Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
Buttermilk, often overlooked, is a powerhouse ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking from scratch newbie, knowing what to do with buttermilk can transform your culinary creations. This amazing dairy product not only adds a unique tangy flavor but also brings moisture and tenderness to baked goods, savory dishes, and beverages.
Let’s explore 11 fantastic ways to make the most of this versatile ingredient, ensuring you never let a drop go to waste.
1. Pancakes or Waffles
Whether you have a leftover carton from a recent recipe or you have buttermilk as a result of making homemade butter, pancakes are a great way to use it up. Starting the day with buttermilk pancakes or waffles is a surefire way to delight your taste buds. Buttermilk makes these breakfast staples incredibly fluffy and light, thanks to its acidic properties reacting with baking soda or baking powder.
The result is a stack of pancakes or waffles with a perfect rise and a soft, tender crumb. Simply replace the regular milk in your favorite recipe with buttermilk, and enjoy a richer, more flavorful breakfast.
2. Fried Chicken
Buttermilk is a classic ingredient in Southern-style fried chicken. Its acidity helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicier and more flavorful. To make buttermilk fried chicken, marinate your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. This not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
When you’re ready to cook, dredge the chicken in seasoned flour and fry until golden brown and crispy. The result is a dish that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Maybe you’ve been growing potatoes and you also have a surpluse there? It’s time to make some mashed potatoes using your leftover buttermilk! For the creamiest mashed potatoes, buttermilk is the secret ingredient you need. Its tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the richness of butter, creating a balanced and delicious side dish.
Simply boil your potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The buttermilk adds a slight tang and creaminess that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
4. Homemade Biscuits
Maybe you’ve tried making homemade bread and want to try your hand at some more foods in the bread family? Buttermilk biscuits are a Southern staple for a reason. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture that’s hard to beat.
For perfect homemade biscuits, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until the dough comes together, then gently roll out and cut into rounds. Bake until golden brown, and enjoy biscuits that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Related Article: Sourdough Bread 101: How to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter and Get a Delicious Loaf
5. Cakes, Cupcakes, and Donuts
Baking with buttermilk can make a world of difference in cakes, cupcakes, and donuts. Its acidity tenderizes the gluten in the flour, resulting in a finer crumb and a more moist texture. Whether you’re making a classic chocolate cake, vanilla cupcakes, or old-fashioned donuts, swapping out regular milk for buttermilk will give your baked goods a deliciously tangy depth of flavor and an ultra-moist texture.
6. Scones and Muffins
Scones and muffins benefit greatly from the addition of buttermilk. The acidity of buttermilk helps the dough rise, creating light and fluffy baked goods.
For scones, mix buttermilk into the dough for a tender texture that pairs perfectly with jam or clotted cream. For muffins, buttermilk ensures a moist crumb and enhances the flavor of ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Simply substitute buttermilk for regular milk in your recipes to enjoy superior scones and muffins.
7. Cornbread
Cornbread made with buttermilk is a classic comfort food that boasts a moist and tender crumb. The tanginess of buttermilk complements the sweetness of cornmeal, creating a balanced flavor profile. To make buttermilk cornbread, mix cornmeal, flour, baking soda, salt, eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk. Pour the batter into a hot, greased skillet and bake until golden brown. The result is a cornbread that’s perfect for pairing with chili, barbecue, or just enjoying on its own.
Related Article: How to Turn Your Corn Harvest into Cornmeal (and Use it For Months)
8. Homemade Ranch
Buttermilk is a key ingredient in many creamy salad dressings, adding a tangy flavor and creamy consistency. For a delicious homemade ranch dressing, combine buttermilk with homemade mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
This homemade salad dressing is perfect for salads, vegetable dips, or drizzling over baked potatoes.
9. Smoothies
Adding buttermilk to your meal replacement smoothies can give them a unique tangy flavor and creamy texture. It’s a great way to incorporate probiotics and protein into your morning routine. Blend buttermilk with your favorite fruits, such as berries, bananas, or mangoes, and a bit of honey or agave for sweetness. The result is a refreshing and nutritious smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
10. Marinades
Buttermilk is an excellent base for marinades, particularly for meats like chicken, pork, and lamb. Its acidity helps break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
For a simple marinade, combine buttermilk with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the meat soak in the marinade for several hours or overnight before cooking. This method ensures your meats are juicy and infused with delicious flavors.
11. Slaws, Potato Salads, and Pasta Salads
Using buttermilk in slaws, potato salads, and pasta salads adds a tangy twist that can refresh these classic side dishes. For a creamy coleslaw, mix shredded cabbage and carrots with buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
In potato or pasta salads, replace some of the mayonnaise or yogurt with buttermilk to lighten the texture and add a tangy flavor. These dishes are perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as side dishes for any meal.
Ready to Use Up That Buttermilk?
Knowing what to do with buttermilk can truly elevate your cooking and baking. This versatile ingredient brings a tangy flavor and tender texture to a variety of dishes, from breakfast favorites like pancakes and waffles to savory meals like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. So next time you find yourself with leftover buttermilk, don’t let it go to waste—experiment with these ideas and discover the magic of buttermilk in your kitchen!