14 Buttermilk Recipes That Turn Everyday Ingredients Into Comfort Food

Buttermilk is a simple kitchen staple that can make a big difference in your cooking and baking. Its rich, tangy flavor helps create soft baked goods, crispy coatings, and tender meats that taste like true comfort food. Whether you are baking something sweet, cooking a hearty dinner, or trying a classic Southern favorite, buttermilk brings extra flavor and texture to every recipe. This roundup is full of easy and delicious ideas that will inspire you to put that carton of buttermilk to good use.

Homemade Buttermilk

A spoon holding a thick white liquid over a glass measuring cup, with a lemon half on a citrus juicer and another squeezed lemon half nearby. — Homemade Buttermilk. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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Homemade buttermilk is a simple kitchen solution when the store bought version is not available. It usually combines milk with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar. After a short rest, the mixture thickens slightly and develops a light tang. This quick substitute works well in baking and cooking recipes that call for buttermilk.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk

3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

Three golden brown, flaky biscuits stacked on top of each other, with another biscuit and a blue and white mug blurred in the background. — 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These biscuits keep things simple with only a few ingredients. The dough comes together quickly and bakes into soft, fluffy rounds. Buttermilk adds flavor while helping create a tender texture. They are great served warm with butter, jam, or honey.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Halved blueberry muffin on a white plate, showing a soft interior with visible blueberries and a slightly crumbly texture. — Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Blueberry buttermilk muffins are filled with bursts of sweet berries in every bite. The batter bakes into a soft and moist texture thanks to the buttermilk. As they cook, the tops turn lightly golden with a gentle dome. They are a great addition to breakfast or a quick snack during the day.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

A plate of golden-brown, homemade drop biscuits stacked on a white dish. — Buttermilk Drop Biscuits. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Buttermilk drop biscuits skip the rolling and cutting step. Spoonfuls of dough are dropped onto a baking sheet and baked until golden. The inside stays soft while the outside forms a lightly crisp edge. They are quick to prepare and work well with both sweet and savory toppings.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Mini skillet cheesecakes topped with raspberries and mint leaves, placed on a tiled surface with a fork and floral napkin nearby. — Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

This cake brings a classic style of home baking with simple ingredients. Buttermilk helps create a soft crumb with a gentle tang that balances the sweetness. Many versions include a light glaze or powdered sugar on top. The result is a comforting dessert that has stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Buttermilk Cake

Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Slices of cornbread on parchment paper with honey being drizzled on top from a wooden honey dipper. — Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Sweet Southern buttermilk cornbread has a soft center and lightly crisp edges. The buttermilk adds depth to the corn flavor while keeping the crumb tender. It bakes into a golden square that slices easily. Serve it alongside chili, barbecue, or a bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Four golden brown cheese scones are arranged on a white rectangular plate, with a red and white checkered cloth and a cup in the background. — Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These biscuits feature tender layers filled with sharp cheddar cheese. Buttermilk keeps the dough soft and helps the biscuits rise nicely. As they bake, the tops turn golden while the cheese melts into the layers. They are flavorful on their own or served next to hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Vegan Buttermilk

A spoon holds a white liquid mixture above a glass measuring cup, with a lemon and a carton in the background on a wooden surface. — Vegan Buttermilk. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Vegan buttermilk is made without dairy but still provides the tangy quality needed in many recipes. It is often created by mixing plant based milk with lemon juice or vinegar. After a short rest, the mixture thickens slightly and develops a similar flavor. It works well in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buttermilk

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A whole roasted turkey on a platter garnished with herbs, surrounded by various side dishes including pie, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and gravy. — Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Buttermilk brined turkey uses a flavorful soak before roasting. The buttermilk helps keep the meat tender while adding subtle tangy notes. Herbs and spices are often included in the brine to deepen the flavor. The roasted turkey comes out juicy with a nicely browned skin.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket lined with printed paper holds fried chicken pieces and French fries, placed on a wooden table with small dishes of seasoning nearby. — Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This version of fried chicken uses an air fryer for a crisp finish. The chicken soaks in buttermilk before being coated in seasoned flour or crumbs. As it cooks, the coating becomes crunchy while the meat stays juicy. It delivers a satisfying texture without using a deep fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Buttermilk waffles cook up with crisp edges and a soft center. The batter creates deep pockets that hold syrup, butter, or fruit toppings. Buttermilk gives the waffles a balanced flavor and light texture. They are a classic breakfast favorite that feels right at home on a weekend morning.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Buttermilk onion rings start with thick slices of onion dipped in a tangy batter. They are coated and fried until the exterior turns crisp and golden. The inside stays tender while the outside delivers a satisfying crunch. Serve them with dipping sauces for a popular side dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

This dish combines marinated chicken and potatoes in one pan. The buttermilk soak helps keep the chicken juicy while adding flavor. As everything roasts, the potatoes become golden and the chicken develops a crisp surface. It is a comforting meal that comes together in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Buttermilk crispy chicken sandwiches feature chicken that has been soaked for flavor and tenderness. After frying, the coating forms a crunchy crust that pairs well with soft sandwich buns. Toppings like pickles, lettuce, or sauce add extra layers of flavor. The result is a satisfying sandwich with bold texture.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches