5 Quick Buttermilk Recipes You'll Love

The quest for culinary delight knows no bounds, and buttermilk is often an unsung hero in the world of cooking and baking. Its unique, creamy tang can be the secret ingredient to elevate your recipes to new heights. Here, we explore 5 quick and easy buttermilk recipes that will not only showcase the versatility of buttermilk but also offer you a chance to impress at your next meal or gathering.

1. Buttermilk Pancakes

Pancakes are the epitome of a comforting breakfast, and by adding buttermilk, you elevate them from ordinary to extraordinary. These pancakes have a tender, fluffy texture with a slight tang that makes you want to reach for more.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Butter or oil, for the pan

Here's how to make them:

1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended. Don't overmix; lumps are fine!
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat, lightly greased with butter or oil. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet.
5. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.

🍳 Note: For a fluffier texture, let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking.

2. Creamy Buttermilk Dressing

Salads and veggies never had it so good! This dressing brings a refreshing zing to any greens, with its creamy texture and subtle acidity from the buttermilk.

• ¹⁄₂ cup buttermilk
• ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or scallions
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Here's how to whip it up:

1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise or yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chives or scallions, adjust to taste, and whisk until smooth.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

3. Buttermilk Fried Chicken

The golden brown exterior of buttermilk fried chicken is irresistible, with its tender, juicy interior. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.

• 8 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

Here's the cooking process:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk, seasoned with spices, for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, ensuring a good coat.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
4. Fry chicken pieces until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, usually about 12-15 minutes depending on size. Drain on paper towels.

4. Buttermilk Cake with Lemon Glaze

This cake is the ultimate in simplicity and flavor, with a moist, tender crumb thanks to the buttermilk, and a sharp, sweet lemon glaze that adds a pop of freshness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup lemon juice for glaze
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar for glaze

Let's bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. For the glaze, mix lemon juice with confectioners' sugar until smooth. While the cake is still warm, pierce it with a fork and pour over the glaze.

5. Buttermilk Ice Cream

This unexpected twist on traditional ice cream is a delightful dessert for any occasion. The tang of buttermilk balances the sweetness, creating a unique, creamy treat.

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Here's how to churn it up:

1. In a bowl, whisk together cream, buttermilk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until sugar is dissolved.
2. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

In these recipes, buttermilk not only adds a distinctive taste but also contributes to the texture, making dishes more tender, lighter, and often more flavorful. Whether it's breakfast, dinner, dessert, or a simple dressing for your salad, buttermilk can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. From fluffy pancakes to creamy ice cream, these recipes showcase the magic of buttermilk in all its glory, ensuring you'll find something to love, regardless of your culinary inclination.

Can I make buttermilk at home?

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Absolutely! Just mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles. Voilà! Homemade buttermilk.

Is buttermilk healthier than regular milk?

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Buttermilk can be considered healthier in some aspects. It’s lower in fat, contains probiotics, and the fermentation process increases its nutrient availability, like calcium and vitamin B12.

What’s the best way to store buttermilk?

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Store buttermilk in the fridge with the carton closed to keep out odors. It’s good for up to two weeks after opening. For extended storage, freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions in recipes.