Buttermilk isn’t just a classic baking ingredient – it’s also a delicious and versatile pantry staple that can add some zing to your favorite recipes! From classic buttermilk-baked goods to unexpected savory dishes, read on to learn some of the best recipes that use buttermilk.

Have some leftover buttermilk to use up?

Try adding it to familiar recipes for a unexpected twist, or experiment with new dishes for a fun culinary adventure!

From sweet to savory, there are so many possibilities for adding a splash of buttermilk to your favorite dishes.

Easy Recipes with Buttermilk

Restaurant ranch dressing in small glass jar with spoon.

This Homemade Ranch Dressing is hands down the best, most crave-worthy ranch you've ever had. This recipe can rival any restaurant ranch dressing!

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Close up of platter of healthy wedge salad.

This Healthy Wedge Salad is topped with a lower-calorie tangy buttermilk-blue cheese dressing and combines iceberg lettuce with radicchio and romaine. It’s topped with crispy onions and bacon for added crunch.

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Light and airy homemade cinnamon buttermilk beignets that are the simplest to make and require only pantry staple ingredients. Dust each warm beignet with powdered sugar and serve with a steaming coffee or cup of cocoa. What a way to start your day!

Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest

Buttermilk Pancakes with Chamomile Cream and Gingered Strawberries – Trust me, anyone is going to LOVE these pancakes!

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A cayenne-spiked buttermilk batter makes this classic fried chicken recipe golden brown and crisp on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.

Get the RECIPE from The Modern Proper

Buttermilk Roasted Chicken is the best way to make a tender, flavorful whole chicken with the perfect golden crust!

Get the RECIPE from Good Food Baddie

Lightly sweetened cast iron buttermilk skillet cornbread is spicy and cheesy. Packed with jalapeños and cheddar cheese and perfect with chili!

Get the RECIPE from Well Seasoned Studio

Southern-style buttermilk biscuits made with only a few ingredients are a great side or pairing for fried chicken or breakfast sandwiches.

Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings

These savory waffles have all the seasonings that are on top of everything bagels, cooked right into the waffle batter.

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With its incredibly moist texture and zesty flavour, this simple buttermilk lemon bundt cake recipe is the only bundt cake recipe you’ll ever need.

Get the RECIPE from Baking Ginger

This Buttermilk Soda Bread is simple, rustic, and delicious. Bake up a loaf in no time, and bring the energy of fresh bread into your home.

Get the RECIPE from Awesome On 20

This is the best homemade buttermilk fried chicken sandwich. Soaked in buttermilk marinade, double breaded and fried until perfectly crispy!

Get the RECIPE from Saporito Kitchen

These delicious, easy to make Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins are not overly sweet and make the perfect breakfast or snack on the go!

Get the RECIPE from The Jam Jar Kitchen

This old fashioned Buttermilk Pie is the perfect southern dessert for any gathering! Just like your grandma used to make!

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This Buttermilk Pound Cake is a moist and dense classic with a creamy caramel twist. You’ll never need another pound cake recipe after you try this caramel pound cake!

Get the RECIPE from Confessions of Parenting

Buttermilk banana bread is light, fluffy, moist, and flavorful, with a tender crumb and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping!

Get the RECIPE from The Seasoned Mom

Rich, creamy buttermilk syrup recipe is an easy homemade syrup made with pantry staples that’s great on pancakes, waffles, or French toast!

Get the RECIPE from I Heart Eating

There are so many ways to make coleslaw, but this creamy buttermilk coleslaw is probably one of the most traditional recipes you’ll find. It’s a simple blend of shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a simple-to-make buttermilk dressing.

Get the RECIPE from Recipe Girl

This no-cook, tangy buttermilk ice cream is ribboned with a sweet pecan praline sauce for the perfect contrast.

Get the RECIPE from Katie Bird Bakes

Homemade buttermilk bread has a slightly tangy and rich flavour and a wonderful soft crumb. Make as loaves or try a loaf and a loaf of pull-apart rolls.

Get the RECIPE From Seasons and Suppers

Learn how to make perfectly tender, flaky buttermilk scones with this easy to follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast or dessert these slightly sweet scones can be served with coffee or tea.

