Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tender texture to many dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.

From fluffy pancakes to crispy fried chicken, buttermilk enhances the taste and quality of many foods.

You’ll find 35 tasty ways to use buttermilk in this collection of recipes. Whether you have leftover buttermilk or bought it for a specific dish, these ideas will help you make the most of this ingredient.

You’ll discover new favorites and classic comfort foods that showcase buttermilk’s unique properties.

1. Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk pancakes are a breakfast classic. You can make them light and fluffy with a few simple steps.

Mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir gently. Don’t overmix – some lumps are okay.

Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before cooking.

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of oil or butter.

Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake.

Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip. The second side cooks faster.

Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

2. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern buttermilk biscuits are a classic comfort food. To make them, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and buttermilk.

Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Grate cold butter into the mixture and cut it in until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Make a well in the center and pour in cold buttermilk. Gently mix until the dough comes together.

Pat the dough out on a floured surface and cut into rounds. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet with their sides touching.

Brush the tops with melted butter and bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Southern buttermilk biscuits.

3. Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk fried chicken is a classic comfort food that’s hard to beat. The secret to its amazing flavor and texture is marinating the chicken in buttermilk before frying.

To make this dish, soak your chicken pieces in buttermilk for 2-4 hours. This helps tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy.

Add some cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade for extra kick.

Next, dredge the chicken in seasoned flour. Fry it until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

The result is chicken that’s wonderfully crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.

You can easily make this tasty fried chicken at home. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Serve it with your favorite sides for a memorable meal.

4. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Buttermilk ranch dressing is a tasty and versatile condiment you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for salads, as a dip, or to add flavor to many dishes.

To make it, you’ll need buttermilk, mayonnaise, and a mix of herbs and spices. Common ingredients include parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl.

You can also use a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.

Store your homemade ranch dressing in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Enjoy your creamy, tangy buttermilk ranch dressing on your favorite foods!

5. Moist Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk cornbread is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home. You’ll love how moist and flavorful this version turns out.

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan.

Mix melted butter with sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and buttermilk.

Next, combine your dry ingredients – flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these into the wet mixture until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes.

The result is a golden, tender cornbread that’s perfect alongside soups, chili, or on its own.

6. Classic Buttermilk Scones

Classic buttermilk scones are a beloved treat perfect for breakfast or teatime. These flaky pastries are easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes.

The key to perfect scones is using cold butter and not overworking the dough. This ensures a light, tender texture.

You can enjoy these scones plain with butter or dress them up with jam and clotted cream. They’re versatile enough to pair with both sweet and savory toppings.

To make your scones extra special, try adding mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or herbs.

The basic recipe is a great starting point for creating your own unique flavors.

Serve your homemade scones warm from the oven for the best taste and texture. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

7. Rich Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk mashed potatoes are a creamy twist on a classic side dish. They’re easy to make and taste great.

Start by peeling and cutting Yukon Gold potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and mash until smooth.

Then mix in room temperature buttermilk for extra creaminess.

For extra flavor, try adding roasted garlic. You can roast a whole head of garlic in the oven, then squeeze out the soft cloves and mix them in.

Season your mashed potatoes with salt to taste.

For a fresh touch, stir in some chopped dill or other herbs you like.

8. Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are a delightful treat for breakfast or snack time. You’ll love how the buttermilk makes them soft and fluffy.

To make them, mix flour, sugar, and blueberries.

In another bowl, combine buttermilk with eggs and melted butter. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones.

Spoon the batter into muffin tins and bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes.

For extra crunch, sprinkle some sugar on top before baking.

You can use fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe. If using frozen, don’t thaw them first to prevent color bleeding.

9. Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw

Buttermilk coleslaw is a tasty side dish that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. You’ll love its creamy texture and tangy flavor.

To make it, mix shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well-coated.

For best results, let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This easy recipe is a great way to use up extra buttermilk.

It’s sure to become a family favorite at your next cookout.

10. Tangy Buttermilk BBQ Sauce

Buttermilk adds a unique twist to classic barbecue sauce. It brings a tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats.

To make this sauce, start with a base of ketchup and apple cider vinegar.

Add brown sugar for sweetness and balance. Mix in some Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce for depth and heat.

The key ingredient is buttermilk, which adds creaminess and tang. Blend in spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.

For extra zest, try adding a splash of lemon juice.

Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Use it as a basting sauce or serve on the side with your favorite grilled dishes.

11. Buttermilk Banana Bread

Buttermilk banana bread is a moist and flavorful twist on classic banana bread. The tangy buttermilk adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.

To make this delicious treat, you’ll need ripe bananas, buttermilk, flour, sugar, eggs, and oil. Some recipes also include cinnamon for extra warmth.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them gently.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about an hour.

You can add blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts to customize your bread.

The result is a sweet, comforting loaf perfect for breakfast or snacking.

12. Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake is a tangy and sweet treat. You’ll love its moist texture and bright lemon flavor.

To make it, mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and buttermilk. Add lemon zest and juice for extra zing.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan or Bundt pan.

Bake the cake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.

For extra moisture, brush the warm cake with lemon syrup. Let it cool before slicing.

This pound cake is perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.

13. Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Buttermilk panna cotta is a creamy Italian dessert with a tangy twist. You’ll love its smooth texture and refreshing flavor.

To make it, heat cream and sugar in a saucepan until it barely simmers. Add gelatin and buttermilk for a silky consistency.

Pour the mixture into molds and chill until set.

Serve your panna cotta plain or with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries.

For extra flavor, try adding vanilla bean paste or a drizzle of honey on top.

This simple dessert is sure to impress your guests.

14. Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk waffles are a breakfast favorite. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

The key to great buttermilk waffles is using real buttermilk. It gives them a tangy flavor and helps make them light and airy.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute with milk and lemon juice.

To get the best texture, mix your batter until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix.

Cook the waffles until they’re golden brown. Serve them warm with butter and maple syrup.

You can add extras like vanilla or cinnamon to your batter for more flavor.

Buttermilk waffles freeze well, so you can make extra and reheat them in the toaster for quick breakfasts.

15. Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops

Buttermilk brined pork chops are a tasty way to enjoy juicy, flavorful meat. The brine helps tenderize the chops and keeps them moist during cooking.

To make this dish, soak bone-in pork chops in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, and spices.

You can add herbs like rosemary and sage for extra flavor.

After brining, pat the chops dry and season them.

Cook them in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides. Finish cooking in the oven for perfectly done pork chops.

These pork chops pair well with many side dishes. Try them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

16. Buttermilk Oven-Fried Fish

Buttermilk oven-fried fish gives you crispy, flavorful results without deep frying.

Start by soaking fish fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes. This tenderizes the fish and helps the coating stick.

Mix flour with your favorite seasonings in a shallow dish.

Preheat your oven to 430°F with a dark baking sheet inside. This gets the pan nice and hot.

Dip each fillet in the seasoned flour after the buttermilk soak. Place the coated fish on the hot baking sheet.

Bake until golden and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.

You’ll get fish that’s moist inside with a crunchy exterior.

Serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges for a healthier take on fried fish.

17. Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

You can make a moist and tender chocolate cake using buttermilk. This recipe needs just one bowl and a whisk, no electric mixer required.

The cake batter comes together quickly with simple ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and buttermilk. Pour it into a 9×13 inch pan for easy serving.

Bake the cake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

For frosting, try a rich chocolate glaze or fudgy icing. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

This versatile cake works great for many occasions. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk for a tasty dessert.

18. Buttermilk Herb Dip

Buttermilk herb dip is a creamy, tangy treat perfect for parties or snacking. You can whip it up quickly using simple ingredients.

Start with a base of buttermilk and mix in some yogurt or mayonnaise. Add cream cheese or goat cheese for extra richness.

Fresh herbs are key to this dip’s flavor. Try parsley, chives, and basil. Cucumber and scallions add a refreshing crunch.

Season your dip with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.

Chill it well before serving to let the flavors blend.

Serve this versatile dip with raw vegetables, chips, or use it as a tasty spread for sandwiches.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear fast!

19. Buttermilk Lassi

Buttermilk lassi is a refreshing Indian drink that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need buttermilk, water, and spices to create this tasty beverage.

To make a basic lassi, blend buttermilk with water and add a touch of salt.

For a sweet version, mix in some honey or sugar.

Want to try different flavors? Add mango chunks or pulp for a fruity twist.

You can also experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for extra zest.

Lassi is perfect for hot days or as a complement to spicy meals. It’s a versatile drink you can customize to your taste preferences.

20. Buttermilk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Buttermilk chocolate chip cookies are a tasty twist on a classic treat. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang and makes the cookies extra soft and chewy.

To make these cookies, you’ll cream butter with white and brown sugar. Then mix in vanilla, eggs, and buttermilk. Add flour, baking soda, and salt to form the dough.

Fold in plenty of chocolate chips before scooping the dough onto baking sheets.

