Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can take your cooking and baking to new heights. Its tangy flavor and creamy texture add depth to both sweet and savory dishes. From fluffy pancakes to tender fried chicken, buttermilk enhances many classic recipes.
You’ll find plenty of ways to use up that carton of buttermilk in your fridge with these 35 tasty recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, dinner, or dessert, there’s a buttermilk dish for every craving. Get ready to explore delicious new uses for this common kitchen staple.
You can make these pancakes in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients. The key is real buttermilk, which gives them a tangy flavor and light texture.
To make great pancakes, mix your dry and wet ingredients separately. Then combine them gently – a few lumps are okay. Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.
Cook your pancakes on a hot griddle or pan. Flip them when bubbles form on top and the edges look dry. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Southern fried chicken is a classic comfort food you can easily make at home. The key is to soak the chicken in buttermilk before frying. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
To make it, dip buttermilk-soaked chicken pieces in seasoned flour. Then fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The result is juicy meat inside a crunchy, flavorful crust.
You can add spices like garlic powder or hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra taste. The flour coating often includes salt, pepper, and paprika. Serve your homemade fried chicken hot for the best flavor and texture.
Red velvet cake is a classic dessert that uses buttermilk for its signature tangy flavor and moist texture. The cake gets its red color from food coloring, while cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate taste.
To make red velvet cake, you’ll mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, and buttermilk. Add some vegetable oil and eggs for richness. Don’t forget the red food coloring for that vibrant hue.
Bake the cake layers until they’re just done. Once cooled, frost them with cream cheese icing. This tangy-sweet topping complements the cake perfectly.
Red velvet cake is great for special occasions. It’s often enjoyed at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and other celebrations. Try baking one for your next gathering!
Buttermilk waffles are a breakfast favorite that you can easily make at home. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that’s perfect for soaking up syrup.
To make these waffles, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Buttermilk is key for giving them their signature tangy flavor and light texture.
When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay and will help keep your waffles tender.
For extra-crispy waffles, try letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to absorb more liquid.
Serve your buttermilk waffles hot off the iron with butter and maple syrup. You can also top them with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a special treat.
Buttermilk ranch dressing is a creamy, tangy delight you can easily make at home. It tastes much better than store-bought versions.
To make it, mix buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a bowl. Add dried herbs like parsley and dill, along with garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth.
Chill the dressing for at least 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend. Your homemade buttermilk ranch will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Buttermilk fried catfish is a Southern classic that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To make it, soak catfish fillets in buttermilk for a few hours. This helps tenderize the fish and adds flavor.
Mix cornmeal, flour, and spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a dish. Take the fish out of the buttermilk and coat it in the cornmeal mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer. Carefully place the coated fillets in the hot oil and fry until golden brown. The result is a delicious, crunchy catfish that pairs well with coleslaw or hush puppies.
Buttermilk mashed potatoes offer a tangy twist on a classic side dish. To make them, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them, then mix in warm buttermilk and melted butter.
Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs like dill. You can use a potato masher or food mill for smoother results.
These creamy potatoes pair well with many meals. Keep them warm by placing the bowl over simmering water before serving. You can also make them in a slow cooker for easy preparation.
Buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert with a creamy, tangy filling. You’ll love its rich flavor and smooth texture.
To make this pie, mix butter, sugar, flour, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Pour the filling into a pie crust and bake at 375°F.
The top of the pie will develop a golden, slightly caramelized crust as it bakes. Its custard-like interior has a delightful tang from the buttermilk.
Serve your buttermilk pie warm or chilled. It’s perfect on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream. You can even freeze leftovers for up to two months.
Buttermilk coleslaw is a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for your next barbecue. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch.
The main ingredients are shredded cabbage and carrots. The dressing combines buttermilk and mayonnaise for a rich, tangy flavor. A touch of sugar balances the tanginess.
This coleslaw stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy quickly. It’s easy to make and tastes great with grilled meats or sandwiches.
You can find buttermilk in the dairy section of your grocery store. It’s a cultured milk product that adds a wonderful tangy flavor to many recipes.
Buttermilk bacon cornbread is a tasty twist on traditional cornbread. You’ll love the savory bacon and tangy buttermilk flavors in this dish.
To make it, start by cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet. Keep the bacon grease for extra flavor. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped bacon.
Pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes. The result is a golden, crispy-edged cornbread with a moist center and smoky bacon bits throughout.
Buttermilk marinated grilled chicken is a tasty and tender dish you can easily make at home. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.
To prepare, mix buttermilk with spices like garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken pieces and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight in the fridge.
When you’re ready to cook, take the chicken out of the marinade and pat it dry. Season with a bit more salt and pepper, then grill over medium heat.
Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The result is a perfectly cooked, moist, and delicious grilled chicken.
Buttermilk doughnuts are a classic treat that you can easily make at home. These cake-style doughnuts have a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside.
The buttermilk gives them a slight tangy flavor and helps create a light texture. You don’t need yeast for these doughnuts, which makes them simpler to prepare.
When frying, the doughnuts develop a crackly surface that’s perfect for soaking up a sweet glaze. You can enjoy them plain or add toppings like cinnamon sugar or chocolate frosting.
