Serving Sour Cream with Dinner: How Long Can It Sit Out?

Sour cream is a dairy product used as a condiment or topping. It adds yummy flavor and texture to dishes. It is made from the cream of milk soured by bacteria. Sour cream should be stored in the refrigerator as it can spoil quickly at room temperature. This article will discuss how long sour cream can sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a dairy product made from the cream of milk that has been soured by adding lactic acid or bacteria. It has a delicate and complex ingredient and texture, which makes it prone to spoiling. Sour cream can spoil quickly if it is not stored in a cool, dry place and if it is not refrigerated after opening.

If you notice that your sour cream has spoiled, do not eat it. Throw it away and wash your hands thoroughly.

Different types of Sour Cream

There are three types of sour cream: light, reduced-fat, and fat-free.

Light sour cream has 50% less fat than regular sour Cream. Reduced-fat sour cream has 25% less fat than regular sour cream. Fat-free Sour Cream has 0% fat. All three types of Sour Cream are made from cow’s milk. And all three types of sour cream should be stored in the refrigerator.

How long can Sour Cream sit out?

The time that sour cream can sit out before it spoils depends on the room’s ambient temperature.

Generally, leaving sour cream at room temperature for more than 2 hours without covering will cause the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The bacteria produce toxins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually occur within 12 to 48 hours after eating the contaminated food. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.

However, in the summer or hot climates, you shouldn’t leave sour cream out for more than 30 to 45 minutes.

To be safe, it is best to store sour cream in the refrigerator and only take out what you need for your recipe. Once you have opened the container of sour cream, it should be used within a week.