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-14 minutes until the edges are set.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk chocolate chip cookies with a cold glass of milk.

21. Buttermilk Garlic Dill Bread

This bread combines tangy buttermilk with savory garlic and fresh dill. The result is a flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish.

To make it, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Add buttermilk, melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Knead the dough until smooth.

Let the dough rise for about an hour.

Shape it into a loaf and place in a greased pan. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

The bread will have a soft texture and a delicious aroma.

Serve it warm with butter for a tasty treat. You can also use it to make garlic bread by spreading garlic butter on slices and toasting them.

22. Homemade Buttermilk Cheese

You can easily make fresh cheese at home using just buttermilk. Heat buttermilk in a pot until it separates into curds and whey.

Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined colander to strain. The curds left behind form a soft, tangy cheese.

Try adding lemon zest, dried herbs, or cracked pepper for extra flavor.

For a sweet version, use vanilla and sugar instead of salt.

This simple cheese is great spread on crackers or bread. You can also use it in recipes calling for fresh cheese.

23. Buttermilk Ice Cream

Buttermilk ice cream offers a tangy twist on a classic dessert. 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. Then add the heavy cream and stir well.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn for about 20 minutes. The result will be a soft-serve consistency.

You can enjoy it right away or freeze it for a firmer texture.

The buttermilk gives the ice cream a unique, slightly tart flavor that pairs well with fresh fruit or as a standalone treat.

24. Raspberry Buttermilk Tart

This tasty tart combines the tartness of raspberries with creamy buttermilk. You’ll start by making a simple crust with flour, sugar, salt, and butter.

Next, you’ll create the filling by gently warming buttermilk and whisking it with egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over fresh raspberries in the tart shell.

Bake the tart for 30-40 minutes until golden. The result is a delightful dessert with a smooth custard-like filling and bursts of raspberry flavor.

You can serve this tart warm or chilled. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a special treat any time of year.

25. Buttermilk Chive Potato Soup

This comforting soup combines creamy potatoes with tangy buttermilk and fresh chives.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until soft.

Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, then simmer until the potatoes are tender. Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.

Stir in buttermilk and chopped chives, heating gently to avoid curdling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your buttermilk chive potato soup hot, garnished with extra chives and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

This soup makes a satisfying meal on chilly days.

26. Savory Buttermilk Cheddar Muffins

These savory muffins are a tasty twist on traditional sweet versions. They’re easy to make and don’t require a mixer.

You’ll need flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder for the dry ingredients. Add shredded cheddar cheese for a rich flavor.

The wet ingredients include buttermilk, vegetable oil, and an egg. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them gently.

Fill your muffin tins and bake for about 16-18 minutes.

For extra golden tops, brush them with melted butter halfway through baking.

These muffins are great for breakfast or as a side dish. You can customize them by adding herbs like basil or chives.

27. Buttermilk Marinated Grilled Chicken

Buttermilk marinated grilled chicken is a tasty and tender dish you’ll love. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.

To make it, mix buttermilk with spices like garlic, thyme, and salt. Add your chicken and let it soak for 8 hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, drain the chicken and discard the marinade.

Grill the chicken over medium heat until it reaches 165°F inside.

This recipe works well with different cuts of chicken. Try it with breasts, thighs, or even a whole chicken cut into quarters.

28. Buttermilk Pecan Pie

Buttermilk pecan pie adds a tangy twist to the classic dessert. You’ll love the creamy filling and crunchy nuts.

To make it, mix sugar, butter, and flour in a bowl. Add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Pour the mixture into a pie crust.

Sprinkle pecans on top before baking.

Cook at 300°F for about 90 minutes. The center should be almost set when done.

This pie combines sweet and tart flavors perfectly. It’s a great choice for holiday gatherings or weekend treats.

29. Coconut Buttermilk Cake

Coconut buttermilk cake combines tropical flavors with tangy buttermilk for a moist, delicious treat. This cake features a soft, tender crumb and rich coconut taste.

To make it, mix shredded coconut into a buttermilk cake batter. Toast some extra coconut to sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of buttermilk. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for a sweet finish.

You can bake this cake in a loaf pan or round cake pans. It’s perfect for dessert, brunch, or afternoon tea.

The coconut and buttermilk create a wonderfully moist texture that stays fresh for days.

30. Buttermilk Herb Baked Chicken

Buttermilk herb baked chicken is a tasty and easy dish. You start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk, herbs, and spices.

The marinade helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. Common herbs used include thyme, rosemary, and garlic. Let the chicken soak for at least 3 hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F.

Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

This method results in juicy, flavorful chicken with a golden-brown exterior. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

31. Buttermilk Spice Cake

Buttermilk Spice Cake is a tasty treat that blends warm spices with tangy buttermilk. You’ll love the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in this moist cake.

To make it, you’ll cream butter with brown and white sugar. Then you’ll add eggs and mix in dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and spices. The buttermilk gives the cake a soft texture.

You can bake this cake in a 9×13 inch pan or round cake pans. It’s great on its own or with cream cheese frosting. For extra flavor, try adding raisins or chopped nuts to the batter.

32. Buttermilk Maple Glazed Carrots

Buttermilk maple glazed carrots offer a tasty twist on a classic side dish. These carrots blend sweet and tangy flavors for a unique taste.

To make them, start by cooking carrots until tender.

While they cook, mix buttermilk and maple syrup in a pan. Heat this mixture until it thickens into a glaze.

Pour the glaze over your cooked carrots and toss to coat evenly.

The result is a delicious side that pairs well with many main dishes.

These glazed carrots work great for holiday meals or weeknight dinners. They add color and flavor to your plate while being easy to prepare.

33. Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake

Buttermilk strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that combines sweet and tangy flavors. You’ll love the light, flaky biscuits made with buttermilk.

To make the shortcakes, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.

Drop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until golden brown.

While they cool, prepare the strawberries by mixing them with sugar to release their juices.

To serve, split the shortcakes and layer with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream.

The buttermilk gives the biscuits a tender texture and slight tang that pairs perfectly with the fruit.

34. Buttermilk Oatmeal

Buttermilk oatmeal is a tasty twist on a breakfast classic. You can make it by soaking oats in buttermilk overnight. This gives the oats a tangy flavor and creamy texture.

In the morning, cook the soaked oats with a bit of water or milk. Add a pinch of salt for taste. Stir often as it cooks for about 10 minutes.

You can top your buttermilk oatmeal with fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.

It’s a filling meal that will keep you full until lunch.

This dish is easy to make and good for you. The oats provide fiber, while buttermilk adds protein and calcium to your breakfast.

35. Buttermilk Apple Fritters

Buttermilk apple fritters are a tasty treat you can make at home. These golden, crispy fritters combine tart apples with a sweet, fluffy batter.

To make them, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in diced apples.

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

For extra sweetness, dust your fritters with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Enjoy these delicious apple fritters as a special breakfast or dessert.

Understanding Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient with unique properties and health benefits. It adds tangy flavor and moisture to many recipes while providing nutritional value.

What Is Buttermilk?

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product. Traditional buttermilk is the liquid left after churning butter from cultured cream. Most store-bought buttermilk today is cultured milk.

To make it, producers add lactic acid bacteria to pasteurized milk. This causes the milk to thicken and develop its signature tangy taste.

Buttermilk is thicker than regular milk but thinner than cream. It has a slightly sour flavor similar to yogurt.

You can use buttermilk in baking, marinades, dressings, and as a drink. Its acidity helps tenderize meats and makes baked goods light and fluffy.

Nutritional Benefits of Buttermilk

Buttermilk offers several health benefits:

• Low in fat and calories
• High in protein and calcium
• Contains probiotics that support gut health
• Provides vitamins B12 and D
• Good source of potassium and phosphorus

One cup of buttermilk has about:

• 100 calories
• 8 grams of protein
• 2 grams of fat
• 12 grams of carbs

Buttermilk’s probiotics may aid digestion and boost immunity. The calcium and protein support bone and muscle health.

You can enjoy buttermilk as a refreshing drink or use it in recipes for a nutritious boost.

Cooking with Buttermilk

Buttermilk adds tangy flavor and tender texture to many baked goods and savory dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking.

How to Use Buttermilk in Baking

Buttermilk is great for making fluffy pancakes, moist cakes, and tender biscuits. It reacts with baking soda to help baked goods rise. To use buttermilk in baking:

• Replace regular milk with an equal amount of buttermilk • Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda per 1 cup of buttermilk • Reduce the baking powder by 2 teaspoons per 1 cup of buttermilk used

You can also use buttermilk to make tangy frostings or glazes. Try it in place of milk or cream in your favorite recipes.

Tips for Cooking with Buttermilk

When cooking savory dishes with buttermilk:

• Use it to tenderize meat in marinades • Add tang to creamy dressings and dips • Make fluffy mashed potatoes by using buttermilk instead of milk

You can freeze leftover buttermilk in ice cube trays. Thaw cubes as needed for recipes.

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes as a substitute.