These doughnuts taste best when fresh and warm. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert. With a little practice, you’ll be making bakery-quality doughnuts in your own kitchen.
Buttermilk cheddar scones are a savory twist on the classic breakfast treat. These flaky pastries combine tangy buttermilk with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor.
To make them, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Grate cold butter and add it to the dry ingredients along with shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and an egg. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Shape the dough into rounds and bake at 425°F until golden brown. Serve these warm scones with butter for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Buttermilk ice cream offers a tangy twist on a classic frozen treat. To make it, you’ll need buttermilk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Start by mixing the buttermilk, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Pour this mixture into your ice cream maker and churn for about 20 minutes.
The result is a creamy, slightly tart ice cream with a smooth texture. You can enjoy it right away as soft serve or freeze it for a firmer consistency.
For extra flavor, try adding fresh fruit or a swirl of caramel before freezing. This unique ice cream is sure to impress your family and friends.
Buttermilk onion rings are a crispy, flavorful treat you can make at home. Start by slicing onions into rings and soaking them in buttermilk for 30 minutes to an hour.
Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper for the coating. Dip the soaked onion rings in this mixture, then into the buttermilk, and back into the flour mix.
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry the coated rings for about 3 minutes, turning halfway through. They’re done when golden brown.
Serve your homemade buttermilk onion rings hot as a tasty side dish or snack.
Buttermilk cinnamon rolls are a tasty breakfast treat. You’ll love the soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor these rolls provide. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the sweet cinnamon filling.
To make these rolls, you’ll need yeast, warm buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and flour. Mix these ingredients to form a dough. Let it rise, then roll it out and spread with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Roll up the dough, slice it into rounds, and place in a baking pan. After a second rise, bake until golden brown. Top with cream cheese icing for extra indulgence.
These buttermilk cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions. Your family and friends will surely ask for seconds!
Buttermilk grilled cheese takes a classic sandwich to new heights. You start with thick slices of bread and brush them with tangy buttermilk.
The buttermilk adds a subtle flavor and helps create a crispy golden crust. For the filling, use a mix of melty cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.
Add some sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon for extra taste. Cook the sandwich in a skillet with butter until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
The result is a gooey, crispy grilled cheese with a unique twist. Serve it hot for a tasty lunch or quick dinner.
Buttermilk chicken tenders are a tasty treat that’s easy to make at home. You’ll start by marinating chicken strips in buttermilk mixed with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
Next, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour, seasoned salt, and more spices. You can fry the tenders in oil for a crispy exterior or bake them in the oven for a healthier option.
If you choose to bake, place the coated tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate, creating a crunchier coating. Cook at 375°F until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve your homemade buttermilk chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal or snack.
Buttermilk Lemon Pound Cake is a tangy and sweet treat. You’ll love its moist texture and bright citrus flavor. This cake combines the richness of butter with the tanginess of buttermilk and lemon.
To make it, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in lemon zest, juice, and vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake at 350°F until golden brown. Let it cool before adding a lemon glaze for extra zing.
This pound cake is perfect for dessert or brunch. It keeps well for several days, making it great for sharing with friends and family.
Buttermilk cornbread muffins are a tasty treat you can easily make at home. They have a sweet, corn flavor and a tender texture.
You can whip up these muffins in about 25 minutes. They go great with chili or any meal that needs a side of bread.
To make them extra yummy, add a pat of butter and drizzle some honey on top. You can make big jumbo muffins or regular sized ones, depending on what you like.
These muffins use simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. They turn out moist and fluffy every time.
Buttermilk banana bread is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. The tangy buttermilk adds depth to the sweet banana flavor.
To make this bread, you’ll need ripe bananas, buttermilk, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them gently.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for about 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bread cool before slicing. You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas and leftover buttermilk.
Buttermilk salad dressing is a creamy, tangy topping that adds zest to your greens. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Mix buttermilk, mayonnaise, and lemon juice as the base. Add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning.
This versatile dressing goes well with many dishes. Try it on salads, as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for grilled meats. You can even use it to add flavor to sandwiches and wraps.
Make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s a tasty way to use up leftover buttermilk.
Buttermilk chocolate cake is a moist and tender dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This cake gets its rich flavor from cocoa powder and its soft texture from buttermilk.
To make it, you’ll mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking soda. Then add wet ingredients such as eggs, oil, and buttermilk. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just because. You can frost it or enjoy it as is. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Buttermilk beignets are a sweet treat that you can easily make at home. These puffy, square doughnuts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
To make them, you’ll mix yeast with warm water and sugar. Then add buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter to create a rich dough. Flour, salt, and sometimes cinnamon or nutmeg are mixed in next.
After letting the dough rise, you’ll roll it out and cut it into squares. Fry these squares in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Once cooled slightly, dust your beignets with powdered sugar. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture. They pair well with coffee or hot chocolate for a special breakfast or dessert.
Buttermilk blue cheese dressing is a creamy, tangy condiment that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream as the base ingredients.
