add it at the end of cooking and heat gently to prevent curdling.

Can I use yogurt instead of heavy cream in sauces?

Yes, yogurt works well in sauces as a heavy cream substitute. It provides creaminess and thickness with less fat and more protein.

What's the best yogurt for heavy cream substitute?

Greek yogurt works best as a heavy cream substitute because it's thicker and provides similar creaminess. Regular yogurt can work if thinned with milk.

Can I use yogurt instead of heavy cream in baking?

Yogurt can work in some baked goods as a heavy cream substitute, but it may affect the texture and flavor. It's better suited for moist, dense baked goods.

Do I need to thin yogurt when using it as heavy cream substitute?

For recipes that need liquid consistency, yes, thin yogurt with milk. For thick applications like dips, yogurt can be used without thinning.