33 Best Savory and Sweet Buttermilk Recipes
Discover the versatility of buttermilk with these 33 mouthwatering recipes for breakfast, mains, sides, dressings, and more.
If your only association with buttermilk is fluffy pancakes or Sunday waffles, it’s time to expand your horizons. Buttermilk is one of the most underrated ingredients in the kitchen: part creamy, part tangy, and entirely transformative. From baking impossibly light biscuits to marinating chicken for juiciness and flavor, buttermilk is the chef’s secret weapon—and not just for desserts. Below, discover 33 of the best ways to use buttermilk in breads, mains, sides, salad dressings, and more.
Why Cook with Buttermilk?
- Acidity for Lift: The natural acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda, leading to extra-tender baked goods.
- Flavor Enhancer: It lends a delightful tang to both sweet and savory recipes.
- Tenderizing Power: Buttermilk is a classic marinade for chicken, meats, and even vegetables, breaking down proteins while infusing flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Whether in mashed potatoes, creamy dressings, or even stews, buttermilk adds a silky smoothness without heaviness.
Breakfast Breads & Classic Bakes
Start your day with light, tangy, and irresistibly fluffy baked goods—each powered by buttermilk’s secret chemistry.
- The Kitchn’s Lofty Buttermilk Pancakes
These sky-high pancakes are impossibly soft and fluffy, thanks to a simple chemical reaction: the acidity of buttermilk activates baking soda, giving your pancakes a pillowy lift without needing to whip egg whites.
Perfect for weekend brunches or lazy mornings. - Brown Butter Bourbon Banana Bread
Classic banana bread elevated: brown butter adds nutty depth, bourbon brings warmth, and buttermilk keeps every crumb ultra-moist. The result is nuanced, rich, and decidedly adult banana bread. - Light & Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
Chef Samin Nosrat’s biscuit recipe is a revelation in puffiness and crisp flakes. The trick? Make sure both your butter and buttermilk are extra-cold. The result is a biscuit that’s both tender and tall—just begging for a pat of butter. - Snoop Dogg’s Buttermilk Waffles
A little bit sweet and a lot fluffy, these waffles showcase the starring power of buttermilk—especially when paired with crisp fried chicken (Snoop has a killer chicken recipe too) or a shower of maple syrup. - Buttermilk Oatmeal Bread
This tender, fragrant loaf features the hearty taste of rolled oats, mellowed and moistened by buttermilk. Enjoy as sandwich bread or simply toasted with butter and jam.
More Breads, Cakes & Scones
Beyond biscuits and pancakes, buttermilk offers subtle tang and lightness to dozens of bakes. Here are more favorites powered by buttermilk’s alchemy:
- Simple Summer Peach Cake
- Coconut Spelt Scones with Blueberries
- Chocolate-Mashed Potato Cake with Ganache
- New Seasons Bavarian Banana Cake
- Lemony Cream Cheese Pancakes with Blueberries
- Dark Chocolate and Walnut Zucchini Bread
Creamy Dressings, Dips & Salad Boosters
From herby classics to blue cheese, buttermilk takes salad dressings from basic to boss.
- Ultimate Blue Cheese Dressing
Creamy, assertive, and balanced—the tang of buttermilk melds with blue cheese for a dressing that’s equally at home on salads or buffalo wings. - Dilled, Crunchy Sweet Corn Salad With Buttermilk Dressing
Juicy corn, fresh dill, and a buttermilk dressing make this salad crispy and bright—a true summer standout. - Boston Greens with Tarragon Buttermilk Dressing, Red Pears, and Toasted Hazelnuts
The tarragon buttermilk dressing brings a cool, aromatic finish to this elegant salad.
Mains & Sides: Buttermilk Works Overtime
Buttermilk isn’t just for baking and brunch. Used as a marinade, a base for creamy sides, or a supremely rich cooking liquid, it can transform everyday ingredients into show-stopping mains and sides.
