From crispy fried chicken to creamy dressings and fluffy cakes, these recipes offer uses for buttermilk that highlight its tangy magic in savory and sweet dishes.
1/32
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, Saturday morning always means pancakes for breakfast. I make the menu special by servings up stacks of these fluffy buttermilk treats studded with mini chips. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 291 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
2/32
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
For our family, it's not a picnic unless we have fried chicken! Chicken, deviled eggs and potato salad are all musts for a picnic as far as my husband is concerned. This is a golden oldie recipe for me—I've used it any number of times. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 623 calories, 40g fat (7g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
3/32
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared this recipe with me. Buttermilk and garlic flavor these smooth mashed potatoes that are better for you than typical versions with lots of butter. —Stephanie Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
4/32
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will have a touch of nostalgia when they bite into one of these old-fashioned doughnuts. Accents of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle burst of lemon, make them hard to resist. — June Jones, Harveyville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut with 1 doughnut hole: 184 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
5/32
Banana Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of this banana bread. It really is amazingly good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 257 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
6/32
Ranch Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Why buy bottled ranch when this homemade ranch dressing recipe is so easy to make—and tastes so much better! Fresh chives are a colorful addition if you have them on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 66 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/32
Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chop with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without noodles): 376 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
8/32
The Best Buttermilk Waffle Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't get any complaints from family or friends when you stack up these golden waffles for breakfast! —Kim Branges, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 223 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
9/32
Buttermilk Pound Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Now that I've retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can't be topped—once people taste it, they won't go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. —Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 334 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
10/32
Angel Biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
I first received a sample of these light, wonderful angel biscuits, along with the recipe, from an elderly gentleman friend. I now bake them often as a Saturday-morning treat, served with butter and honey. They're perfect with sausage gravy, too! —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 150 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/32
Blueberry Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad makes blueberry pancakes for us every Saturday without fail. The combination of oats, cornmeal and buttermilk in the batter gives the pancakes heartiness we can't resist. —Gabrielle Short, Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 332 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
12/32
Red Velvet Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 463 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
13/32
Coconut Chicken Tenders with Creamy Caribbean Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
This coconut chicken tenders recipe is such a fun change of pace. The salsa’s tropical flavor makes the dish fresh and bright. —Jane Estrin, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 402 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein.
14/32
Orange Buttermilk Cupcakes
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 201 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/32
Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They’re a treat that never lasts very long with me and my two brothers around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 whoopie pie: 244 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/32
Buttermilk Cake with Caramel Icing
From the Recipe Creator:
This fabulous cake and caramel frosting are so tender, it melts in your mouth. It's been a family favorite since the '70s and it goes over really well at church potluck meals. —Anna Jean Allen, West Liberty, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/32
Blueberry Zucchini Squares
From the Recipe Creator:
I saw a bar recipe using apple and lemon zest on a muffin mix. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a nifty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 270 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/32
Nashville Hot Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 419 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
19/32
Southern Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, we didn’t have turkey. We had chicken, chopped and baked in my grandmother’s dressing. Now we leave out the chicken and keep the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 236 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 969mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
20/32
Devil's Food Snack Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and his friends request this cake for camping trips because it’s easy to transport. That makes it great for taking to potlucks and other events too, as there's no frosting involved. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 174 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
21/32
Utah Buttermilk Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk makes these classic Utah scones so delightful that you'll most likely eat too many. The texture is light and airy and the taste is delightful. It's a family favorite we eat often. Don't forget the honey butter—it's the perfect addition to the perfect scone. —Nichole Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 184 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/32
German Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Piping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup syrup: 428 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
23/32
Pink Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter loves all things pink, so this recipe was just right for her birthday. Even my teenage son (not a fan of pink) ate his share too. —Paulette Smith, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 266 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
24/32
Homemade Irish Soda Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people consider bread to be the most important part of a meal—and this Irish bread satisfies! This recipe is by far the best soda bread I've ever tried. With plentiful raisins, it is moist and delicious! —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 223 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
25/32
Mom’s Buttermilk Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I treasure my mother’s recipe for these comforting cookie pillows. The tender treats are topped with thick frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. —Jane Darling, Simi Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 135 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
26/32
Buckwheat Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
This buckwheat pancake recipe uses buckwheat flour instead of the wheat-based variety. The light and tender buckwheat pancakes offer a nutty flavor and hearty texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes (calculated without syrup and additional butter): 195 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
27/32
Buttermilk Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving salad to a crowd, this easy buttermilk ranch dressing comes in handy. It make a full quart of creamy, delicious dressing to toss with your favorite greens and veggies. —Patricia Mele, Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 98 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat.
28/32
Spicy Fried Okra
From the Recipe Creator:
This fried veggie is a southern delicacy that’s sure to add excitement to any summer meal. — Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 237 calories, 16g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
29/32
Tangy Potato Salad with Radishes
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer's approach makes my family think of potato salad. This tangy side is also great in the winter when it's served hot with cubed ham. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
30/32
Jalapeno Cornbread
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re from the South, you have to have a good cornbread recipe. Here’s a lightened-up version of my mom’s traditional cornbread that tastes just as delicious. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
31/32
Avocado Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk and plain yogurt create the base for this thick avocado salad dressing, which gets its color from avocado and parsley. The mild mixture is refreshing when dolloped over a tossed green salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 25 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
32/32
Pumpkin Waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
My girlfriend loves pumpkin, so I often like to incorporate the ingredient in my recipes. In fall, I freeze pumpkin puree just to make these waffles. —Charles Insler, Silver Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles (calculated without butter and syrup): 194 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Up Next: Baking with Buttermilk Will Change Your Bakes for Good
Uses for Buttermilk FAQ
What can I do with leftover buttermilk?
Leftover buttermilk is great for baking recipes like buttery pound cake, birthday cakes and tender biscuits, if you have a decent amount to use up. If you only have a small amount left in the container, add it to creamy dips and salad dressings for added tang. Depending on the recipe, it can either thin a mayonnaise-based recipe to a pourable consistency or add body to a light vinaigrette. Buttermilk also makes an excellent marinade for chicken or fish, along with herbs and spices, to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
Can I make buttermilk at home?
Yes, you can easily make buttermilk at home by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit until slightly thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. The acid curdles the milk slightly, giving it the tang and texture of buttermilk. It’s not cultured, like store-bought versions, but will work well in most baking and cooking recipes. For best results, use whole or 2% milk so your homemade buttermilk isn’t too thin and watery, and measure your vinegar carefully so it’s not overly sharp. This substitute is best used just after it’s made, so it’s not ideal for recipes that rely on long resting times.
What can I substitute buttermilk with if I don’t have enough for my recipe?
If you are trying to use up your carton of buttermilk but don’t have quite enough, try plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a bit of milk or water to make up the difference. The acidity will react with baking soda or baking powder in baked goods, so you don’t need to worry about your cakes rising differently. If you don’t have those ingredients, try other buttermilk substitutes, made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
