6 Buttermilk Uses, Tips, and Recipes You Can't Live Without
Cook, bake, and even make your own buttermilk with these must-see tips!
Tangy, rich, and creamy, there's nothing quite like a cold cup of fresh buttermilk. And when it comes to buttermilk uses, the sky is almost the limit! This delightful dairy product imparts a unique taste when used to make your favorite easy recipes for pancakes, biscuits, pies, and so much more. When you cook or bake with buttermilk, you can be guaranteed that your recipe will stand out from the rest and will be a crowd-pleaser, too.
Whether this is your first time using buttermilk or you just want to know how to cook or bake with it, then keep reading. With these 6 Buttermilk Uses, Tips, and Recipes You Can't Live Without right at your fingertips, you'll discover plenty of ways to incorporate more tips and recipes with buttermilk in your everyday cooking and baking!
Buttermilk Uses in Some of Your Favorite Recipes
Although you can drink a cup of fresh buttermilk on its own, this dairy product has many more uses for cooking and baking. For instance, do you have a no-fail recipe for pie crust or a delicious bread recipe that uses yogurt? Then consider shaking things up by using an equal substitution of buttermilk in place of milk or cream. For example, buttermilk can be used in place of cream when making mashed potatoes, as noted by Drexel University. The result is a leaner version of the beloved side dish that won't skimp on the flavor. Buttermilk can also give a tenderness that cannot be compared, so consider using it in your favorite pie crust, too. Are you opting for gluten-free recipes? Let buttermilk come to the rescue! According to Kansas State University, buttermilk can help gluten-free bread rise.
Where to Purchase Fresh Buttermilk
Are you ready to start baking with buttermilk? Don't start on any recipes just yet. When it comes to purchasing fresh buttermilk, there are a few things to keep in mind. You can purchase fresh buttermilk at your local grocery store, but as pointed out by The New York Times, the buttermilk you see in the display case might contain additives. If you are near a good-sized farmers market, then consider stopping by to see if any of the local farms are selling buttermilk. Purchasing the buttermilk direct from the source almost guarantees an incredibly fresh product.
What to Do with Leftover Buttermilk
After baking and cooking, it is possible you might have some leftover buttermilk on hand. If you're looking for a way to use every last drop, then keep these ideas in mind.
*If you have less than one cup of buttermilk remaining, then you can still get cooking with an assortment of recipes. Options include 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes (pictured below), as well as salad dressing, cupcakes, smoothies, and even savory pies.
*Bathe with leftover buttermilk. Simply pour the leftover milk in the bath, then soak for 15 minutes in this mild solution. Just rinse off and pat dry your skin when it's time to step out of the tub.
*Finally, you could drink a glass of fresh buttermilk. Refreshing and tantalizing, a cold cup of buttermilk can hit the spot.
Buttermilk Substitutions: How to Make Buttermilk in Just a Few Minutes
Have you ever intended to make pancakes, biscuits, or other recipes, but realized too late that you do not have any buttermilk? Not to worry, as there are still several ways you can make buttermilk at home.
*Use sour milk in place of buttermilk. This recipe by Dartmouth College uses either lemon juice or vinegar combined with milk to make sour milk.
*If you have milk and cream of tartar, then you get cooking! According to the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, you can use 1 cup of milk and 1 3/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar in place of buttermilk.
*In a pinch, an equal amount of plain yogurt will work in place of buttermilk.
*Even vegans can find a substitute for buttermilk! According to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, vegan milk and apple cider vinegar can be mixed to create a substitute.
Buttermilk Storage Tips
Similar to many dairy products, buttermilk has a relatively short shelf life in your refrigerator. If you do not plan to use the buttermilk immediately after purchase, then keep in mind that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources notes that buttermilk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It is also worth noting that it is not recommended to freeze your buttermilk. Before you use your buttermilk in a batch of pancakes, pie, or other recipe, open the container of buttermilk; if it smells off, it is better to throw it away than to take your chances by imbibing a spoiled dairy product.
Buttermilk Recipes Everyone Will Love
It's time to put that buttermilk knowledge to practice! From pancakes to biscuits and even pies and fried chicken, buttermilk will play a starring role in a number of dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You'll want to get cooking when you see these delicious and easy buttermilk recipes.
Buttermilk Biscuits (pictured below): When you think of buttermilk recipes, you likely picture a tray of just-baked fluffy biscuits. This recipe uses just three ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to bake and is the perfect introduction to baking with buttermilk.
Roasted Buttermilk Marinated Chicken: You and your family will savor every morsel of this take on the classic roast chicken. Just keep in mind the chicken needs to marinate in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes (but ideally for several hours) before it is cooked.
Buttermilk Pancakes: You'll definitely rise and shine with a stack of these pancakes on your plate! The classic recipe will quickly become part of your go-to breakfast ideas.
Classic Amish Buttermilk Pie: In this light and refreshing pie recipe, buttermilk is used as part of the filling. You'll find this recipe will be the perfect dessert for just about any meal.
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: Skip the bottled stuff and learn to make your own delicious homemade ranch dressing! You will never go back once you make this easy salad dressing.
What is your favorite way to use buttermilk?
