Mexican Crema Vs Sour Cream: What's The Difference?

The right condiment can make or break your meal. Reaching for a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema is an excellent option when you want a tangy, refreshing complement to your dish; however, these two foods aren't the same. The biggest differences between Mexican crema and sour cream come down to taste, texture, and specific ingredients.

Whereas standard sour cream is densely thick and rich in flavor, Mexican crema is considerably lighter. Bearing a more liquid-like texture, crema can be poured or drizzled over foods. Mexican crema's mildly sour taste is also in stark contrast to the boldly tart and acidic notes of sour cream. While close in nutritional value, Mexican crema has slightly more calories, fat, and carbohydrates than sour cream.

Sour cream is a fermented dairy product made with a base of cream that is combined with lactic acid bacteria, which accounts for its stronger flavor and density. Mexican crema is usually made with a mix of heavy cream, buttermilk, salt, and lime juice, which tastes sour, but far less intense than sour cream. Both have similar culinary applications, but the difference in consistency must be considered. 

One of the best uses for Mexican crema is to turn down the heat in spicier dishes. Its thinness makes it an ideal finishing topping on your favorite recipes. Whereas sour cream can be dolloped over enchiladas, nachos, or tacos, a generous drizzle of crema can more easily coat the surface of your food. While this is a great ingredient for Mexican meals, you can incorporate crema into a number of other cuisines.

For example, Mexican crema is the secret to unmatched flavor and texture in mashed potatoes. Simply fold it into your spuds for a creamy enhancement to the butter and cream or milk already present. You can also mix your crema with avocados or chipotle peppers for an even more flavorful boost for your food.

In addition to savory applications, you can use plain Mexican crema in a variety of desserts and other sweets. Though its thin consistency doesn't lend itself to baking in the same way sour cream does, crema can be paired with fresh berries for a light treat or combined with vanilla extract and powdered sugar to turn it into a glaze for cakes.

Sour cream makes an excellent topping for many different Mexican foods as well as recipes from a myriad of cuisines. It's a popular topping for loaded baked potatoes, chili, and served on the side of pierogies. The tangy and acidic condiment is also a vital element to preparing a beef stroganoff recipe. 

While Mexican crema is excellent to drizzle over foods, sour cream is the base for many creamy dips.  Mix sour cream with a packet of dried French onion soup mix for a classic pairing to go with ridged potato chips. Seasoned sour cream is also a perfect accompaniment for vegetables, crackers, or chips. On the sweet side, sour cream is ideal for use in baking cakes when you want to achieve a delicate crumb and extra moisture. Further, a simple dollop makes pumpkin pies taste 10X tastier. 

The similarities between Mexican crema and sour cream lead to a great deal of crossover in uses; however, determining the right choice for your meal will ultimately hinge on whether you need a thicker or thinner condiment and your desired level of sour and acidic flavor.