What To Do With Leftover Sour Cream

November 07, 2024
soured cream garnished with cilantro served with chips
We've all been there—you open the fridge and find an untouched tub of sour cream nearing its use by date. Instead of letting that creamy goodness go to waste, why not get creative? Sour cream’s tangy richness makes it excellent for a wide range of Mexican inspired dishes. So, if you’re wondering what to do with your leftover sour cream, we’re here to help you turn potential waste into delicious meals with these leftover sour cream recipes that’ll bring family and friends together to Make Some Noise around your table!

Health and Safety Reminder:

Before we dive into the recipes, make sure your sour cream is still safe to consume. Check the "use by" date and inspect for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or unpleasant odours. Once opened, sour cream should be stored in the fridge at 5°C or lower and consumed within the time specified on the packaging.

Leftover Sour Cream Recipes

Sour cream is a versatile ingredient that features in many Mexican dishes, providing a luscious texture and zing of flavour. It’s a cooling agent and its flexibility means it can be used as both a main component and a finishing touch. Whether you have a couple of spoonful’s left or an entire tub, there are plenty of leftover sour cream recipes to explore - discover them below!

creamy salsa dip

1. Create Creamy Dips for Sharing

A quick and easy way to put sour cream to good use is by transforming it into dips for everyone to enjoy. For example, our Creamy Salsa Dip only requires 120g of sour cream, Old El Paso Salsa, and a few other flavour-boosting ingredients! It’s the perfect recipe for when you're pressed for time but want to deliver a bit of fun to the table. Pair it with Old El Paso Original Nachips for a hassle-free snack everyone will enjoy.

Food Safety Tip:

Always store leftover dips in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within two days. Make sure dips are not left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

crunchy beef tacos

2. Enrich Your Tacos and Burritos

Sour cream is a classic topping for tacos, burritos, and fajitas—it’s a cooling contrast to the spicy kick of Mexican dishes.

For a quick and satisfying meal, why not try Old El Paso’s Beef & Bean Soft Tacos? Add a dollop of sour cream to balance the richly spiced beef filling. Burrito lovers can easily fold a spoonful of sour cream into a burrito wrap alongside rice, beans, salsa, and shredded cheese such as in our Shredded Chicken Burritos recipe. This not only uses up your sour cream but also enhances the dish for a creamier finish.

If you’re looking for a mess-free burrito experience, consider using Old El Paso Stand ‘n’ Stuff Tortilla Boats—their reliable shape helps keep everything neatly contained!

Quick Chicken Quesadillas

3. Enjoy with Enchiladas & Quesadillas

One fantastic way to use leftover sour cream is by enjoying it with a classic Mexican dish like enchiladas or quesadillas, perfect when you want something creamy and flavourful.
Sour cream can add a lovely creamy contrast that goes perfectly with the tomato flavours in both dishes! Try our Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas recipe, made with a few simple ingredients like chicken, salsa, tortillas and cheese and serve them up with some sour cream for a tasty meal.
breakfast burritos

4. Refresh Your Mexican Breakfast

Leftover sour cream can elevate your breakfast too. Got some tortillas left from the night before? Whip up some of our Breakfast Burritos and spoon sour cream on top of the wrap or inside with a touch of salsa for a perfect morning meal.
Microwave Cheesy Chicken Nachos

5. Top Loaded Nachos

There’s nothing like a big platter of loaded nachos and sour cream is the perfect finishing touch. Follow our Crispy Carnitas Nachos recipe and layer Old El Paso Original Nachips with melted cheese, jalapeños and pork for a delicious, easily shareable snack. Once baked, top your nachos with a generous spoonful of sour cream and guacamole. Check out our nachos section for more loaded nacho inspiration.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of leftover sour cream recipes to explore and enjoy. With Old El Paso’s easy-to-use products, transforming leftover sour cream into a host of delightful Mexican-inspired dishes is a breeze. From creamy dips to tasty nachos, sour cream is a versatile ingredient that goes well with a multitude of dishes.

So, next time you spot that extra tub in your fridge, grab your Old El Paso Salsa Mixes, Tortillas, and Enchilada Sauces, and create another unforgettable meal to share with your family and friends!