Mix these together in a bowl, mashing the blue cheese with a whisk. Add some lemon juice for extra zing and a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes include a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
This versatile dressing is great on salads, as a dip for vegetables, or as a sauce for chicken wings. It keeps well in the fridge for about a week.
Buttermilk hushpuppies are crispy, golden-brown fritters that make a tasty side dish. You’ll love their crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy inside.
To make them, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add finely chopped onions for extra flavor. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, and an egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365°F (185°C).
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve warm. These hushpuppies pair well with fried fish or barbecue.
Buttermilk pie crust adds a tangy twist to your baking. You’ll love its flaky texture and rich flavor. To make it, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and work it into the flour until pea-sized pieces form.
Pour in buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. Shape it into disks and chill for at least an hour before using. This crust works great for both sweet and savory pies.
The buttermilk gives the crust a tender quality that’s hard to beat. Try it with your favorite pie fillings for a delicious homemade treat.
Buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy are a classic Southern breakfast combo. You can make this hearty dish at home with simple ingredients.
Start by baking flaky buttermilk biscuits from scratch. Use all-purpose flour, butter, buttermilk, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
For the gravy, cook your favorite breakfast sausage in a pan. Add flour to the drippings to make a roux. Then slowly stir in milk until you get a creamy consistency.
Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Pour the hot sausage gravy over fresh-baked biscuits and enjoy. You can top it with a fried egg for extra richness.
Buttermilk Raspberry Cobbler is a sweet and tangy dessert that’s easy to make. You’ll love the contrast between the tart raspberries and the rich, buttery topping.
To make this cobbler, start by mixing fresh raspberries with sugar and a bit of lemon juice. Pour this mixture into a baking dish.
For the topping, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in buttermilk to form a soft dough.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the raspberry mixture. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Serve your cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The buttermilk gives the topping a tender texture and subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the raspberries.
Buttermilk fried pickles are a tasty treat you can make at home. Start by slicing dill pickles into thin rounds.
Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and an egg.
Dip pickle slices in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mix, and back in the flour. This creates a crispy coating.
Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot. Fry the coated pickles for a few minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
Serve your crispy fried pickles with a cool ranch dip. They make a great appetizer or snack for parties.
Understanding Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient with a tangy flavor and creamy texture. It offers several health benefits and can be used in many recipes.
What is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product. Traditional buttermilk is the liquid left after churning butter from cream. Today, most commercial buttermilk is cultured.
Cultured buttermilk is made by adding lactic acid bacteria to low-fat milk. This process gives buttermilk its thick texture and sour taste.
You can find buttermilk in most grocery stores. It’s usually sold in quart-sized cartons in the dairy section.
Nutritional Benefits
Buttermilk is packed with nutrients. It’s low in fat but high in protein and calcium.
One cup of buttermilk contains:
98 calories
8 grams of protein
284 mg of calcium
218 mg of phosphorus
370 mg of potassium
Buttermilk is easier to digest than regular milk. The lactic acid bacteria break down lactose, making it a good choice for some people with lactose intolerance.
It also contains probiotics, which can help boost your gut health.
Culinary Uses
Buttermilk is a key ingredient in many recipes. Its acidity helps tenderize meats and adds a tangy flavor to baked goods.
You can use buttermilk in:
Pancakes and waffles
Biscuits and scones
Fried chicken
Salad dressings
Mashed potatoes
Buttermilk makes baked goods light and fluffy. It reacts with baking soda to create air bubbles, which help cakes and breads rise.
In marinades, buttermilk’s acidity helps break down tough proteins. This makes meat more tender and flavorful.
You can also drink buttermilk plain or use it in smoothies for a tangy twist.
Cooking Tips for Using Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds tangy flavor and moisture to many recipes. Here are some helpful tips for cooking with buttermilk in your kitchen.
Substituting Buttermilk
No buttermilk on hand? You can make a quick substitute. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a bit of milk. These work well in most recipes calling for buttermilk.
For vegan options, try non-dairy milk with lemon juice. Or use vegan yogurt thinned with plant-based milk.
Remember, homemade substitutes may change the texture slightly in baked goods. But they’ll still give you that tangy buttermilk flavor.
Storing Buttermilk
Keep buttermilk fresh by storing it properly. Always check the “best by” date on the carton.
Store unopened buttermilk in the fridge. Once opened, use within 1-2 weeks for best quality.
You can freeze buttermilk to extend its life. Pour into ice cube trays or small containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Frozen buttermilk works best in cooked dishes. The texture may change, so it’s not ideal for drinking.
Shake buttermilk well before using. It’s normal for solids to settle at the bottom of the container.
Enhancing Flavors with Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds a tangy zip to many dishes. Use it to tenderize meat in marinades. Mix with herbs and spices for flavorful chicken, pork, or beef.
In baking, buttermilk creates light, fluffy textures. It helps activate baking soda in recipes. This produces tender cakes, biscuits, and pancakes.
Try buttermilk in creamy salad dressings. It adds tang without extra fat. Mix with herbs for a tasty veggie dip.
Use buttermilk to make fluffy mashed potatoes. Or add to soups for extra richness. It even works in smoothies for a probiotic boost.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
