15 Buttermilk Recipes That Are Crispy Fluffy and Delicious

Buttermilk adds a rich, tangy flavor and incredible texture to both sweet and savory dishes, making it a kitchen favorite. From crispy fried chicken and flaky biscuits to fluffy pancakes, muffins, and cakes, these recipes show how versatile buttermilk can be. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this roundup is packed with easy-to-follow ideas that bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to your table. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these buttermilk recipes are sure to impress.

Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

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These biscuits are tender and flaky, with pockets of melted cheddar cheese. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps the layers rise beautifully. The biscuits are golden brown on top with a soft interior. They make a perfect side for breakfast or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

EASY Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders (CRISPY Recipe!)

Chicken tenders are soaked in buttermilk for a juicy, flavorful interior. A seasoned flour coating creates a crisp, golden crust. The frying process locks in moisture while adding crunch. They are simple to make and perfect for casual meals.
Get the Recipe: EASY Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders (CRISPY Recipe!)

Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Pancakes are light and airy thanks to the acidity in the buttermilk. Each bite is soft and slightly tangy. They cook quickly on a griddle to a golden brown. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

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.

Classic biscuits rise beautifully due to buttermilk’s acidity. They are tender, flaky, and buttery. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make them approachable. They pair well with butter, jam, or gravy.
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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.

Plant-based milk is combined with an acid to replicate traditional buttermilk. It works perfectly in vegan pancakes, cakes, and baked goods. The texture and tang are very similar to traditional buttermilk. This substitute is easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buttermilk

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Turkey is soaked in a buttermilk brine for hours. The brine tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor. The acidity helps keep the turkey juicy during roasting. The result is moist, flavorful meat perfect for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk for tenderness. Crispy breading adds crunch while the chicken stays juicy. Sandwich toppings like pickles, lettuce, and sauces enhance flavor. These sandwiches are hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Moist cake is made with roasted butternut squash and enriched with buttermilk. The glaze adds sweetness and a creamy tang. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the squash. It’s a unique dessert that’s perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Muffins are tender and moist thanks to the buttermilk. Fresh or frozen blueberries add bursts of sweetness. The tops can be lightly sprinkled with sugar for crunch. They are simple to make and great for breakfast or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

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 using milk and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. It’s quick, easy, and works in any recipe calling for traditional buttermilk. It maintains the tangy flavor and tender texture.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk

Vintage Buttermilk Cake

A classic, tender cake made with buttermilk for a soft crumb. Butter and sugar create a rich, flavorful base. The texture is moist and slightly tangy. Ideal for birthdays, teas, or casual dessert.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Buttermilk Cake

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

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

These biscuits are rustic and quick, dropped onto a baking sheet instead of rolled. Buttermilk creates a tender, slightly tangy interior. The tops are golden and slightly crisp. Perfect for an easy breakfast side.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe

A batch of pancakes is baked on a sheet pan for convenience. Buttermilk keeps them fluffy and tender. Perfect for serving a crowd or meal prep. They are easy, golden, and soft.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Onion rings are soaked in buttermilk for flavor and crunch. A seasoned batter coats each slice before frying. The result is golden, crisp, and tender onions. Ideal as a side or snack.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Chicken pieces are marinated in buttermilk for juiciness. Coated in seasoned flour, they are fried to a golden crisp. The interior stays tender while the exterior is crunchy. A classic dish full of flavor and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken