If you’re all out of Greek yogurt but need it for a recipe, no need to fear! There are a number of substitutes for Greek yogurt you can use no matter what you are making. And you will find all the top alternatives right here, as well as how to use them.
Greek yogurt can be used in all types of recipes, from delicious desserts, to savory dinner dishes, to eaten alone.
And the key to finding a great replacement when you don’t have any on hand is using an ingredient that offers a similar flavor and texture.
So what are the best substitutes for Greek yogurt?
The top Greek yogurt substitutes are buttermilk, kefir, sour cream, sour milk, cottage cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, regular yogurt, and avocado.
But which one do you use? And how do you use them?
Read on for the complete guide to using a Greek yogurt substitute no matter what type of recipe you are making.
Greek Yogurt Alternatives
Greek yogurt has exploded in popularity in recent years due to it’s versatility in the kitchen as well as it’s nutritional content.
It can be found in all types of recipes and is quickly becoming a kitchen staple in many households.
Greek yogurt offers a rich and creamy texture as well as a delicious, tangy flavor that works well in everything from desserts, to smoothies, and savory dinner recipes.
If you are making a recipe that calls for Greek yogurt but you don’t have any on hand, use one of the following substitutes in your recipe.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a rich and creamy dairy product that has a similar flavor to Greek yogurt. And it works wonderfully in any recipe that calls for Greek yogurt making it my go to alternative.
Buttermilk imparts a great flavor that pairs well with many other ingredients, and works especially well in desserts and smoothies.
Related: Buttermilk Powder Substitute
Equivalent
3/4 cup of buttermilk equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy product that offers a rich and tangy flavor that makes it an ideal substitute for Greek yogurt in everything from savory dinners to sweet desserts.
Found in many local grocery stores, it is also readily available at specialty markets as well as online from multiple vendors.
Related: Kefir Substitutes
Equivalent
3/4 cup of kefir equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Sour Cream
Believe it or not, sour cream is an excellent replacement for Greek yogurt. In fact, it can be used in any recipe that calls for Greek yogurt.
The texture is similar, but sour cream is a bit tangier than Greek yogurt, but not enough to negatively effect your recipe.
Related: Sour Cream vs Cottage Cheese
Equivalent
1 cup of sour cream equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Sour Milk
Sour milk refers to milk that has been fermented or had an acid added to it. And the results are quite similar in flavor and texture to buttermilk. And it makes a great substitute for Greek yogurt in sweet or savory dishes.
The best way to make sour milk at home is by adding lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk. For each cup of regular milk, stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice or white distilled vinegar.
Equivalent
3/4 cup of sour milk equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a more versatile than most people realize. It offers a rich and creamy texture and mellow flavor that allows it to be used in place of Greek yogurt in most recipes.
Cottage cheese works particularly well in pancakes, waffles, and even cheesecake recipes.
Related: Cottage Cheese vs Quark
Equivalent
1 cup of cottage cheese equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Cream Cheese
While thicker than Greek yogurt, cream cheese offers a flavor similar enough that it can be used instead of Green yogurt in many recipes.
Use cream cheese when making spreads or desserts and you will get a rich and delicious finished recipe.
Related: Cream Cheese Substitutes
Equivalent
3/4 cup of cream cheese equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a classic ingredient used in many baked recipes. And it is a solid substitute for Greek yogurt when making baked goods.
It will provide a rich and creamy texture and just enough flavor to bring your recipe together.
Related: Substituting Mayo for Eggs
Equivalent
1 cup of mayo equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Plain Yogurt
If you are all out of Greek yogurt, but have regular yogurt on hand, it can be used in a pinch. While not as rich or flavorful as Greek yogurt, plain yogurt can be used in all types of recipes.
You can increase the flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or white distilled vinegar to create a flavor similar to Greek yogurt.
Equivalent
1 cup of plain yogurt equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Avocado
If you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian substitute for Greek yogurt then avocado is the replacement to use.
Avocado can be used in any recipe that calls for Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that your baked good texture will be a bit less moist and flatter.
Equivalent
1 cup mashed avocado equals 1 cup of Greek yogurt
Greek Yogurt Replacements FAQ
What is the best substitute for Greek yogurt when baking?
When making baked goods, the best substitute for Greek yogurt is buttermilk, sour cream, and kefir. When using buttermilk or kefir instead of Greek yogurt use 3/4 cup for each cup of Greek yogurt. When subbing sour cream for Greek yogurt, use a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use milk instead of Greek yogurt in baking?
Yes, milk can be used instead of Greek yogurt when baking. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice or white distilled vinegar for each cup of milk to create a sour milk. This will provide a similar flavor profile to Greek yogurt.
Related: How to Thicken Milk
Can I replace Greek yogurt with heavy cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used in place of Greek yogurt. To create a flavor similar to yogurt, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white distilled vinegar for each cup of heavy cream. Then add it to your recipe at a 1:1 ratio.
What is a good Greek yogurt substitute for tzatziki?
The best substitute for Greek yogurt in tzatziki is sour cream. It will provide the needed flavor and texture. Use a 1:1 ratio when making tzatziki with sour cream.
What is a good substitute for Greek yogurt when baking muffins?
The top Greek yogurt alternatives when making muffins are sour cream, buttermilk, and kefir. When using kefir or buttermilk use 3/4 cup for each cup of Greek yogurt. If using sour cream, use a 1:1 ratio.
What is a non dairy substitute for Greek yogurt in baking?
The best dairy free Greek yogurt substitute is avocado. Use a 1:1 ratio of avocado to Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that avocado will provide a different flavor and texture to your recipe but it will work well in most baked recipes.