Greek Yogurt As A Substitute For Common Ingredients

Greek yogurt can come to the rescue to replace certain ingredients when you’re in a pinch, and it’s a great way to enhance your favorite dishes. Whether you’re baking muffins or making lasagna, Greek yogurt is versatile enough for both sweet and savory dishes. Substitute Greek yogurt as a replacement when you’re out of a key ingredient, or to add tangy depth of flavor.

Greek yogurt is made when regular yogurt is strained to remove the liquid whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier, and more tart yogurt. Compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has twice the amount of protein (one serving typically has 15 grams) and about 14% less lactose, while still delivering 13 essential nutrients like calcium.

How to Use Greek Yogurt As A Substitute In Your Recipes

Greek yogurt is a versatile, protein-rich option that many consider a nutritious substitute for ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, or heavy cream. Incorporating Greek yogurt into your meals adds protein to keep you full longer while delivering dairy’s thirteen essential nutrients. Check out the conversion guide below to easily start using Greek yogurt in your favorite dishes.

Use Greek Yogurt to Replace	Replace With
1 Cup Butter	1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt + 1/2 Cup Butter
1 Cup Sour Cream	1 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Heavy Cream	1 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Mayo	1 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Oil	1/3 Cup Oil + 2/3 Cup Greek Yogurt
8 oz Cream Cheese	4 oz Cream Cheese + 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Ricotta Cheese	1/2 Cup Ricotta Cheese + 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Milk, Half and Half, or Light Cream	3/4 Cup Milk, Half and Half, or Light Cream + 1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt

For Creaminess in Savory Dishes (Soups, Sauces, Pasta)

How to Use Greek Yogurt As Healthy Heavy Cream Substitute

To use Greek yogurt as a substitute for heavy cream, replace 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 cup Greek yogurt. Ideal for adding richness to pasta sauces, casseroles, or soups—without the fat of traditional cream—like in these Homemade Biscuits with Sausage Gravy.

Here are some advantages of using Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream:

Nutritional Benefits: Greek yogurt is a healthier option, packed with protein and probiotics, making it a nutritious choice for cooking and baking.
Versatile Texture: While it may be thicker than heavy cream, you can easily thin it out with a little milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Flavor Enhancement: Greek yogurt adds a slight tang that can elevate the flavor of soups, sauces, and desserts.

How to Use Greek Yogurt As A Half and Half Substitute

To use Greek yogurt as a substitute for half and half, replace 1 cup of half and half with 3/4 cup milk, half and half, or light cream + 1/4 cup Greek yogurt. This combination offers the same creaminess with more protein and fewer calories, like in this Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta.

Here are some benefits of using Greek yogurt as a half and half substitute:

Healthier Option: Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein compared to half-and-half.
Versatile Flavor: Its tangy flavor can enhance soups, sauces, and dressings, adding depth to your dishes.
Easy to Use: Simply blend Greek yogurt with other ingredients to achieve the desired texture.

Remember, Greek Yogurt has a tangier taste, so it’s best to use it in drinks and recipes that are on the bitter side.

How to Use Greek Yogurt As A Substitute for Ricotta Cheese

To use Greek yogurt as a substitute for ricotta cheese, replace 1 cup of ricotta with 1/2 cup ricotta + 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. Perfect in lasagna, stuffed shells, or savory bakes—maintains creaminess while adding a subtle tang– just like in these Sweet Potato & Ricotta Cheese Waffles and this Roasted Veggie Orzo Bake with Parmesan Cheese.

For Tangy Swaps in Dips, Dressings, and Salads

How to Use Greek Yogurt As A Sour Cream Substitute

To substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use 1 cup of Greek yogurt as a replacement for 1 cup of sour cream. It brings the same tangy flavor and smooth texture—perfect for baked potatoes, tacos, and dips– like this 7 Layer Taco Dip.

How to Use Greek Yogurt As a Mayo Substitute

To substitute Greek yogurt for mayo, just replace 1 cup of mayonnaise with 1 cup Greek yogurt. Works well in chicken salad, deviled eggs, or coleslaw, adding a lighter twist with a protein boost to your recipes—like in this Kefir Ranch Dressing.

How to Substitute Cream Cheese with Greek Yogurt

To make a cream cheese Greek yogurt substitute, you can replace 8 oz cream cheese with 4 oz cream cheese plus 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. Great for softening spreads, dips, or cheesecake fillings while lightening up the fat content. See for yourself by trying these Soft Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies or this Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna.

Using Greek Yogurt As A Substitute In Baking

How to Substitute Greek Yogurt for Butter

To substitute butter with Greek yogurt, you can use 1/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/2 cup butter to replace 1 cup of butter. This combination cuts down on fat while keeping baked goods tender and moist. Give these Greek Yogurt Chai Cinnamon Rolls a try.

