15 Delicious Buttermilk Recipes Everyone Will Love

Buttermilk is a simple ingredient that can transform everyday recipes into something extra special. It adds richness, tenderness, and a subtle tang that makes baked goods fluffier and savory dishes more flavorful. From classic biscuits and pancakes to crispy chicken and sweet treats, buttermilk is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. This collection features easy recipes that highlight just how delicious cooking and baking with buttermilk can be, making it a staple ingredient you’ll want to use again and again.

Buttermilk Biscuits

A split biscuit on a white plate with a pat of butter on one half; a plate of more biscuits and a bowl of jam are in the background. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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These classic biscuits are soft inside with golden, flaky layers. Buttermilk adds tang and helps create a tender texture. Baking produces lightly crisp tops and fluffy centers. Each bite is buttery and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Close-up of a fried chicken sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise on a plate, accompanied by potato chips. — Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Chicken is marinated in buttermilk before frying for extra tenderness. The coating turns crispy while the meat stays juicy. Served on a bun with toppings, it makes a hearty sandwich. Each bite is crunchy, savory, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Buttermilk Pancakes

A plate of pancakes topped with a pat of butter and syrup, with a glass of orange juice and another plate in the background. — Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Buttermilk gives pancakes a light, fluffy texture and subtle tang. Cooking on a griddle creates golden edges and soft centers. Each stack is perfect with butter and syrup. A classic breakfast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket lined with printed paper holds fried chicken pieces and French fries on a wooden table, with seasoning dishes nearby. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Chicken is soaked in buttermilk before being breaded and fried. This step keeps the meat tender and flavorful. Frying creates a crispy crust with juicy chicken inside. A beloved comfort food dish.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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.

Chicken marinated in buttermilk cooks in the air fryer instead of deep frying. The coating becomes crisp while the inside stays tender. Each bite delivers classic fried chicken flavor with less oil. A convenient twist on a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

A white dish of pancakes on a table with lemons, strawberries, a plate of lemon slices, coffee, syrup, a jug of milk, and forks on a napkin. — Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

These pancakes are known for their airy texture and rich flavor. Buttermilk helps the batter rise and stay soft. Cooking produces golden pancakes with fluffy interiors. Perfect for weekend breakfasts.
Get the Recipe: Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

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.

This recipe shows how to create buttermilk at home using milk and an acidic ingredient. The mixture thickens slightly and develops tangy flavor. It works well in baking and cooking. A useful kitchen staple.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk

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.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds savory flavor to classic buttermilk biscuits. Baking creates golden tops and soft, flaky layers. The cheese melts into the dough for rich taste. Great as a side dish or snack.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Two golden waffles topped with fresh blueberries and a dollop of butter on a white plate. — Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Buttermilk waffle batter cooks into crisp waffles with soft interiors. The tangy flavor pairs well with syrup and butter. Each waffle has golden edges and fluffy texture. A breakfast classic inspired by diner favorites.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Bundt cake with white icing on a plate, with one slice missing. Yellow flowers and a strawberry-patterned cloth are in the background. — Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mashed bananas and buttermilk create a moist cake with rich flavor. Baking produces a soft crumb and golden exterior. The banana sweetness pairs well with creamy frosting. A comforting dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Vegan Buttermilk

Plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar creates a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. The mixture develops a similar tangy flavor. It works well in vegan baking recipes. A simple alternative for dairy-free cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buttermilk

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken is marinated in buttermilk and baked with seasoned potatoes. Baking creates tender meat with lightly crisp skin. The potatoes absorb savory flavors from the dish. A hearty one-pan dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk Banana Muffins

Buttermilk keeps these muffins moist and tender. Mashed bananas add sweetness and aroma. Baking produces soft muffins with golden tops. Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Muffins