Get the RECIPE from Brown Eyed Baker

This homemade buttermilk pie crust is an all-butter pie dough that is tender, flaky, and flavorful!

Get the RECIPE from Neighbor Food Blog

Cast-iron buttermilk cinnamon rolls – made with cream cheese frosting, these sweet rolls bake up golden, tender, and fluffy from the addition of buttermilk.

Get the RECIPE from Meiko And The Dish

We take hearty chicken soup and top it with biscuit-like buttermilk dumplings. Get a spoon, you’re going to want a big scoop of this!

Get the RECIPE from The Modern Proper

These roasted strawberry and buttermilk popsicles are fruity and creamy frozen dessert that requires very few ingredients.

Get the RECIPE from The Wood and Spoon

Buttermilk cake is light and moist and delicious when topped with fresh berries and whipped cream frosting.

Get the RECIPE from Your Home Based Mom

This Spanish Coffee Cake is the best streusel coffee cake recipe, moist from buttermilk with a nutty crumb topping. Perfect for brunch and gift giving!

Get the RECIPE from Kitchen Confidante

These Old Fashioned Buttermilk Donuts are all about the texture. They are soft and cakey on the inside, and golden brown on the outside with these beautiful nooks and crannies for that sweet glaze to hold onto.

Get the RECIPE from Lovely Little Kitchen

Buttermilk quiche is the classic French egg custard tart kicked up a notch with the tang and zip of creamy buttermilk!

Get the RECIPE from Kelly Neil

This savory buttermilk quick bread holds true to its name. It is quick to make and a great bread to dip in soup, for sandwiches, or a snack.

Get the RECIPE from Food Above Gold

A sweet and moist orange-y buttermilk cake topped with freshly sliced strawberries and decorative sugar. This cake is seriously mouthwatering delicious!

Get the RECIPE from Baker’s Table

A sweet, custardy chocolate buttermilk pie with an incredibly rich chocolate flavor, paired with a crunchy Oreo crust.

Get the RECIPE from Bunsen Burner Bakery

You'll be obsessed with Coconut Buttermilk Syrup. It’s really the only pancake syrup you'll need for topping pancakes, waffles and French toast.

Get the RECIPE from Oh Sweet Basil

This delicious buttermilk spoon bread is the perfect comfort food! Everyone will love this classic Southern recipe! It's easy to make and so tasty.

Get the RECIPE from The Cookie Rookie

Southwest Buttermilk Baked Chicken – The most flavorful chicken you will ever make, baked to absolute crisp-tender, juicy perfection!

Get the RECIPE from Damn Delicious

Buttermilk chicken thighs with a lemon garlic orzo are a classic delicious combination and make a comforting one-pot dinner for any weeknight.

Get the RECIPE From The Greek Foodie

Buttermilk FAQs

How Long Does Buttermilk Last?

Unopened Buttermilk: Typically, unopened buttermilk can last for about 1 to 2 weeks beyond the printed expiration date when stored in the refrigerator. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold growth, or unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.

Opened Buttermilk: Once opened, buttermilk should be consumed within 7 to 10 days for the best quality.

Can you Freeze Buttermilk?

Yes. If you want to extend the shelf life of buttermilk, you can also freeze it. Freezing can prolong its usability for up to 3 months. However, freezing may cause separation and changes in texture, so it’s advisable to shake or stir the thawed buttermilk before using it.

To freeze buttermilk, follow these steps:

Check the expiration date: Make sure the buttermilk is not expired before freezing it.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container: While you can freeze the buttermilk directly in the carton, I recommend pouring it into: ice cube trays, silicone molds (I use the same molds from my Instant Pot Sous Vide Egg Bites), or small airtight containers.
Label and date: Clearly label the container with the contents and the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Freeze: Place the container in the freezer and ensure it is stored in a stable position where it won’t get knocked over. Once frozen solid, transfer the cream cubes to a large ziploc bag. Label the bag and freeze!

More Ingredient Guides

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35+ Recipes that Use Buttermilk

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 5

Servings: 16 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup milk
¼ cup white wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons chopped chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Transfer to an airtight container; the dressing stores in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Whisk

Small Bowl

Nutrition

35+ Ways to Use Buttermilk (Buttermilk Recipes)