How to Substitute Oil with Greek Yogurt

To substitute oil with Greek yogurt, you can replace 1 cup of oil with ⅓ cup oil + ⅔ cup Greek yogurt. Best for muffins, quick breads, or cakes where you want to retain moisture with less fat. Give this Homemade Zucchini Bread with Greek Yogurt a try.

Substitute Greek Yogurt for Higher-Fat Ingredients

From traditional comfort foods to fresh-baked goods, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for high-fat ingredients such as oil and mayonnaise.

Oil: Replace oil with Greek yogurt when baking muffins, cakes and even waffles. Try these Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins or Double Blueberry Greek Yogurt Waffles.

Mayonnaise: Keep the creaminess by swapping Greek yogurt for mayonnaise at a 1:1 ratio in your favorite recipes—like in this Cajun Yogurt Remoulade.

Best Ways To Use Greek Yogurt When You’re Low on Your Favorite Dairy Ingredients

If you’re low on dairy ingredients, don’t fret. Greek yogurt can substitute a variety of dairy products including milk, sour cream and heavy cream.

Milk: If you’re short on milk, half and half or light cream, Greek yogurt can be used to make up for the difference. If your recipe calls for one cup of milk, use three-quarter cup of milk and one-quarter cup of Greek yogurt instead. Check out this Pomegranate Smoothie or Cottage Cheesecake to see how it’s done.

Sour Cream: Out of sour cream? Don’t worry, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream as a base in dips, like this Harissa Yogurt Dip.

Butter: When you’re running low on butter, Greek yogurt can help. If your recipe calls for one cup of butter, substitute with a half a cup of butter and a quarter cup of Greek yogurt. Curious how to use Greek yogurt the next time you bake? Try these Gingerbread Breakfast Cookies.

Cream Cheese: When you substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese, you’re keeping the creaminess without sacrificing any of the flavor. See for yourself by trying these Creamy Pumpkin Pie Bars!

Ricotta Cheese: Lasagna without ricotta cheese? It can be done! Having some Greek yogurt on hand can save you a trip to the store the next time you run out of ricotta, just like in this Baked Spaghetti Lasagna.

Heavy Cream: Greek yogurt is perfect for maintaining the creaminess of a dish while adding extra protein, like in this Slow Cooker Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Can You Substitute Greek Yogurt for Half and Half Milk?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead of half-and-half. Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also boosts the nutritional value of your dishes. If you're looking for a healthier and protein-rich option, Greek yogurt is the way to go! To achieve a similar consistency, simply thin it with a bit of milk or water before using.

Here are some benefits of using Greek yogurt as a substitute:

Healthier Option: Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein compared to half-and-half.
Versatile Flavor: Its tangy flavor can enhance soups, sauces, and dressings, adding depth to your dishes.
Easy to Use: Simply blend Greek yogurt with other ingredients to achieve the desired texture.

Remember, Greek Yogurt has a tangier taste, so it’s best to use it in drinks and recipes that are on the bitter side.

Can You Use Greek Yogurt as a Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you're in search of a healthy alternative to heavy cream, consider using Greek yogurt! Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture while being lower in fat and higher in protein.

Here are some advantages of using Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream:

Nutritional Benefits: Greek yogurt is a healthier option, packed with protein and probiotics, making it a nutritious choice for cooking and baking.
Versatile Texture: While it may be thicker than heavy cream, you can easily thin it out with a little milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Flavor Enhancement: Greek yogurt adds a slight tang that can elevate the flavor of soups, sauces, and desserts.

When substituting Greek yogurt for heavy cream, simply use a 1:1 ratio for most recipes, adjusting as needed for consistency. This simple swap can help you create delicious, lighter dishes without sacrificing flavor.

Use Greek Yogurt as a Marinade

Greek yogurt is so versatile, it can even be used as a marinade. The lactic acid and calcium in Greek yogurt work together to break down the protein in meat, leaving it tender and moist. Check out these Yogurt Marinated Pork Kabobs or this Yogurt Marinated Chicken.

Enhance Recipes

Thicken Soups and Sauces: Greek yogurt is another way to thicken soups and sauces, like in this Russian Stroganoff. Just make sure you mix Greek yogurt into your soup or sauce at the end to prevent it from separating.

Add Protein into Your Favorite Meals: Try adding Greek yogurt to your favorite meals for a boost from essential nutrients. Garnish your soup with a swirl of Greek yogurt or even add some to your hummus.

Our Favorite Cooking Recipes That Use Greek Yogurt

Looking for more recipes that use Greek yogurt? Give these a try: