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Buttermilk is a classic kitchen staple in most Southern homes, since it transforms baked goods like cakes, biscuits, and cornbread, as well as meats, salads, and sides into rich, flavorful dishes. This collection of 60 easy recipes with buttermilk will help you take full advantage of that leftover buttermilk in your fridge!
Table of Contents
Buttermilk is fermented milk. It’s thicker and lumpier than traditional milk, and smells a bit acidic (like a mild vinegar). Traditional buttermilk is the liquid that’s left after the fat in cream is turned into butter. I still purchase this rich, flavorful, full-fat buttermilk from a local country market near our house each week. There’s nothing better!
Today, what you purchase in grocery stores is cultured buttermilk. It has live cultures similar to those in yogurt so that it ferments in a controlled environment. You can usually find both low-fat buttermilk and whole buttermilk at the store. Whenever you have a choice, always opt for the whole buttermilk! Its thick, rich texture and flavor yields the best baked goods, marinades, and more.
How long does buttermilk last after opening?
Opened buttermilk can last up to 14 days in the fridge, and slightly past its expiration date if unopened.
You can freeze buttermilk opened or unopened for later use in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you notice any changes to the smell or look of your buttermilk, it’s best to toss it to avoid getting sick.
What can I do with buttermilk?
As you’ll see from the recipes provided below, buttermilk has a wide range of uses. It’s most commonly known for creating fluffy pancakes or juicy fried chicken; however, we use it most often for biscuits and cornbread.
Thanks to its acidic nature and its fat content, buttermilk creates a light, tender crumb in baked goods like cakes, and tenderizes meat when used as a marinade. Many fried chicken recipes start with a buttermilk brine in order to flavor and tenderize the chicken before frying. You’ll also find buttermilk used in salad dressings (like buttermilk ranch), because of its rich, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor.
What does buttermilk do to chicken?
Marinating chicken in buttermilk is a classic step in preparing a traditional Southern fried chicken recipe, and the process works equally well for grilled or roasted chicken. The buttermilk keeps the chicken tender and juicy, and also adds flavor to the meat. Because buttermilk is only slightly acidic, it tenderizes the chicken without toughening up the meat (like a stronger acid such as lemon juice or vinegar might). The enzymes in buttermilk also help to break down the protein in the chicken, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Buttermilk Uses in Cooking
This collection of recipes uses buttermilk in a variety of ways. I’ve divided the options into different categories so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Scroll down for the following:
- Dinners (Savory Recipes with Buttermilk)
- Salads and Sides
- Cake Recipes using Buttermilk and Other Desserts
- Buttermilk Baking Recipes and Breakfasts (like biscuits, cornbread, muffins, and pancakes!)
Dinner Recipes with Buttermilk
Country Chicken and Biscuits
Country Chicken and Biscuits is a classic down-home comfort food dinner! The creamy chicken and vegetables are topped with fluffy, cheesy drop biscuits for a hearty and delicious family-friendly meal. Bake it in a casserole dish and supper is served!
Crispy Fried Fish Sandwiches
Skip the fast-food drive-thru or the beach-side seafood shack, because making classic Crispy Fried Fish Sandwiches at home is so easy! A battered cod fillet is topped with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce and served on a toasted brioche bun. Best of all? The entire meal requires less than 30 minutes of actual hands-on time. Serve the sandwiches with coleslaw and hush puppies for the ultimate seafood feast!
Fried Shrimp
The best fried shrimp is dipped in buttermilk, dredged in a light and crispy seasoned flour coating, and fried to golden brown perfection. Prepare this easy dinner or party appetizer on your stovetop in just minutes! The crispy fried shrimp recipe is perfect alongside hoe cakes, hush puppies, cornbread, and biscuits, as well collard greens, coleslaw, and baked potato wedges.
Roasted Buttermilk Marinated Chicken
Crispy roasted buttermilk marinated chicken comes together with just 15 minutes of prep and a handful of pantry staples. The juicy, golden brown chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or other chicken parts are flavored with garlic and herbs for a simple, delicious, and easy dinner recipe. Serve the meat with a tray of your favorite roasted vegetables, a bowl of buttermilk mashed potatoes, a pan of fluffy buttermilk biscuits, or a skillet of Southern cornbread.
Fried Oysters
Virginia is known for its fresh Chesapeake Bay oysters, and these crispy deep fried oysters are the best way to prepare them! A simple cornmeal coating gives the shellfish a beautiful golden brown exterior and just the right amount of crunch. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce, stuff them into a po’ boy sandwich, or just garnish with lemon wedges. They’re the ultimate Southern treat!
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
This easy Chicken Fried Steak recipe is truly the best! Each steak is tender on the inside, crispy and golden brown on the outside, and smothered in a delicious creamy gravy. Pair the Southern favorite with biscuits or cornbread and green beans for a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes!
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Crispy and golden brown, these easy homemade Chicken Nuggets are a simple, family-friendly meal! The fried chicken nuggets are dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in buttermilk, and coated with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Skip the drive-thru and serve them with honey mustard and ketchup for dipping, plus salad, coleslaw, corn muffins or potato wedges.
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumpling Soup
A Southern farmhouse favorite, this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumpling Soup is classic comfort food! The scratch-made broth is full of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and plump, soft dumplings. Serve Grandma’s chicken and dumplings with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread or a pan of cornbread for a cozy family dinner!
Chicken and Waffles
This quick and easy chicken and waffles recipe includes crispy chicken tenders, hearty cornbread waffles, and a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar. The combination is sweet, savory, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner! Serve the classic Southern dish with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or hash brown potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal at any time of day.
Fried Chicken Cutlets and Country Gravy
Whip up made-from-scratch comfort food with these crispy Fried Chicken Cutlets smothered in creamy country gravy. The quick-cooking pan-fried chicken cutlets are an easy dinner for busy weeknights. Just add mashed potatoes and green beans for the ultimate down-home feast!
Fried Chicken Recipe
The absolute best fried chicken recipe with buttermilk! This classic Southern fried chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, and perfectly crisp and golden brown on the outside. Whip up a batch in a skillet at home whenever the craving strikes. Served with cornbread, biscuits, coleslaw, pickles, and collard greens, this is one easy meal that everyone can agree on!
Fried Chicken Tenders
Whether you use a cast iron skillet or a deep-fat fryer, you can’t beat the classic taste of crispy fried chicken tenders! These chicken strips are dipped in buttermilk and dredged in seasoned flour for a family-friendly, easy dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Serve them with mac and cheese, biscuits, cornbread, potato wedges, green beans, and any of your other favorite sides!
Salads and Side Dish Recipes with Buttermilk
Wedge Salad Recipe
This classic Wedge Salad recipe is the perfect side dish for your next meal! Crisp iceberg lettuce is topped with blue cheese, bacon, tomatoes and red onion, and then finished with a homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. It’s cool, creamy and full of flavor and texture!
Traditional Coleslaw Recipe {KFC Copycat!}
This traditional coleslaw recipe features finely shredded cabbage and carrots that are tossed in a sweet, creamy, and tangy dressing. This simple, make-ahead side dish tastes just like the KFC coleslaw recipe! Serve it with fried chicken, pulled pork barbecue, fried shrimp, crab cakes, and cornbread. The versatile and easy homemade coleslaw will soon become a family favorite!
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes {just 3 ingredients!}
These buttermilk mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, flavorful, and easy! Your family and friends will love the buttery, thick, and slightly tangy side dish that comes together with just 3 basic ingredients. Serve the best mashed potato recipe alongside classic comfort food dinners like meatloaf, fried chicken, Swedish meatballs, and pork chops!
Cucumber Dill Salad
Cool and refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad is the perfect summer side dish! You’ll love the combination of crisp cucumbers, onions and herbs tossed in a simple buttermilk dressing. Serve the easy, creamy salad with bbq chicken, burgers, pulled pork or grilled shrimp!
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
You don’t have to wait for your next restaurant meal to enjoy a Southern Fried Green Tomatoes recipe this season. You can easily prepare the classic dish at home in just minutes! Crispy fried tomatoes are a delicious side dish with a creamy buttermilk dipping sauce, or a perfect addition to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Get them while you can, because the season will fly by!
Hoe Cakes (“Johnny Cakes”)
Fry a quick batch of Hoe Cakes in a cast iron skillet for an easy side dish recipe that pairs beautifully with all of your favorite Southern meals. Also called Johnny Cakes, these corn cakes are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey!
Rice Salad with Corn, Bacon and Pimentos
This cold Rice Salad with Corn, Bacon and Pimentos is the perfect summertime dish! Tossed in a creamy buttermilk dressing, the salad is full of fresh herbs, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and fluffy, nutty rice. It’s a great side to pair with all of your grilled favorites, or a light main dish for quick lunches and dinners.
Hush Puppies Recipe
This Southern Hush Puppies recipe creates the most tender and flavorful little balls of fried cornmeal batter. The popular side dish is perfect alongside fried fish or other seafood, fried chicken, or just about any of your summer favorites from the grill. Best of all, it’s easy to make an entire batch at home in just 30 minutes!
Buttermilk Dressing
A light, creamy and healthy Buttermilk Dressing perfectly balances a crisp green salad. With lemon, fresh herbs, and just a handful of other basic ingredients, it’s a simple recipe that comes together in about 5 minutes!
Skin On Mashed Red Potatoes
It’s true — you don’t even have to the peel potatoes! Creamy and flavorful Skin On Mashed Red Potatoes are a rustic, easy side dish that’s bursting with butter, chives and cream cheese. Grab the grilled steak, meatloaf, or fried chicken, because these homemade mashed potatoes with skin are the perfect companion for your next comfort food dinner!
Cakes and Other Dessert Recipes with Buttermilk
One Bowl Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
This old-fashioned buttermilk chocolate cake requires just one bowl and a whisk! You don’t even need an electric mixer to stir together the simple batter or the rich, fudgy icing. Best of all, it’s a light, fluffy, and incredibly moist chocolate cake recipe that’s perfect for every occasion! Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk for the best dessert ever.
Old-Fashioned Lemon Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie is an old-fashioned Southern dessert that has been loved for generations. Much like a chess pie, this dessert includes a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, tangy, lemon custard filling. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a simple and delicious homemade treat!
Virginia Apple Cobbler
A traditional apple cobbler recipe is one of autumn’s most delicious treats! Serve the fresh fruit filling and the warm buttermilk biscuit crust with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert. It’s not too sweet, and you’ll love the cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice throughout. Leftovers are delicious for breakfast as well!
Chocolate Pound Cake
This classic Southern Chocolate Pound Cake recipe is a simple and easy dessert that comes together with just a handful of basic pantry staples. The end result is a rich chocolate cake with a moist crumb and a crisp exterior. Add fresh berries and whipped cream for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion — from Valentine’s Day to birthdays, cookouts to Sunday suppers with family!
Chi-Chi’s Famous White Texas Sheet Cake
This is the only cake recipe that you will EVER need! My mother-in-law is famous for her Texas Sheet Cake, and we’ve all decided that her “white” version is the absolute best!
Whether you’re preparing a birthday treat for a child, a sweet dish for a school class, or a festive dessert for the next holiday, this easy homemade cake can be decorated with sprinkles for any special occasion!
Peach Blueberry Cobbler
This Southern Peach Blueberry Cobbler is the best way to enjoy fresh summer fruit! The warm filling is topped with light, buttery biscuits for a special breakfast or an easy dessert. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of this classic, old-fashioned treat!
Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This easy, homemade Strawberry Cake is the best dessert for spring and summer! It’s an old-fashioned strawberry cake recipe that’s made with a box of cake mix, Jello, buttermilk and fresh or frozen strawberries. Finish off the moist layer cake with the most delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting for a simple dessert that’s bursting with flavor!
One-Bowl Vanilla Buttermilk Cake
This old-fashioned buttermilk cake requires just one bowl, a whisk, and 10 minutes of prep! Best of all, it’s a light, fluffy, and incredibly moist vanilla cake that’s perfect for every occasion. Finish it off with an easy vanilla buttercream frosting or a quick chocolate icing, and don’t forget plenty of rainbow sprinkles!
Easy Blueberry Cobbler
This easy blueberry cobbler is a delicious way to enjoy fresh summer berries! The cake-like batter puffs up around the fruit, giving the dish that classic “cobbled” texture on top. It’s warm, buttery, soft in the center, and crisp on the edges — thanks to the magic of a cast iron skillet. Serve the old fashioned blueberry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple Southern dessert!
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Make an old-fashioned Strawberry Shortcake recipe from scratch with just a few simple ingredients! This classic dessert has been a favorite for generations, thanks to tender, flaky biscuits that are topped with fluffy whipped cream and juicy, sweet strawberries. It’s the perfect spring or summer treat when fresh berries are in season!
Caramel Cake – A Classic Southern Dessert
This made-from-scratch Southern Caramel Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions. The light and fluffy vanilla layer cake is frosted with a buttery caramel icing (no candy thermometer required)! Serve this old-fashioned showstopper at Thanksgiving, Christmas or any other festive gathering to really wow your guests.
Breakfasts and Other Buttermilk Baking Recipes
Cast Iron Cornbread
A classic, old-fashioned, Southern cast iron cornbread — just like Grandma made it! With crisp, buttery edges from the cast iron skillet, and a moist, tangy flavor and texture, this easy side dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Southern Cornbread Recipe
A classic old-fashioned Southern cornbread recipe — just like Grandma made it! With crisp edges from a cast iron skillet, and a tangy, buttery flavor (no sugar!), this easy side dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of apple butter, and pair it with chili, fried chicken, fried fish, pork chops, or beans and greens. It’s a 5-ingredient Southern staple!
Farmhouse Blackberry Muffins
Made from scratch blackberry muffins are a farmhouse favorite! The easy muffins are light and fluffy, bursting with sweet berries, and a perfect summertime treat. Serve them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack with a cold glass of lemonade or sweet tea. Nothing beats a front porch swing and the best blackberry muffin recipe!
Fluffy Pancakes
Light and fluffy pancakes made from scratch are the perfect Sunday morning breakfast! This easy pancake recipe includes all of the tips and secrets for a perfect homemade stack.
Old-Fashioned Southern Corn Sticks
Just like grandma’s kitchen, these old-fashioned corn sticks are a little taste of nostalgia! Thanks to the magic of a cast iron pan, the baked cornbread sticks are perfectly crisp on the outside, yet tender and moist on the inside. Slather them with butter or drizzle them with honey and serve alongside your next bowl of soup or Brunswick stew, plate of fried chicken, or pan of cozy meatloaf. The easy side dish is classic Southern comfort food!
Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar
These easy Apple Muffins are made from scratch with plenty of grated fresh fruit, warm autumn spices, and a cinnamon-sugar topping. The moist and tender apple cinnamon muffins are perfect companions for steaming mugs of hot coffee, a great make-ahead breakfast, and even a nice side dish for the bread basket at dinner. Serve them with a roasted chicken, a bowl of pumpkin chili, or a pot of beef stew.
Irish Soda Bread Recipe
This Irish Soda Bread recipe yields a classic quick bread with a crusty exterior and a buttery crumb. Studded with raisins or currants, this easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, snack or a side with soup or stew!
Jalapeño Cheddar Mexican Cornbread
A classic Southern skillet cornbread recipe gets a flavor boost from diced jalapeño pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives! Serve this Mexican Cornbread with a bowl of chili, chicken tortilla soup, or a plate of beef barbacoa. It’s zippy (but not too spicy), soft and moist with crispy edges, and perfect with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey!
Pumpkin Cornbread
The perfect addition to your fall table! Tender and moist, this pumpkin cornbread is made from scratch with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Stir together the batter in just 10 minutes, and slather each slice with sweet pumpkin spice butter. From chili and bbq, to roasted chicken, fried fish, and a Thanksgiving turkey, the tasty side dish will soon become a staple on your family’s autumn table.
Amish Friendship Bread without Starter
Yes, you can make Amish Friendship Bread without starter! This easy cinnamon quick bread is moist and tender (thanks to pudding in the mix), simple to stir together, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Each loaf is laced with notes of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet breakfast, snack or dessert that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee. It’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, too!
Sweet Cornbread
Light, fluffy, and moist, this sweet cornbread is made from scratch with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Stir together the batter in just 10 minutes for a homemade cornbread recipe that tastes way better than a box of Jiffy mix! From chili and bbq, to roasted chicken, gumbo, and fried fish, the tasty side dish will soon become a staple on your family’s table.
Pumpkin Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup
Thick and fluffy, with crisp golden brown edges, these pumpkin pancakes are a warm and inviting fall breakfast. Top a stack with butter, and drizzle with apple cider syrup or warm maple syrup. Don’t forget the sausage, bacon, or ham steak on the side, plus a hot cup of coffee!
Honey Cornbread
You can quickly and easily stir together a pan of bakery-style Honey Cornbread that’s moist, fluffy, buttery, and way better than a box of Jiffy mix! With its sweet flavor and its soft, tender crumb, this is truly the best honey cornbread recipe that you’ll ever taste. Pair it with a warm bowl of soup or chili, a pot of beans, pulled pork, fried chicken, or your favorite grilled meats for an easy, family-friendly meal.
One Hour, No Knead, Easy Dinner Rolls!
That’s right — you can make light and fluffy, no-knead, easy dinner rolls in about 1 hour! With some special tips and tricks, this quick dinner roll recipe produces buttery, homemade rolls that pair perfectly with almost any meal. From a savory pot roast or a crispy roast chicken, to a hearty bowl of stew or a warm mug of soup, the yeast buns are always a favorite side dish!
Flaky Biscuits {a Farmhouse Favorite!}
With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the best Southern-style light and flaky biscuits from scratch! These fluffy, buttery treats rise a mile high, creating layers upon layers of old-fashioned goodness. Homemade flaky buttermilk biscuits are perfect with country ham, sausage gravy, or jam for breakfast, or delicious alongside soup, chili, pot roast, or pulled pork for dinner. This popular flaky biscuit recipe is a farmhouse favorite, and will soon become a staple in your kitchen too!
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Tall and flaky, these Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are just like the old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits from Grandma’s kitchen! They’re golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside, with light, airy layers on the inside. Today I’m showing you the step-by-step process to make a batch of the best homemade biscuits in just 10 minutes!
Cornbread Muffins
These fluffy and moist bakery-style cornbread muffins are a perfect side dish for chili, barbecue, or any other family meal. Best of all, you can stir together the batter for the sweet, tender muffins in just 10 minutes!
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
This easy Biscuits and Sausage Gravy recipe is a traditional Southern breakfast that has been loved for generations. Fluffy homemade buttermilk biscuits are smothered in a creamy pork sausage country gravy for down-home comfort food that’s delicious any time of day!
Pumpkin Spice Biscuits
With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the best Southern buttermilk pumpkin spice biscuits from scratch with just 5 ingredients! These fluffy, flaky, buttery treats rise a mile high, creating layers upon layers of old-fashioned goodness. They’re slightly sweet, warmly spiced, and perfect with country ham, sausage gravy, or apple butter for breakfast, or delicious alongside pork stew, pumpkin chili, pot roast, pasta, or pulled pork for dinner.
Skillet Cornbread
The only cornbread recipe you’ll ever need! This sweet Southern Skillet Cornbread comes together in about 10 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. The soft, moist bread has perfectly crisp, golden brown edges thanks to the magic of a cast iron skillet!
Drop Biscuits
Light and flaky, rich and buttery, these easy drop biscuits are a quick way to add a special homemade touch to any meal. Pair the buttermilk drop biscuits with a pot of chili or stew for supper, smother them with sausage gravy for brunch, or add fresh strawberries for a shortcake dessert. There’s no rolling or cutting necessary, so they’re ready for the oven in about 10 minutes!
Cheddar Biscuits With Chives And Bacon
These Cheddar, Chive and Bacon Biscuits are the perfect, simple recipe for breakfast, brunch, or a dinner side dish! Plus, only 15 minutes of prep!
Cheese Biscuits {Easy, Fluffy Drop Biscuits!}
Light and flaky, rich and buttery, these fluffy Cheese Biscuits are a quick way to add a special homemade touch to any meal. Pair the buttermilk drop biscuits with a pot of soup, chili or stew for supper, smother them with sausage gravy for brunch, or add them to the bread basket with your next roasted chicken dinner. There’s no rolling or cutting necessary, so a classic Southern cheese biscuits recipe is the perfect last-minute side dish for any day of the week!
Grandma’s Sweet Potato Biscuits
These old-fashioned Southern-style Sweet Potato Biscuits are flaky, fluffy, and just like Grandma made them! Stir together the easy recipe from scratch for a perfect side dish with a holiday turkey, a tasty vehicle for a country ham sandwich, or a quick make-ahead breakfast. These simple tips will teach you how to make sweet potato biscuits that rise a mile high!
Baked Pancakes with Pancake Mix
With just 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, you can serve fluffy Baked Pancakes to a group — no flipping on the griddle necessary! Perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner, these Bisquick oven baked pancakes are the fastest and easiest way to feed a crowd! Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them a great way to prep ahead!
Butter Swim Biscuits {Just 4 Ingredients!}
The easiest homemade buttermilk biscuits rise a mile high! With these butter swim biscuits (or “butter dip biscuits”), there’s no need to roll out the dough or cut out the biscuits. You’ll have buttery, light, and tender biscuits with just 10 minutes of prep. Serve them for breakfast or brunch with eggs or sausage gravy, or offer them at supper alongside a Dutch oven pot roast, fried chicken, a pot of chili, or a bowl of stew.
3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the best Southern buttermilk biscuits from scratch with just 3 ingredients! These fluffy, flaky, buttery treats rise a mile high, creating layers upon layers of old-fashioned goodness. The 3 ingredient biscuit recipe is perfect with country ham, sausage gravy, or jam for breakfast, or delicious alongside soup, chili, pot roast, or pulled pork for dinner.
I love your recipes and enjoy your emails. Best recipes ever!
Thank you so much. We’re so happy to hear it! 🙂