Buttermilk is an incredibly versatile ingredient that lends itself to a wide range of culinary applications. Its subtle tanginess and creamy texture have the ability to elevate even the most mundane dishes into something truly mouthwatering. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet treats or savory staples, buttermilk is an excellent addition to any recipe. In fact, its uses are so diverse that it can be incorporated into everything from comforting soups and stews to fluffy pancakes and flaky biscuits. And the best part? We’ve got 37 mouthwatering buttermilk recipes up our sleeves, carefully crafted to cater to cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or an experienced pro, these easy-to-follow recipes are sure to inspire your next culinary adventure.
37 Easy Recipes Using Buttermilk
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Classic buttermilk fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser, thanks to the tenderizing and tangy flavor effects of the buttermilk marinade. To create this mouthwatering dish, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to form the marinade mixture. Next, immerse the chicken in the solution for several hours, allowing it to absorb the flavors and tenderize. After marinating, coat the chicken in a seasoned flour blend before frying it to crispy perfection. Serve with your preferred dipping sauce for an added layer of flavor and enjoyment.
Buttermilk Pancakes
Imagine sinking your teeth into a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, their tender texture and rich flavor tantalizing your taste buds. The secret to these delectable treats lies in the simple yet effective combination of buttermilk, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, and butter. Whisking these ingredients together until smooth creates a harmonious blend that yields a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. Once prepared, simply heat a pan over medium heat, pour in the batter, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Finish with a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and your favorite fruit for a sumptuous treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Indulge in the rich flavors of homemade buttermilk biscuits, perfectly suited for accompanying your go-to breakfast or brunch dishes. Begin by combining flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl, stirring to form a smooth mixture.
As the ingredients meld together, gradually add in buttermilk until the dough coalesces. Then, use a round cutter to divide the dough into uniform pieces, which can then be baked in the oven until they emerge golden brown.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
A deliciously tangy and creamy condiment, buttermilk ranch dressing is a versatile companion for salads, sandwiches, and a wide range of dishes. To craft this tasty treat, simply combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, salt, and pepper in one harmonious blend. Feel free to fine-tune the seasoning to your taste preferences, or consider adding additional herbs and spices to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Buttermilk Waffles
For breakfast or brunch enthusiasts, buttermilk waffles are an absolute delight. To prepare this delectable treat, combine in a bowl the essential ingredients: whisked together buttermilk, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is silky smooth. Next, preheat your waffle iron to perfection, then pour the batter into the mold. Allow it to cook until it reaches a golden brown crispiness. Finally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and your preferred fruit for a well-rounded and indulgent meal.
Buttermilk Fried Shrimp
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and textures that is buttermilk fried shrimp. This mouthwatering appetizer or dinner option is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. To prepare this culinary masterpiece, start by creating a marinade consisting of buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and garlic powder, then let the shrimp soak in it for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Next, coat the shrimp in a seasoned flour mixture before frying them until they reach a crispy golden brown perfection, yielding a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender and juicy flesh.
Buttermilk Cornbread
A deliciously moist and savory buttermilk cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups, stews, and chili. To create this tender treat, simply whisk together a mixture of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake until it reaches a golden brown perfection.
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to side dishes, few options are as comforting and delicious as a plate of creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled meat or roasted vegetables, these spuds are sure to please. To get started, begin by boiling peeled and diced potatoes until they’re tender. Once they’re cooked through, drain the water and get ready to mash. Combine the potatoes with a splash of buttermilk, some softened butter, salt, and pepper, mashing everything together until you’ve got a smooth and creamy consistency.
Buttermilk Pie
The quintessential buttermilk pie is a masterclass in balancing sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors. To craft this delectable dessert, combine buttermilk, sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a bowl, whisking until the mixture is silky smooth. Next, pour the velvety concoction into a pre-baked pie crust and bake until it’s set and golden brown, emitting a warm aroma that beckons all to take a slice.
Buttermilk Dumplings
Indulge in the comforting delight of soft and tender buttermilk dumplings, perfectly suited to accompany hearty chicken soup or stew. To craft these delightful treats, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk in a bowl until a smooth dough takes shape. Next, carefully drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the simmering pot, allowing the dumplings to cook until they’re fluffy and fully cooked through.
Buttermilk Muffins
Indulge in the tender delight of buttermilk muffins, ideal for satisfying your morning cravings or as a quick pick-me-up. To craft these delectable treats, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and the tangy richness of buttermilk in a bowl until the mixture is smooth. Pour the batter into a muffin tin and let it bake until it’s golden brown perfection.
Buttermilk Panna Cotta
Indulge in the creamy and tangy delight of buttermilk panna cotta, a dessert that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Begin by whisking together buttermilk, cream, sugar, and gelatin in a saucepan until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, cook it over medium heat, allowing the mixture to reach a hot but not boiling consistency. Once prepared, pour the creamy concoction into ramekins and refrigerate until set, allowing its silky texture to fully materialize.
Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy buttermilk cinnamon roll that’s bursting with flavor. To create these sweet treats, start by combining flour, sugar, salt, yeast, buttermilk, butter, and eggs in a bowl. The mixture will come together to form a dough, which you’ll then knead until it’s smooth and pliable. Next, roll out the dough and sprinkle it with a generous amount of cinnamon and sugar. Roll the dough up tightly, cut it into slices, and bake until the rolls are golden brown. As they emerge from the oven, the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet butter will fill the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with these scrumptious buttermilk blueberry muffins, bursting with plump and juicy blueberries. To create this treat, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and a splash of buttermilk in a bowl until just mixed. Gently fold in fresh blueberries to avoid crushing them. Pour the luscious batter into a muffin tin and bake until the tops are golden brown and the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air.
Buttermilk Grilled Chicken
Juicy, tender, and bursting with tangy flavor, buttermilk grilled chicken is a mouth-watering treat. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in a clever marinating process, where chicken breast is immersed in a creamy mixture of buttermilk, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper for several hours. As the flavors meld together, the chicken becomes tender and infused with a delightful tanginess. Once marinated, throw it onto the grill over high heat until cooked through and golden brown, allowing the smoky aroma to enhance its natural flavor.
Buttermilk Caramel Sauce
The allure of buttermilk caramel sauce lies in its harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to a scoop of creamy ice cream or a warm slice of apple pie. To craft this delectable condiment, combine brown sugar, buttermilk, butter, vanilla essence, and salt in a saucepan. Over medium heat, whisk the mixture until it reaches a thickened, golden-brown consistency.
Buttermilk Baked Donuts
Indulge in the tender delight of buttermilk baked donuts, boasting a lighter, healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. The magic begins by whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, melted butter, and the star of the show – buttermilk. As the mixture comes together, pour it into a donut pan and let the oven work its charm until the donuts emerge golden brown.
Buttermilk Potato Salad
A mouthwatering twist on traditional potato salad, buttermilk potato salad boasts a rich, tangy flavor profile that’s sure to delight. To craft this creamy side dish, begin by boiling peeled and diced potatoes until they’re tender to the touch. Next, combine in a bowl the buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, thinly sliced red onion, celery, salt, and pepper. Once you’ve mixed these ingredients together, stir in the cooked potatoes until they’re fully incorporated into the dressing. This simple yet satisfying potato salad is perfect for a family gathering or outdoor BBQ.
Buttermilk Baked Chicken
Transform your mealtime with this mouthwatering buttermilk baked chicken recipe, boasting a satisfying crunch, depth of flavor, and a healthier twist on traditional fried chicken. To achieve this culinary delight, begin by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of creamy buttermilk, spicy hot sauce, pungent garlic, fragrant herbs, and a blend of salt and pepper for several hours. Next, coat the marinated chicken in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, carefully crafted to enhance its crispy texture and golden brown hue when baked to perfection.
Buttermilk Limeade
On sweltering summer afternoons, there’s no better way to quench your thirst than with a glass of revitalizing buttermilk limeade. This zesty concoction is effortlessly created by combining buttermilk, freshly squeezed lime juice, granulated sugar, and water in a pitcher. Stir until the ingredients are harmoniously blended, then pour over ice and top off with a sprig of citrusy flair – a slice or two of lime will do just fine.
Buttermilk Mac and Cheese
The ultimate comfort food, buttermilk mac and cheese boasts a rich, tangy flavor profile that’s hard to resist. To craft this indulgent dish, start by cooking elbow pasta to an al dente consistency. Next, combine buttermilk, shredded cheddar cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper in a saucepan, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Finally, add the cooked pasta and stir until the cheese has fully melted, creating a velvety texture that’s sure to satisfy.
Buttermilk Gravy
Rich and creamy, buttermilk gravy is the perfect accompaniment to warm biscuits or crispy fried chicken. To craft this indulgent sauce, start by whisking together flour and melted butter in a skillet over medium heat until the mixture develops a golden brown hue. Gradually pour in the tangy buttermilk, whisking continuously as you go, and cook until the gravy reaches your desired consistency, with any lingering flour undertones fully cooked out.
Buttermilk Baked Salmon
To prepare the salmon fillets for a delicious meal, start by creating a marinade using buttermilk as its base. Add some pungency with minced garlic, fresh herbs of your choice, and a hint of brightness from lemon zest. Once the mixture is well combined, immerse the salmon fillets in it and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. After the marinating process, preheat your oven to bake the salmon until it’s tender and flaky, perfect for serving with your choice of sides.
