When it comes to adding a tangy, creamy twist to your favorite recipes, buttermilk is the answer. With its rich flavor and velvety texture, this versatile ingredient can elevate everything from sweet treats like waffles and pancakes to savory dishes like fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
From breakfast to dinner, and even dessert, we’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering buttermilk recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast option or an impressive show-stopper for your next dinner party, these recipes have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the wonderful world of buttermilk, exploring its many uses and versatility in both sweet and savory applications. From classic buttermilk pancakes to innovative buttermilk-based desserts, we’ll cover it all.
Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Compote
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a sweet blueberry compote to drizzle on top. This recipe is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a quick breakfast during the week.
Ingredients:
For the pancakes:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the blueberry compote:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until compote thickens.
9. Serve warm pancakes with blueberry compote drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Spicy Honey Glaze
Elevate your fried chicken game with this crispy, juicy recipe, elevated by a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Honey Glaze:
+ 1/4 cup honey
+ 2 tbsp hot sauce
+ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade; fry in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
5. In a small bowl, whisk together Spicy Honey Glaze ingredients. Brush glaze over fried chicken during the last minute of cooking.
6. Drain excess glaze and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buttermilk Biscuits with Cheddar and Chives
Classic Buttermilk Biscuits with Cheddar and Chives: A savory twist on a Southern staple.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and chives until dough forms.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Roll dough to about 1 inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out biscuits.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your salad game with this creamy and tangy buttermilk ranch dressing infused with the brightness of fresh herbs. This recipe is a perfect blend of classic flavors and modern twists.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Stir in dried dill weed.
3. Add chopped parsley and chives; stir until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None required! Just refrigerate and serve.
Buttermilk Waffles with Maple Syrup and Butter
Buttermilk Waffles with Maple Syrup and Butter Recipe
A classic breakfast treat gets a sweet twist with the addition of pure maple syrup and melted butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– Pure maple syrup (for serving)
– Unsalted butter (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, and eggs.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Cook waffles according to iron’s instructions, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
6. Serve warm with pure maple syrup drizzled on top and a pat of melted butter.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes for 4-6 waffles, depending on your waffle iron’s cooking time.
Buttermilk Cornbread with Jalapeños and Cheese
Add some heat to your gatherings with this creamy cornbread recipe infused with jalapeños and cheddar cheese!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, buttermilk, egg, jalapeños, and cheese. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buttermilk Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze
This Buttermilk Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze is the perfect treat to brighten up your day. The tanginess of buttermilk and the brightness of lemon zest come together in a delightful combination that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Whisk together baking powder, salt, and buttermilk. Add lemon juice and zest; mix until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Glaze:
1. Whisk together 1 cup (240ml) powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Buttermilk Coleslaw with Carrots and Celery
This refreshing coleslaw is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a crunchy side dish. The tanginess of buttermilk combines with the sweetness of carrots and celery for a flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and diced celery.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time), plus refrigeration time
Buttermilk Ice Cream with Vanilla Bean
Elevate your ice cream game with this rich and creamy buttermilk-based recipe, infused with the sweet warmth of vanilla bean. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique dessert treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 170°F.
2. Remove from heat and stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract.
3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add the split vanilla bean.
7. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including chilling time)
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives
This classic comfort food gets a tangy twist with the addition of buttermilk, garlic, and chives. The result is a rich and creamy potato dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the buttermilk, butter, garlic, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buttermilk Scones with Dried Cranberries
These tender scones are perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat, infused with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the tanginess of buttermilk. With minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying warm, flaky scones straight from the oven.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Pat into a circle, about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut into 8-10 wedges. Place on prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Buttermilk Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Start your day off right with these fluffy, sweet, and indulgent buttermilk donuts coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and buttermilk.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pipe donuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buttermilk Pie with a Flaky Crust
This classic Southern dessert combines the tanginess of buttermilk with the flakiness of a buttery crust, resulting in a rich and creamy pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice water, stirring with fork until dough comes together in ball.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Transfer crust to pie dish and trim edges.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and buttermilk.
8. Pour filling into crust and smooth top.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Buttermilk Marinated Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the tanginess of buttermilk with the smokiness of the grill.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Tips:
– Make sure to pat dry the chicken breasts before grilling to prevent sticking.
– If you prefer a crisper exterior, finish the chicken under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Buttermilk Banana Bread with Walnuts
Combine the comfort of banana bread with the tanginess of buttermilk and the crunch of walnuts for a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, mashed bananas, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Buttermilk Crepes with Strawberry Filling
Delicate crepes filled with sweet strawberries and a hint of buttermilk – a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Unsalted butter, melted
– Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
3. Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Brush with melted butter.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter into skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes or until edges start to curl.
6. Flip crepe and cook for another minute.
7. Fill cooked crepes with sliced strawberries and drizzle with a little honey (optional).
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on number of crepes)
Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this moist and indulgent cake, topped with a rich fudge frosting that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the fudge frosting:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or over low heat. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Fold melted chocolate into batter until well combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Buttermilk Onion Rings with Spicy Aioli
Elevate your snack game with these crispy onion rings, perfectly seasoned and served with a creamy spicy aioli for dipping. Perfect for a quick appetizer or as a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Aioli (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add sliced onions to the mixture and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove onions from buttermilk mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Dredge onions in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Fry onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve with Spicy Aioli (recipe below).
Spicy Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Serve chilled.
Buttermilk Smoothie with Berries and Honey
Start your day with a refreshing and healthy smoothie that combines the tanginess of buttermilk, sweetness of honey, and the natural goodness of mixed berries. This recipe is perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup plain buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the mixed berries and buttermilk.
2. Add the honey and blend until smooth.
3. If desired, add the chia seeds and blend for another few seconds to distribute evenly.
4. Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Buttermilk Dinner Rolls with Sea Salt
Elevate your mealtime with these tender and flavorful buttermilk dinner rolls, perfectly seasoned with a touch of sea salt. Perfect for accompanying soups, stews, or simply serving alongside your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, baking powder, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, beaten egg, and sea salt.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until dough forms.
5. Knead 10 minutes on floured surface; shape into 12-15 rolls.
6. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, tangy goodness! This collection of 20 fluffy buttermilk recipes has something for every occasion. From sweet treats like waffles, scones, and donuts, to savory delights like fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes, these recipes are sure to impress. And the best part? Each one features the star ingredient: buttermilk! Whether you’re looking for a special treat or just want to add some extra flavor to your meals, this list has got you covered.