- Buttermilk White Beans With Eggs & Greens
Plump white beans, marinated in garlicky buttermilk and white wine, become meltingly tender and flavorful. Topped with sautéed greens and a runny egg, this dish offers comfort on chilly evenings. - Buttermilk Roast Chicken With Potatoes & Cornichon Butter
Buttermilk tenderizes and flavors the chicken, while pickle juice adds zing. Roasting produces a super-crispy skin, and the buttermilky drippings create a built-in sauce. Cornichon butter amps up the finish. - Butter-Basted Salmon With Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Buttermilk transforms mashed sweet potatoes into a silky, tangy side, the ideal pairing for rich, butter-basted salmon filets. - Punjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumplings
Indian-inspired buttermilk stew thickened with chickpea flour, loaded with coriander-spiced spinach dumplings. Even better the next day. - Roasted Buttermilk-Brined Broccoli With Preserved Lemon
Marinate broccoli in buttermilk and preserved lemon for full-flavored, crisp-tender florets. Don’t have preserved lemon? Use fresh for similar effect. - Classic Southern Buttermilk Bathed Fried Chicken
Buttermilk brining turns fried chicken ultra-tender and full of flavor. This recipe—perfected over years—calls for a full 24-hour brine for the tenderest chicken ever. - Saag Paneer
Spinach, heavy cream, and buttermilk join warm spices to make a luscious take on this Indian classic, reminiscent of rich creamed spinach. - Instant Pot Buttermilk & Leek Mashed Potatoes
Buttery leeks, zingy buttermilk, and even more butter make fluffy mashed Yukon Golds possibly even more luxurious. - Spiced Buttermilk Roast Chicken
Buttermilk and spices deliver juicy, flavorful chicken with an irresistible crust. The marination does all the heavy lifting!
Unexpected Ways to Use Buttermilk
If you usually only buy buttermilk for pancakes, here are even more creative uses:
- Brining: Buttermilk is an excellent brine for pork, chicken, or tofu—resulting in juicy, tender dishes.
- Stews & Soups: A dash of buttermilk can brighten up vegetable soups and add depth to classic stews.
- Savory Bakes: Make scones, cornbreads, savory cakes (like zucchini or parsnip) with buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Desserts: Try cakes like simple peach cake, chess pie, and lamingtons for a subtle, tangy note.
Buttermilk in Sweet Baking
| Recipe | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread Beer Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze | Rich spice, deep cocoa, tangy finish | Holiday gatherings, dessert tables |
| Chocolate-Mashed Potato Cake | Earthy chocolate, tangy moist crumb | Celebration cakes |
| Spiced Parsnip Cake | Warmly spiced, slightly nutty | Tea time, breakfast |
| Boozy Belly Pumpkin Cupcakes | Pumpkin spice, boozy undertones, tangy crumb | Fall parties |
Pro Tips: How to Make Buttermilk at Home
No buttermilk in your fridge? You can easily make a substitute for most recipes:
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill to the 1-cup mark with milk. Stir and let sit 5-10 minutes.
- This homemade buttermilk works in a pinch for pancakes, scones, and marinades.
Popular Buttermilk Recipes (As Voted By Home Cooks)
- Brown Butter Bourbon Banana Bread
- Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
- Dilled Sweet Corn Salad With Buttermilk Dressing
- Panjabi Buttermilk Stew With Spinach Dumplings
- Snoop Dogg’s Buttermilk Waffles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes buttermilk so special in baking?
A: Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with baking soda and baking powder to create carbon dioxide, giving rise to lighter, fluffier baked goods. It also adds a subtle tartness and tender crumb.
Q: Can I freeze buttermilk?
A: Yes, buttermilk freezes well. Pour it into an airtight container or ice cube trays. Thaw in the refrigerator before using; some separation is normal—just stir until smooth.
Q: Is it possible to use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes, thin Greek yogurt or sour cream with a little milk or water until it’s the same consistency as buttermilk, then use as a substitute in most recipes.
Q: How long does buttermilk last?
A: Unopened, buttermilk stays fresh up to two weeks past its sell-by date. Once opened, use within 7–10 days for best flavor and texture; always smell and taste before using.
Q: Are there any vegan alternatives to buttermilk?
A: Absolutely. Combine plant-based milk (like soy or almond) with vinegar or lemon juice, using the same ratio as conventional homemade buttermilk. This works in baking and dressings.
Buttermilk Recipe Ideas to Try Next
- Avocado Cornbread
- Tomato Upside-Down Cornbread
- Almond Scones
- Fried Mushrooms with Smoked Paprika Remoulade
- Lamingtons
Final Thoughts: The Universal Utility of Buttermilk
From breakfast to dessert, from creamy dressings to crisp fried chicken, buttermilk’s versatility is unmatched in the kitchen. Its ability to tenderize, lighten, and transform everyday dishes makes it an ingredient worth celebrating, one recipe at a time. Whether you’re baking classic biscuits or taking a cue from chefs and marinating meats, don’t underestimate what a splash of buttermilk can do for your next homemade meal.