Buttermilk Mashed Cauliflower
Transform the humble head of cauliflower into a rich and indulgent side dish by embracing its natural versatility. Simply boil the florets until tender, then mash them with a tangy combination of buttermilk, butter, and a pinch of your favorite seasonings. As the creamy sauce melds with the subtle crunch of the cauliflower, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously low-carb accompaniment that’s sure to become a staple at your next gathering.
Buttermilk Banana Bread
Transform the sweetness of ripe bananas into a scrumptious and moist banana bread by harmoniously blending them with buttermilk, flour, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of magic from spices. As the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, the golden brown crust beckons you to take a slice, indulging in the velvety smoothness within.
Buttermilk Coleslaw
Craft a refreshing and velvety coleslaw by combining shredded cabbage and carrots with a zesty dressing comprising buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and a pinch of saltiness. The tangy union of these ingredients will tantalize your taste buds and elevate the flavors in any dish.
Buttermilk Honey Mustard
To elevate your snacks to the next level, create a mouthwatering dipping sauce by harmoniously blending buttermilk, honey, Dijon mustard, and a hint of citrusy lemon juice. This delectable concoction is perfect for dunking chicken tenders or crispy veggies into something truly scrumptious.
Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie
Transform the classic sweetness of sweet potatoes into a rich and velvety sweet potato pie by combining them with the tanginess of buttermilk, the warmth of sugar, and the depth of spices. Simply blend cooked sweet potatoes with buttermilk, sugar, a pinch of warm spices, and eggs to create a smooth filling. Then, bake until set, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Buttermilk Dumplings
When it comes to pairing comfort food with chicken soup or stew, few can rival the tender allure of buttermilk dumplings. To craft these pillowy treats, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and the tangy zip of buttermilk in a bowl until a dough takes shape. The result is a soft, fluffy texture that’s simply begging to be served alongside a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup or stew. Simply drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering pot and cook until they’re cooked through and puffed with a delightful airiness.
Buttermilk Muffins
Moist and fluffy buttermilk muffins are an ideal treat for breakfast or a mid-morning snack. The key to their delightful texture lies in the careful combination of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and the star of the show – buttermilk. Simply mix all these ingredients together until well combined, then pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake until the tops are golden brown and the aroma fills the air.
Buttermilk Gravy
Transforming your morning meal with a rich and indulgent touch, buttermilk gravy is a matchless accompaniment to biscuits or crispy fried chicken. To craft this creamy delight, begin by whisking together flour and butter in a skillet, allowing the mixture to transform into a golden hue. Then, introduce buttermilk at a leisurely pace, patiently stirring until the gravy reaches the perfect consistency, its flour undertones fully dissipated.
Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy buttermilk cinnamon roll, the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon mingling on your tongue. To create these tender treats, combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, buttermilk, butter, and eggs in a bowl until a dough forms. Next, knead the dough until it’s silky smooth, then gently roll it out before sprinkling with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Roll the dough into a neat log shape, cut it into slices, and bake until golden brown to release the heavenly aroma and taste within.
Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with these scrumptious buttermilk blueberry muffins. Packed with plump, juicy blueberries, each bite is a treat for the senses. To prepare, whisk together a mixture of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and fresh blueberries until just combined. Then, pour the luscious batter into a muffin tin and let it bake to a golden brown perfection.
Buttermilk Grilled Chicken
Indulge in the delectable taste of buttermilk grilled chicken, characterized by its succulent texture and tangy flavor profile. To achieve this culinary delight, begin by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture comprising buttermilk, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper for several hours. Then, grill the chicken over high heat until it’s cooked through and develops a golden brown crust, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Buttermilk Caramel Sauce
Savoring the rich flavors of buttermilk caramel sauce, it’s no wonder why this sweet and tangy concoction is a match made in heaven when paired with a cold scoop of ice cream or a warm slice of apple pie. The process of crafting this delectable sauce begins by combining brown sugar, buttermilk, butter, a hint of vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture thickens and transforms into a golden brown hue, the aroma alone is enough to tantalize your taste buds.
Buttermilk Baked Donuts
Fluffy, moist, and boasting a healthier twist than their fried counterparts, buttermilk baked donuts are a delightful treat. To craft these tender morsels, simply combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, melted butter, and the tangy essence of buttermilk in a bowl until the ingredients meld together seamlessly. Next, pour the batter into a donut pan and bake until the donuts emerge golden brown, radiating a warm, inviting aroma that’s sure to tantalize your senses.
Buttermilk Potato Salad
With its unique blend of creaminess and tanginess, buttermilk potato salad is a delightful twist on traditional potato salads. As we wrap up our exploration of buttermilk’s culinary applications, it’s clear that this ingredient is a versatile force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like fried chicken or pancakes, or if you’d prefer to get adventurous with panna cotta or soup, buttermilk is always up to the task. With 37 easy recipes at your fingertips, there’s no excuse not to give this ingredient a try. So why wait? Grab that buttermilk and start whipping up something amazing today!