15+ Recipes That Use Buttermilk for Delicious Dishes

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and moisture to a variety of dishes. Many home cooks might have leftover buttermilk after making pancakes or cakes and wonder what to do with it. There are plenty of delicious recipes that use buttermilk, making it easy to avoid waste and enjoy tasty meals.

From fluffy pancakes to creamy dressings, buttermilk can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. You may be surprised at how this simple ingredient can transform everyday recipes into something special. Embracing buttermilk in your cooking means you can explore new flavors while using up your leftovers efficiently.

1) Lemon Pancakes with Buttermilk Syrup

Lemon pancakes are a bright way to start your day. They are fluffy and bursting with citrus flavor, making breakfast special. When paired with homemade buttermilk syrup, you get a deliciously sweet treat.

To make these pancakes, you’ll mix buttermilk with fresh lemon juice and zest. This creates a tangy taste that complements the sweetness of the syrup perfectly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 large lemons (zest and juice)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
2. Add sour cream, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Stir in flour and cook on a preheated griddle at 350°F (175°C) until golden.
4. Serve with warm buttermilk syrup.

2) Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

Classic buttermilk biscuits are a delicious addition to any meal. They are flaky, tender, and perfect for breakfast or dinner. You can enjoy them plain, with butter, or topped with your favorite jam.

Making these biscuits is simple and quick. You just need a few ingredients to whip them up. The buttermilk adds a rich flavor and helps the biscuits rise beautifully.

Serve them warm right out of the oven for the best taste. These biscuits pair wonderfully with eggs or gravy for a hearty breakfast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles crumbs.
4. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into biscuits.
6. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

3) Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Buttermilk ranch dressing is a tasty and creamy addition to salads and veggies. It’s simple to make and great for dipping.

To start, combine buttermilk and mayonnaise for a smooth base. You can add garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt for flavor. Mix everything until it’s well blended.

This dressing pairs well with fresh salads or as a dip for snacks. You can also customize it by adding herbs like dill or chives for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise and buttermilk together.
2. Add garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt.
3. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!

4) Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken is a classic dish that shines with its crispy coating and juicy meat. The key to its amazing flavor is buttermilk, which makes the chicken tender and adds richness.

To start, you’ll need chicken pieces, buttermilk, and a blend of spices. Common spices include salt, pepper, and cayenne for heat. This combination creates a perfect taste that everyone loves.

After marinating the chicken in buttermilk, coat it in seasoned flour. Fry the pieces in hot oil until they are golden brown. The ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C).

Serve your fried chicken hot for a delicious meal. Pair it with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a true Southern feast.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of chicken pieces
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
• 2 cups of flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 12 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

5) Buttermilk Scones

Buttermilk scones are a delightful treat that you can whip up quickly. They are light and flaky, making them perfect for breakfast or tea time. You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite jam and butter.

To make buttermilk scones, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The buttermilk adds moisture and a nice tangy flavor. You can customize them with fruits or chocolate chips for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• ⅓ cup butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in the melted butter and buttermilk until combined.
4. Shape the dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

6) Moist Banana Bread with Buttermilk

Buttermilk adds a wonderful moisture to banana bread. This makes each slice soft and tender. Using ripe bananas also enhances the sweetness and flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious banana bread:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
4. Stir in the mashed bananas and buttermilk.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
7. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
8. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7) Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins

Buttermilk blueberry muffins are a delicious way to start your day. The buttermilk adds a nice tang and keeps the muffins moist. Fresh blueberries burst with flavor in every bite.

You can enjoy these muffins warm from the oven. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re easy to make!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

8) Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk cornbread is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with chili or soup. Its slightly tangy flavor gives it a unique twist that you’ll love.

This recipe creates a light and fluffy texture, thanks to the buttermilk. The edges get a nice crunch while the center stays soft.

You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a base for a hearty meal. It’s versatile, making it a great choice for various meals.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt the butter in a bowl.
3. Mix in sugar and eggs until well combined.
4. Stir in buttermilk and baking soda.
5. Add cornmeal, flour, and salt; mix until smooth.
6. Pour into a greased baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

9) Apple Buttermilk Cake

Apple buttermilk cake is a delightful treat. It’s easy to make and offers a moist texture with a lovely apple flavor. The combination of warm spices makes it perfect for any season.

To start, you’ll want to mix your dry ingredients and then add the wet ones. The buttermilk helps keep the cake soft and tender. Once you fold in the diced apples, you’ll have a wonderful batter ready to bake.

Bake your cake at 350°F (175°C) until it’s golden brown. Enjoy a slice warm, or let it cool for a sweet dessert later.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a cake pan.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, beat sugar and butter until smooth.
5. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
6. Stir in buttermilk and dry mix.
7. Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
8. Pour into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
10. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

10) Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls

Buttermilk cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that you can enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. They are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture.

You start with a buttermilk dough that helps make the rolls tender and moist. After rolling out the dough, you spread a mix of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top.

Once you roll it up and cut it into pieces, you bake them until golden. Topping them with cream cheese icing makes them even more delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix warm buttermilk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, butter, egg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Roll it up and slice into pieces.
6. Place in a baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
8. Drizzle with icing before serving.

11) Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

Chocolate buttermilk cake is a delicious treat that combines rich flavors and a moist texture. The buttermilk adds a nice depth and a tender crumb to the cake. You’ll love the glossy chocolate frosting that pairs perfectly with it.

This cake is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. You can whip it up quickly for any occasion or just for a cozy dessert at home.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool before adding your favorite chocolate frosting.

12) Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk mashed potatoes are a creamy and tangy side dish that pairs well with many meals. This recipe is simple and lets the buttermilk shine through.

Start by peeling and boiling your potatoes until they are tender. While they cook, gather your ingredients. Mixing in butter and buttermilk gives these potatoes their special flavor.

Once the potatoes are ready, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the butter and buttermilk, then mash everything together. You can adjust the buttermilk to get your desired creaminess.

Feel free to add some salt and pepper to taste. Your buttermilk mashed potatoes are ready to serve. Enjoy the delightful twist on this classic dish!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boiling potatoes
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the potatoes.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add butter and buttermilk.
5. Mash until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm.

13) Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk waffles are a delicious treat for breakfast or brunch. They have a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. You can enjoy them with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

To make them, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Mixing buttermilk into the batter adds a nice tangy flavor and makes the waffles tender. They are easy to whip up and can even be frozen for later.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle maker.
2. In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden.

14) Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert that is both simple and delicious. It features a flaky crust with a creamy, custard-like filling. This pie is perfect for any occasion and is sure to please your family and friends.

To make buttermilk pie, you will need to combine ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and a hint of vanilla. The combination creates a rich flavor that is comforting and satisfying.

Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool before serving, and enjoy the delightful texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla, and flour until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until set.
7. Let cool before serving.

15) Buttermilk Onion Rings

Buttermilk onion rings are a tasty snack that you can make at home. The buttermilk gives them a crispy texture and a great flavor. They are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

To start, you’ll need to soak the onion rings in buttermilk. This helps tenderize the onions and adds moisture. Then, you will dip them in a seasoned flour mixture before frying.

Frying the onion rings creates a crunchy coating that pairs nicely with the softness of the onion inside. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 large onions
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the onions into 1/4-inch rings.
2. Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Dredge the soaked onion rings in the flour mixture.
6. Fry the rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.