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Best Greek Yogurt Substitute in Hollandaise Sauce

5 tested options with exact ratios, science-backed explanations, and tips for success.

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Greek Yogurt in Hollandaise Sauce is Sour Cream because it provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce without curdling under gentle heat.

Top 5 Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Hollandaise Sauce

Substitute Ratio
Sour Cream (Best) 1 tablespoon per egg yolk
Crème Fraîche 1 tablespoon per egg yolk
Buttermilk (reduced) 1 teaspoon buttermilk mixed with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter per egg yolk
Cream Cheese (softened) 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese per egg yolk
Cottage Cheese (blended) 2 tablespoons blended cottage cheese per egg yolk

Detailed Guide: Each Greek Yogurt Substitute in Hollandaise Sauce

Sour Cream (Best Option)

1 tablespoon per egg yolk
Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Maintains creamy texture and tanginess similar to Greek yogurt, with minimal impact on sauce consistency.

Sour cream works well because it has a similar fat content and acidity level to Greek yogurt, which helps stabilize the emulsion in Hollandaise sauce. The lactic acid in sour cream aids in flavor balance and prevents the sauce from becoming overly rich or flat.

When using sour cream, add it gradually and whisk continuously to maintain a smooth emulsion. Avoid overheating as sour cream can curdle if exposed to high heat.

The final sauce will be slightly less thick than with Greek yogurt but will retain the essential tang and creamy mouthfeel expected in Hollandaise.

Crème Fraîche

1 tablespoon per egg yolk
Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Offers a rich, creamy texture with a mild tang, slightly less acidic than Greek yogurt.

Crème fraîche is a cultured cream with a high fat content and mild acidity, which helps maintain the smooth, velvety texture of Hollandaise. Its fat content supports emulsion stability, while its acidity balances the butter's richness.

Use crème fraîche at room temperature and add slowly to avoid breaking the sauce. Because it is less acidic, you may want to add a small squeeze of lemon juice to replicate the tang.

The sauce will be richer and creamier but slightly less tangy compared to Greek yogurt, resulting in a more mellow flavor profile.

Buttermilk (reduced)

1 teaspoon buttermilk mixed with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter per egg yolk
Gluten-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Adds acidity but is thinner, so combining with butter helps mimic the creamy texture.

Buttermilk provides the necessary acidity to balance the richness of Hollandaise but is much thinner than Greek yogurt. Mixing it with butter increases fat content and viscosity, helping to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

Incorporate the mixture slowly and whisk constantly to ensure proper emulsification. Be cautious with heat, as buttermilk can cause curdling if overheated.

The final sauce will be tangy but slightly less thick and creamy than when using Greek yogurt, with a lighter mouthfeel.

Cream Cheese (softened)

1 tablespoon softened cream cheese per egg yolk
Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Provides thickness and creaminess but has a denser texture and less acidity.

Cream cheese adds body and richness to Hollandaise, helping to stabilize the emulsion due to its fat and protein content. However, it lacks the natural acidity of Greek yogurt, which is important for flavor balance.

Soften cream cheese fully before incorporating and whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps. You may want to add a small amount of lemon juice to introduce acidity.

The sauce will be thicker and richer but less tangy, potentially resulting in a heavier mouthfeel that may overpower the delicate butter flavor.

Cottage Cheese (blended)

2 tablespoons blended cottage cheese per egg yolk
Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Can add creaminess but may introduce graininess and less acidity.

Blended cottage cheese can mimic the creamy texture of Greek yogurt if pureed until smooth. However, it contains less fat and acidity, which are important for the flavor and stability of Hollandaise sauce.

Ensure it is blended thoroughly to avoid graininess and add lemon juice to compensate for the lack of tang. Use cautiously to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

The final sauce may be less smooth and tangy, with a slightly grainy texture that can detract from the classic Hollandaise experience.

Gluten-Free Greek Yogurt Substitutes for Hollandaise Sauce

Full Gluten-Free guide →
Sour Cream
Ratio: 1 tablespoon per egg yolk

Maintains creamy texture and tanginess similar to Greek yogurt, with minimal impact on sauce consistency.

Crème Fraîche
Ratio: 1 tablespoon per egg yolk

Offers a rich, creamy texture with a mild tang, slightly less acidic than Greek yogurt.

Buttermilk (reduced)
Ratio: 1 teaspoon buttermilk mixed with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter per egg yolk

Adds acidity but is thinner, so combining with butter helps mimic the creamy texture.

Cream Cheese (softened)
Ratio: 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese per egg yolk

Provides thickness and creaminess but has a denser texture and less acidity.

Cottage Cheese (blended)
Ratio: 2 tablespoons blended cottage cheese per egg yolk

Can add creaminess but may introduce graininess and less acidity.

❌ What NOT to Use as a Greek Yogurt Substitute in Hollandaise Sauce

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream lacks the acidity and tang that Greek yogurt provides, which is crucial for balancing the richness of Hollandaise. It also does not contribute to the slight thickening effect that yogurt imparts.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise introduces an overly oily texture and a strong flavor that can overpower the delicate balance of Hollandaise sauce. It also does not emulsify in the same way when heated gently.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu lacks the acidity and distinct tang of Greek yogurt, resulting in a bland and less flavorful sauce. Its texture can also be too soft and watery, risking separation during the emulsification process.

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