What To Make With Buttermilk?

Have you ever found yourself with a carton of buttermilk sitting in your fridge, wondering what to do with it? This common cooking ingredient often gets overlooked, yet it holds the key to a variety of delicious dishes. Understanding how to use buttermilk can elevate your cooking and baking, transforming ordinary recipes into something special.

This article explores practical ways to incorporate buttermilk into your meals. From pancakes to marinades, buttermilk adds moisture, tang, and flavor. Let’s dive into the many culinary possibilities that buttermilk offers.

What To Make With Buttermilk?

You can make pancakes, biscuits, salad dressings, marinades, and even cakes with buttermilk. Its acidity helps tenderize proteins and adds moisture to baked goods, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Pancakes and Waffles

Buttermilk pancakes are a breakfast classic. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda, creating a light and fluffy texture. Here’s how to make them:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter

1. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

2. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients.

3. Combine both mixtures until just blended. Lumps are okay; overmixing leads to tough pancakes.

4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in batter. Cook until bubbles form, then flip.

5. Serve with syrup, fruit, or yogurt.

Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are flaky and tender. The key is to handle the dough gently. Here’s a simple recipe:

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

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in buttermilk until just combined.

5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Roll out to about 1-inch thickness.

6. Cut out biscuits and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Salad Dressings

Buttermilk makes a creamy base for salad dressings. It adds tanginess and richness without being overly heavy. Try this simple buttermilk dressing:

1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Drizzle over salads or use as a dip for vegetables.

Marinades

Buttermilk is excellent for marinating chicken or pork. Its acidity tenderizes the meat while adding flavor. Here’s a basic marinade:

1 cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add your protein and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

3. Cook as desired, whether grilling, baking, or frying.

Cakes and Muffins

Buttermilk adds moisture to cakes and muffins, resulting in a tender crumb. Consider this buttermilk cake recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan.

2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.

5. In another bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.

6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

7. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Pancake and Waffle Variations

Buttermilk can be used in various pancake and waffle recipes. Consider adding flavors like:

Blueberries or chocolate chips for sweetness.
Cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Chopped nuts for crunch.

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite. Have you ever tried savory pancakes? Adding herbs or cheese can create a delightful twist.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Fried chicken marinated in buttermilk is a Southern classic. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and creates a crispy coating. Here’s how to make it:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture.

5. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

Buttermilk Pancakes with a Twist

For a fun twist on traditional pancakes, try adding:

Mashed bananas for a fruity flavor.
Shredded zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
Peanut butter for a nutty taste.

These variations can make breakfast exciting and delicious.

Buttermilk in Smoothies

Buttermilk can be a great addition to smoothies. It adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. Combine it with:

Fruits like bananas, berries, or mango.
Spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
A scoop of protein powder for a filling meal.

Blend until smooth for a refreshing drink.

Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk enhances the flavor and texture of cornbread. Here’s a simple recipe:

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish.

2. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients.

3. In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.

4. Combine both mixtures until just blended.

5. Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Buttermilk Ice Cream

Buttermilk can be used to make a tangy ice cream. Here’s a basic recipe:

2 cups buttermilk
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

1. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until sugar dissolves.

2. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Freeze until firm.

Buttermilk Pancakes with Lemon Zest

Add lemon zest to your pancake batter for a refreshing flavor. The acidity of the lemon complements the buttermilk beautifully. Here’s how:

Add the zest of one lemon to the pancake batter.
Serve with a lemon syrup or fresh berries.

This twist brightens up a classic breakfast dish.

Buttermilk in Soups

Buttermilk can add creaminess to soups without the heaviness of cream. Consider using it in:

Potato soup for a tangy flavor.
Chowders for added richness.
Vegetable soups for a creamy finish.

Stir in buttermilk just before serving for the best flavor.

Buttermilk in Pancake Mixes

If you have a pancake mix, you can substitute water with buttermilk. This simple swap enhances the flavor and texture of your pancakes. Have you ever tried it? It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Buttermilk in Baking

Buttermilk can replace milk or yogurt in many baking recipes. It adds moisture and a slight tang. Consider using it in:

Cakes for a tender crumb.
Muffins for added flavor.
Quick breads for a moist texture.

Experiment with your favorite recipes to see how buttermilk can enhance them.

Buttermilk in Pancake Toppings

For a unique topping, consider making a buttermilk syrup. Combine:

1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon baking soda

1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Serve warm over pancakes or waffles.

Buttermilk in Pancake Dips

For a fun twist, create a buttermilk dip for pancakes. Mix:

1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Whisk together until smooth.

2. Serve alongside pancakes for dipping.

Buttermilk in Smoothie Bowls

For a nutritious breakfast, use buttermilk in smoothie bowls. Blend:

1 cup buttermilk
1 banana
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup frozen berries

1. Blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit.

Buttermilk in Pancake Sandwiches

For a creative breakfast, make pancake sandwiches. Stack:

Two pancakes
Your choice of filling (peanut butter, fruit, or yogurt)

1. Spread filling between pancakes.

2. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit on top.

Buttermilk in Savory Dishes

Buttermilk can also enhance savory dishes. Consider using it in:

Mashed potatoes for creaminess.
Coleslaw for tanginess.
Macaroni and cheese for added flavor.

These dishes benefit from buttermilk’s unique flavor profile.

Buttermilk in Pancake Casseroles

For a make-ahead breakfast, try a pancake casserole. Layer:

Pancake batter
Your choice of fillings (berries, chocolate chips, or nuts)

1. Pour batter into a baking dish.

2. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes.

3. Serve warm with syrup.

Buttermilk in Pancake Muffins

For a portable breakfast, make pancake muffins. Combine:

Pancake batter
Your choice of mix-ins (fruit, nuts, or chocolate)

1. Pour batter into muffin tins.

2. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.

3. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Buttermilk in Pancake Pudding

For a unique dessert, create a pancake pudding. Layer:

Pancake batter
Custard mixture (eggs, milk, sugar)

1. Pour both into a baking dish.

2. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes.

3. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Buttermilk in Pancake Crepes

For a delicate breakfast, make buttermilk crepes. Combine:

1 cup flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs

1. Whisk together until smooth.

2. Cook in a non-stick skillet until golden on both sides.

3. Fill with your choice of sweet or savory fillings.

Buttermilk in Pancake Soufflés

For a light and airy breakfast, try buttermilk soufflés. Combine:

1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs, separated
1/2 cup flour

1. Whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.

2. Fold in remaining ingredients.

3. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.

Buttermilk in Pancake Fritters

For a fun twist, make buttermilk fritters. Combine:

Pancake batter
Your choice of mix-ins (fruit, nuts, or chocolate)

1. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden.

2. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Buttermilk in Pancake Tacos

For a creative breakfast, make pancake tacos. Fill:

Pancakes with your choice of fillings (fruit, yogurt, or nut butter)

1. Fold pancakes in half and serve.

2. Drizzle with syrup or honey.

Buttermilk in Pancake Skewers

For a fun presentation, make pancake skewers. Stack:

Pancakes with fruit or other fillings on skewers.

1. Serve with syrup for dipping.

Buttermilk in Pancake Bites

For a bite-sized treat, make buttermilk pancake bites. Pour:

Pancake batter into mini muffin tins.

1. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.

2. Serve with syrup for dipping.

Buttermilk in Pancake Bars

For a portable breakfast, make pancake bars. Layer:

Pancake batter with your choice of fillings (fruit, nuts, or chocolate)

1. Bake in a baking dish at 175°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.

2. Cut into bars and serve.

Buttermilk in Pancake Cakes

For a show-stopping breakfast, make a pancake cake. Layer:

Pancakes with your choice of fillings (fruit, cream, or syrup)

1. Stack pancakes and frost with whipped cream.

2. Serve with fresh fruit on top.

Buttermilk in Pancake Pudding Cups

For a fun dessert, create pancake pudding cups. Layer:

Pancake batter with custard and whipped cream in cups.

1. Chill before serving.

Buttermilk in Pancake Parfaits

For a nutritious breakfast, make pancake parfaits. Layer:

Pancakes with yogurt and fruit in a glass.

1. Serve with syrup on the side.

Buttermilk in Pancake Smoothies

For a quick breakfast, blend pancake batter with buttermilk and fruit. This creates a smoothie that tastes like pancakes. Add:

Bananas, berries, or spinach for added nutrition.

Blend until smooth and enjoy.

Buttermilk in Pancake Soufflé Cups

For a light breakfast, make pancake soufflé cups. Pour:

Pancake batter into muffin tins and bake until puffed.

1. Serve warm with syrup.