Can You Microwave Sour Cream?

Heating or Microwaving Sour Cream is possible but can be a bit tricky. Get all of the tips and different ways to warm it up, plus a few recipes to use it.

So you want to know if you can heat or reheat sour cream? The easy answer is YES, you sure can.

Jump to:

• What is Sour Cream? 
• Is it safe to Heat Up Sour Cream? 
• Are There Different Kinds of Sour Cream?
• How Do You Heat Sour Cream in the Microwave Oven
• How to Heat Sour Cream on the Stove Top
• Can You Heat Sour Cream in the Oven?
• Ways to Use Sour Cream in Recipes
• Storage 
• Want a Few Recipes to Use Sour Cream With? Try These:

Sour cream can be used in so many different ways and is included in many different recipes. If you have any leftovers that you want to reheat, but they include sour cream, then you can certainly reheat them easily in the microwave.

Also if you prefer to warm this dairy product a little before using it, that works well and I'm going to share all of the different ways that you can heat or reheat it without any fuss.

Let's get started!

What is Sour Cream? 

Sour Cream is a dairy product that can usually be easily located in the refrigerated dairy section along with the dairy products at the grocery store. It's thick in texture, white in color, and has a slightly sour flavor.

It's usually made by fermenting cream with lactic acid bacteria. The fermentation process is what gives it a tangy and slightly tart taste. 

Is it safe to Heat Up Sour Cream? 

Surprisingly it is safe to heat up sour cream! However, similar to heavy cream you want to heat it over low heat, for a short amount of time, and check it often. Overheating sour cream at high temperatures/high heat will cause it to not be safe to eat after heating. Also heating for extended periods longer than a few minutes is not recommended due to it could separate, curdle, or become watery. 

Are There Different Kinds of Sour Cream?

Yes, there are two main types of sour cream and they are the following: 

• Cultured Sour Cream - This is the most common type. It's soured and thickened by adding lactic acid-producing bacteria to pasteurized light cream. 
• Acidified Sour Cream - This type is made by adding an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice, directly to the cream. It gives the cream a sour flavor but doesn't have the same rich and complex tangy flavor as cultured sour cream. 

How Do You Heat Sour Cream in the Microwave Oven

To heat sour cream in the microwave, simply follow these steps: 

1. Use a microwave-safe dish: Place the desired amount of sour cream that you want in a microwave-safe container or dish. 
2. Select a low power setting: Although microwave settings can vary, try to select a low setting power level or defrost setting. Try to avoid quick and high power settings. 
3. Heat in short intervals: Heat the sour cream in short 10 to 15 second intervals stopping to stir it after each interval. 
4. Check the temperature: Continue heating and stirring until it reaches your desired temperature. It should be warm to the touch, but not hot or boiling. Be careful not to overheat as it can cause it to separate or curdle. 

How to Heat Sour Cream on the Stove Top

To heat sour cream on the stovetop, follow these instructions: 

1. Grab a saucepan: Use a small saucepan and add your desired amount of sour cream. 
2. Low Heat: Place the saucepan with the sour cream in it over low heat. 
3. Stir Continuously: Stir the sour cream constantly as it is heating making sure that you watch for small bubbles forming around the edges, this is how you know that it's warming up. 
4. Remove from the Heat: Once the sour cream is warm to the touch, slightly rising, and forming small bubbles around the outer edge of the saucepan, remove it from the heat immediately. 
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the warmed sour cream from the saucepan and serve it immediately. 

Can You Heat Sour Cream in the Oven?

Not alone by itself. It's best to warm sour cream in the microwave or on the stovetop. High oven temperatures can cause the sour cream to separate, curdle, and become watery. 

However, sour cream can be added to your oven-baked dishes. Consider combining it with other ingredients or adding it to the top of a freshly baked dish immediately after it comes out of the oven. Adding it at the end of cooking in the oven to hot food is a great way to heat it without adding it to the oven. 

Ways to Use Sour Cream in Recipes

Sour cream is a mild and versatile ingredient that can be used in so many different foods both sweet and savory. It can be used as a topping, in dips or sauces, or soups and baked goods. Here are a few ideas: 

• Toppings - Baked Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Nachos, Tacos.
• Dips - Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Onion Dip, Ranch Dip. 
• Sauces - Creamy Pasta Sauces, Beef Stroganoff, Sour Cream Sauce.  
• Baked Goods - Cakes, Pound Cake, Muffins, Biscuits. 
• Soups - Use it to finish and cool hot soups such as tomato soup or to top chili with a dollop of sour cream. 

Storage 

Allow heated sour cream to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. Place it back in the original container or airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Heated sour cream has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed shortly after it has been heated for the best quality. 

Want a Few Recipes to Use Sour Cream With? Try These:

• Ground Beef Tacos 
• Ground Pork Nachos 
• Homemade Sour Cream Pound Cake 
• Pimento Cheese 
• Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes 
• Easy Green Bean Casserole 
• Homemade Ranch Dressing 

Have any comments, ideas, or questions about heating sour cream? Please share them in the comments below!