Learn how to freeze buttermilk to extend its shelf-life and avoid wasting food. In this guide, I’ll show you how to freeze buttermilk, how long it lasts, and how to use it after defrosting.
If your recipe only calls for a small amount of buttermilk or the carton is creeping towards the best-before date, extend its life by freezing it.
The tips in this helpful guide will teach you how to preserve your leftover buttermilk, then how to thaw and re-use it.
Or, check out this post to use up your buttermilk right away! → 35+ ways to use buttermilk.
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Can you freeze buttermilk?
Yes, absolutely! Buttermilk is easy to freeze for several months in ice cube trays or silicone molds.
However, it’s important to note that frozen buttermilk isn’t as creamy or luscious after it’s thawed because the longer it’s frozen, the more ice crystals form. This can cause some separation.
Because of this, I don’t recommend using frozen and defrosted buttermilk to make delicate recipes like sauces and dressings. Instead, use it in baking recipes, fried chicken recipes, soups, and other recipes where the texture of the buttermilk isn’t of the utmost importance.
How to freeze buttermilk
While you can freeze the buttermilk directly in the carton, I recommend pouring it into:
This way, you only use as many frozen cubes as the recipe calls for and can avoid defrosting a large quantity!
Once frozen solid, transfer the cream cubes to a large ziploc bag. Label the bag and freeze!
Tips and tricks
- Each frozen cube = about ⅓ cup of buttermilk. This isn’t always accurate depending on the molds or ice cube trays you use. To be extra precise, pour the buttermilk into a measuring spoon or cup before pouring it into the molds.
- Once the frozen buttermilk cubes are packed away, label the ziploc bag with the date they were frozen. Don’t use any cubes that are past the 3-month mark.
- Fill the ice cube trays/molds ¾ of the way full. Leave room for expansion or else you’ll end up with a big mess!
How long can you freeze buttermilk?
Frozen buttermilk can be left in an airtight ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Defrosting tips
The longer buttermilk is frozen, the more ice crystals will form. This can cause it to separate, have a grainy texture, and form a thinner consistency when thawed.
Before using, be sure to thaw the cubes first.
How to defrost frozen buttermilk:
- Transfer as many cubes as you need to a container and leave them to thaw in the refrigerator. Use within 1 to 2 days.
- If you’re in a rush, just pop a few cubes in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments until thawed.
Serving suggestions
I don’t recommend using frozen and defrosted buttermilk to make delicate recipes like sauces and dressings.
Instead, use it in baking recipes, fried chicken recipes, soups, and other recipes where the texture of the buttermilk isn’t of the utmost importance.
More kitchen tips
Did you try freezing buttermilk?
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Full Recipe
How to Freeze Buttermilk
Equipment
- Ice cube trays (optional)
- Silicone molds (optional)
- Small airtight containers (optional )
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill the ice cube trays/molds ¾ of the way full with buttermilk. (Leave room for expansion or else you’ll end up with a big mess!)
- Once frozen solid, transfer the buttermilk cubes to a large ziploc bag.
- Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrosting
- Transfer as many cubes as you need to a container and leave them to thaw in the refrigerator. Use within 1 to 2 days.
- Or, just pop a few cubes in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. Heat in 30-second increments until thawed.
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